Model portfolio?

What is the best way for me to find a professional photographer to take pictures of me so I can start building my portfolio? And should this be my first step?

Experience in front of the camera used by many different photographers is the first step. It need not be expensive

There are a lot of photographers who shoot TFP (Time For Print) sessions. Basically you volunteer your time in exchange for allowing the photographer to use the images of your for his/her portfolio and they give you either prints or a CD with images on it with a permission to print letter, so you two can use the images for your book (portfolio).

There is a model release you should sign that stipulates the rights you and the photographer have after the shoot.

Look on Model Mayhem or One Model Place for photographers near you who shoot TFP or TFCD sessions.

At the same time you need to learn how to apply make up to accent your features or add drama to your face.

Feel free to look at the link to MM on my profile here to get an idea of what you can expect.

You should shoot with a minimum of six different photographers before you build your book. Each one will see you differently and each has their own style. It is your look that will sell you as a model.

First of all, make sure that the person is not operating out of their home.

That they will do hair/make-up and if you can have 2 people at the shoot, the photographer should have an assitant, if they don't take a friend with you.

I would ask to see the photographers portfolio that they will have. Also don't be afraid to try and get a cheaper price from them.

Photos for a portfolio, and gaining experience in front of a camera is always a good thing for a new model.

Try, modelmayhem.com, or onemodelplace.com, and do a search for local photogs and stylists. See if you can find someone to shoot TFP, to develope a portfolio. Use a hair stylist and makeup artist, for a few sets, even if you can do your own, just to give you a top of the line and different look.

Edit:::: There will be a lot of new photographers, looking to develope their own portfolio, that you can trade time with. Many work out of their home. Make sure your comfortable, but dont assume a home based photographer is going to scam you, or worse.

I think you should do some research before you decide if modeling is something you really want to do! This is a good site to start:
http://www.modelonthenet.com

Also, most agencies prefer you just have basic polaroids of your face and full body!