The Indian modeling industry has changed dramatically with the rise of eCommerce, grooming brands, fitness content, OTT ads, and digital influencer campaigns. Today, an Indian Male Model has far more opportunities than ever before, ranging from skincare and beard-grooming ads to fitness shoots, fashion catalogues, and lifestyle campaigns.
According to IndianRetailer.com, the men’s grooming market in India crossed ₹18,000 crore in 2024, and brands like Bombay Shaving Company, Beardo, Ustraa, and The Man Company actively hire male models for grooming, close-up shoots and ad films.
In a Vogue India interview, celebrity fashion photographer Colston Julian, shared:
“What agencies want today is clarity: clean, sharp portraits with honest expressions.”
This blog provides real, practical, agency-level tips for an Indian Male Model portfolio, with genuine examples, YouTube-linked resources, and verified industry insights.
Table of Contents
- 20 Tips to Create a Professional Indian Male Model Portfolio
- Indian Male Model Portfolio Examples (2026 Updated)
- How To Make an Indian Male Model Portfolio (Step-by-Step)
- For Beginners: Indian Male Model Portfolio Blueprint
- Indian Male Model Portfolio Shoot: Before/During/After
- Crafting a Memorable Portfolio (Expert Strategy)
- FAQs: Indian Male Model Portfolio
20 Tips to Create a Professional Indian Male Model Portfolio
These tips are based on real agency requirements from Toabh, Inega, Anima Creative, Feat Artists & Purple Thoughts.
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Start with agency-style digitals (the MOST important)
Every modeling agency in India demands “digitals” or “polaroids”.
Here are REAL examples:
Inega Model Digitals (Female/Male Standards)
- Plain background
- No editing
- Natural light
- Neutral expressions
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Shoot a clean headshot the way Indian agencies want it
Here is a real Indian portfolio-style headshot reference:
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Avoid filters —casting directors reject them immediately
What Casting Directors Want Instead? Casting directors are looking for honest, real, and believable talent.
- Natural Lighting
- Focus on You
- Current Look
- Professional Quality
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Include full-body shots with simple clothing
Agencies prefer:
- Fitted black T-shirt
- White T-shirt
- Blue or black jeans
- White sneakers
REAL reference example:
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Add 2–3 lifestyle shots for commercial work
These are essential for Indian brands targeting “relatable Indian male look”.
Example portfolio:
Anima Creative – Men Models (Lifestyle/Commercial)
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Add 1–2 editorial/fashion shots for runway/ecosystems
REAL example references from Indian fashion photographers:
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Grooming shots are critical for Indian Male Models
Close-ups highlighting:
- Beard shape
- Hair texture
- Skin clarity
Example brand hiring this look:
Bombay Shaving Company Men’s Campaigns
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Add a fitness shot only if you want fitness modeling
Reference from real Indian fitness models:
Prateek Baid (Mr. India Model) Fitness Portfolio
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Use a real fashion photographer—not a wedding photographer
Most recommended Indian photographers for male portfolios:
- Colston Julian (Mumbai): https://www.colstonjulian.com
- Errikos Andreou (Mumbai/Delhi): https://www.errikosandreou.com
- Rahul Jhangiani: https://www.rahuljhangiani.com
- Akash Das (Delhi): https://www.akashdas.com
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Keep your poses simple and industry-approved
YouTube references for posing:
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Add expression variations —this is how TVC casting works
Expressions required:
- Happy
- Warm
- Confident
- Thoughtful
Indian casting uses “expression grids” heavily.
Example reference:
-
Keep total images between 12–15
This is mentioned in almost every Indian modeling agency submission guideline.
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Add video digitals — MOST IMPORTANT in 2026
Format:
- Introduction video
- Profile left
- Profile right
- Full-body
- Walk
Example reference:
Model Introduction Video Example
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Sequence your portfolio properly
Order:
- Headshot
- Full body
- Profiles
- Lifestyle
- Fashion/editorial
- Grooming close-up
- Fitness (optional)
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Use natural lighting —India’s weather works well
Outdoor shade or window light works perfect.
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Avoid funky fashion styling unless you’re doing editorial
Agencies want versatility, not gimmicks.
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Keep beard consistent across all photos
Indian brands prefer “clean consistency”.
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Upload your portfolio to Google Drive + Instagram Portfolio Highlights
REAL example:
Arjun Zander (Indian Model Portfolio Highlight)
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Add a portfolio PDF — agencies love it
A 10–12 page simple PDF.
