AUTHENTIC. UNEDITED. CONFIDENT.

Model digitals—formerly known as Polaroids—are a non-negotiable in the modeling industry.

These raw, unedited photos provide agencies and clients with an accurate, real-time view of a model’s natural appearance. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced model, keeping updated digitals is essential for booking jobs and securing contracts.

Why Model Digitals Matter

Unlike editorial or portfolio images, model digitals are meant to showcase your true look without distractions.

They highlight your face, body proportions, and natural beauty, ensuring that agencies and brands see your current features as they are.

Since digitals can make or break career opportunities, it’s important to get them right.

Follow these essential tips to capture high-quality model digitals that leave a lasting impression:

1️⃣ Use Natural Light for the Best Look

The best model digitals rely on soft, natural lighting. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can cast unflattering shadows. Instead, opt for indirect natural light near a window or outdoors on a cloudy day. Proper lighting ensures clear, well-lit images that showcase your skin tone and features accurately.

2️⃣ Keep Your Background Simple and Distraction-Free

A clean, white, or neutral-colored background keeps the focus on you. Busy or cluttered backgrounds can be distracting and take away from the purpose of the digitals. Agencies prefer a simple backdrop that makes it easy to assess your look.

3️⃣ Maintain Natural and Relaxed Poses

While you may have mastered a variety of editorial poses, model digitals should remain simple. Stick to natural, relaxed postures that allow agencies to see your proportions without exaggeration. Basic poses include standing straight, profile shots, and slightly angled stances to showcase different angles of your body and face.

4️⃣ Focus on High-Quality Images and Thoughtful Selection

Using a high-resolution camera is crucial. Take at least 150 images and narrow them down to the best selects. Avoid heavy filters or editing—agencies want to see the real you. Make sure the images are sharp, well-composed, and free from distractions.

5️⃣ Wear Form-Fitting, Neutral Clothing

What you wear for digitals matters. Stick to neutral, form-fitting clothing like:

A simple black or white tank top
Skinny jeans or fitted leggings
No busy patterns, logos, or oversized pieces

The goal is to show your body proportions clearly, so avoid anything too loose or distracting. Women should also bring a swimsuit option (black or neutral) if required by the agency.

©Adriana Escalante Photography

6️⃣ Keep Hair and Makeup Minimal

Minimal to no makeup is best for digitals. If you choose to wear any makeup, keep it to a natural finish with light foundation, mascara, and groomed brows. Hair should be clean and styled naturally—either down, tucked behind the ear, or in a simple ponytail.

Stay hydrated before the shoot to ensure fresh-looking skin, and avoid excessive skincare treatments that could cause redness or irritation.

7️⃣ Include a Variety of Angles and Expressions

A complete set of model digitals should include the following angles:

Headshots: Straight-on, three-quarter, and profile views
Mid-length shots: From the waist up
Full-body shots: Both front and profile
Smiling and serious expressions

When positioning the camera, keep it slightly below eye level to create a balanced perspective. Avoid high angles, as they can distort proportions.

8️⃣ Ensure Your Posture is Straight and Confident

Confidence matters in digitals. Stand with good posture, keeping your shoulders back and spine straight. A relaxed but confident stance can enhance your presence in the images.

9️⃣ Follow Agency-Specific Guidelines

Different agencies may have specific preferences for digitals. Always check their website or contact them directly for submission requirements to ensure your photos align with their standards.

🔟 Update Your Digitals Regularly

Your look can change over time, so keep your digitals updated. Refresh them every few months or after any major appearance changes, such as a new haircut or significant weight change.

Final Thoughts

Your model digitals are your first impression with agencies and clients, so make them count. By following these expert tips, you’ll ensure that your digitals stand out and position you for more modeling opportunities.

For more tips on building your model portfolio, check out this blog post.

Looking to get professional model digitals? Schedule a call with Adriana Escalante today!

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