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Versatility is the key to opening doors for print/editorial modeling and film/video acting jobs. You need to go beyond the basics when developing your portfolio. When you look through magazines and you watch television commercials or movies you can see that there are many different roles for male models and actors.
Granted, you are limited to roles within your age range. For some guys that range can be quite extensive. In the movie and television business, for example, if you're 18 and can play or pass for 16 you'll have a better chance of landing that role than a similarly talented 16-year-old simply because the business people would rather deal with someone of legal age. Make sure you have some good profile shots available in your portfolio since males tend to look younger in profile than in full face shots.
Include a good range of emotions and unique facial expressions in your available portfolio shots. For example, if you're interested in playing the role of a 14-year-old gang member for an editorial shoot, then you should already have expressions of intensity, anger, and possibly even fear available to show. Don't forget the positive expressions of winning a sports or other competition, getting a cool car for graduation, or just a simple smile. As humans we have a gamut of emotional expressions depending on our situation. From extreme sadness to exhilaration and from apathy to rage, you can capture a range that exemplifies what you're capable of presenting to the camera. Don't get carried away by doing too many facial expressions that look similar. Make each one unique!
Role playing isn't just about the face. Think about the things that you do in your everyday life. You can even think about the things you'd like to do. Whether it's skateboarding or dancing dress for the part and make some images available for your portfolio. Create some unique characters. Don't limit yourself to strictly American expectations. For example, in many other parts of the world, boys barely into their teens fight in wars. If you come from a middle-class family with middle-class values do some roles depicting poverty or the "filthy rich."
Uniqueness is difficult to define. It's true that not everyone looks exactly the same but there are people that have truly unique looks. "Canned" looks are not unique. Busy professional photographers that image models and do head shots for a living aren't always open to doing something unique. If you check several different agency sites you'll see what I mean. Granted, most agencies know (or think they do anyway) what their clients are looking for so they'll tell you what images you need to get done. If you're approaching an agency for representation you may want to show some images that don't have that "canned" appearance. It could make a difference on whether the agency will make the extra effort to find you work and promote your talents.
So how are you going to pay for all of this? First you'll need to plan what it is you want to do. If you can't afford professional assistance (consultant, photographer, etc.) then be as creative as you can within the limits of your budget. If you have a friend or family member who takes de...
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