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Update portfolio every 6 months
Industry standard.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Indian Male Model Types in 2026: Height, Body & Requirements Guide
INDIAN MALE MODEL PORTFOLIO EXAMPLES (2026 Updated)
Example Portfolio 1: Commercial
Shows:
- Natural smiles
- Simple outfits
- Relatable looks
Example Portfolio 2: Fashion / Editorial
Shows:
- High-fashion posing
- Dramatic lighting
- Editorial styling
Example Portfolio 3: Fitness Indian Male Model
Shows:
- Defined physique
- Clean lighting
- Athletic poses
Example Portfolio 4: Grooming
Shows:
- Close-up, beard-focused shots
- Razor ads
- Texture and detail
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Top 50 Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Indian Male Model in 2026
How To Make an Indian Male Model Portfolio (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your modeling category
- Hire a photographer from the recommended list
- Shoot digitals first
- Shoot headshots + profiles
- Shoot full-body basics
- Shoot lifestyle looks
- Shoot editorial/fashion looks if applicable
- Export files
- Build PDF + Google Drive folder
- Submit to agencies
For Beginners: Indian Male Model Portfolio Blueprint
Beginner models ONLY need:
- Headshot
- Side profile
- Full-body
- Smile shot
- Natural outdoor shot
- Editorial attempt
Indian Male Model Portfolio Shoot: Before/During/After
| Stage | Checklist |
|---|---|
| Before Shoot |
|
| During Shoot |
|
| After Shoot |
|
Crafting a Memorable Portfolio (Expert Strategy)
- Be clean
- Be consistent
- Be versatile
- Be category-specific
- Show your REAL look
Want to start getting discovered by agencies and photographers? Create your profile on Dazzlerr, India’s leading talent platform and register today to showcase your portfolio to real industry professionals.
FAQs
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What is the ideal number of photos for an Indian Male Model portfolio?
An Indian Male Model portfolio should include 12–15 high-quality, agency-standard images covering headshots, full-body shots, lifestyle and fashion looks. This number ensures casting directors see your versatility without overwhelming them.
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What type of headshots should an Indian Male Model include in his portfolio?
An Indian Male Model must include one neutral headshot and one expression headshot, both shot in natural or studio lighting with no filters. Agencies use headshots to understand your bone structure, skin texture, and natural presence.
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What is the best outfit for an Indian Male Model portfolio shoot?
The best outfits for an Indian Male Model portfolio are a fitted black T-shirt, white T-shirt, blue/black jeans, and white sneakers, which help your physique and proportions stay the focus. Agencies in India prefer minimal, distraction-free styling.
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Should an Indian Male Model include shirtless photos in his portfolio?
An Indian Male Model should include a shirtless photo only if he is targeting fitness, grooming or editorial modeling. For commercial and eCommerce work, shirtless photos are usually unnecessary and can distract from professional evaluation.
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How often should an Indian Male Model update his modeling portfolio?
An Indian Male Model should update his portfolio every 6–9 months or immediately after a major look change (haircut, beard change, physique change). Updated images help agencies and brands evaluate your current bookability.
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Do Indian modeling agencies accept smartphone photos for portfolio submission?
Most Indian modeling agencies do not accept smartphone portfolio photos, except for basic digitals during first contact. A professional portfolio is essential for an Indian Male Model to be shortlisted for paid shoots and agency representation.
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What kind of grooming is required for an Indian Male Model portfolio shoot?
An Indian Male Model must maintain clean skin, shaped beard (or clean shave), trimmed nails, and neat hair before a portfolio shoot. Grooming directly affects close-ups, and agencies judge readiness and professionalism based on it.
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Are lifestyle photos important in an Indian Male Model portfolio?
Yes — lifestyle photos help an Indian Male Model show approachability, relatability, and natural expressions, which are essential for commercial and eCommerce work. They also showcase how well you adapt to real-life scenarios on camera.
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What poses should an Indian Male Model learn for portfolio shoots?
An Indian Male Model should learn basic standing poses, walking shots, profile angles, hands-in-pocket poses, and soft facial expressions. These poses demonstrate confidence, posture, and body symmetry without looking forced.
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How can an Indian Male Model use his portfolio to get real jobs in India?
An Indian Male Model can upload his portfolio to Dazzlerr, modeling agencies, Instagram portfolios, and casting platforms to be visible to brands. A well-structured portfolio increases selection chances for eCommerce, grooming, fitness, and TVC shoots.
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