HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Composite Cards (Comp Cards or Zed Cards)
- 1 engaging color shot on the front. (Usually smiling)
- 3-6 color pictures on the back-each picture showing diversity and range. Anything done during your day is a could be shot for a commercial print comp card--examples: shaving, putting make-up on, hanging out with friends, cleaning the house, walking a dog, working in a cubicle, etc.
What information goes on a comp card?
- Stats
- Women: Height, Dress Size, Bust, Waist, Hips, Shoe Size, Eye Color, and Hair Color.
- Men: Height, Suit, Shirt (Neck and Sleeve), Waist, Inseam, Shoe, Eye Color, and Hair Color.
- Your contact information
- Email address and phone number---thats it.
A good lifestyle/commercial print photographer should be able to style your card, but you have to come to the shoot with ideas of your own.
- Be prepared to bring your own clothes (clean and without wrinkles).
- Most photographers have a hair and make-up artist they work with (at an extra charge). If you have your own hair and make up artist bring them along. **Make sure all details are worked out with the photographer before the shoot.
Where do I get inspiration and ideas for my shoot?
- Magazines you read will have current advertisements you'll be to get inspiration from.
Once you start booking work and collect tear sheets (jobs you booked) you can put them on your card. Remember you are always updating and changing your card.
Below is a great example of a comp card:
Please feel free to comment and let me know if you have any questions about this post or other commercial print topics.
