What digitals are for
Digitals, sometimes called polaroids, help an agency or client see how you look today without styling or elaborate retouching. They are not supposed to resemble a fashion campaign. Accuracy and consistency are more useful than dramatic effects.
Choose soft, even light
Stand near a large window or outdoors in open shade. Face the light and avoid harsh overhead sun, mixed-colour bulbs or heavy shadows across the face. A plain wall makes a practical background. Leave enough room to capture the full body without using an ultra-wide lens close to the subject.
Keep styling minimal
Wear simple fitted clothing that shows your proportions without distracting patterns. Keep hair natural and grooming tidy. If an agency requests no makeup, respect that instruction. Avoid coloured contact lenses, smoothing filters and artificial changes to your shape.
Capture the essential views
Take a straight-on headshot, a profile, a three-quarter view and a full-length front-facing photograph. Some agencies also request a full-length side view or a smiling portrait. Keep your posture relaxed and expression neutral unless the instructions say otherwise.
Check the files before sending
Look for sharp eyes, straight horizons and natural colour. Export clear JPEGs at the dimensions requested by the recipient. Name files sensibly and check that you have not accidentally included location data or personal information you do not wish to share.
Update regularly
Digitals should reflect your current hairstyle, appearance and measurements. If those change materially, retake the photographs. A simple, accurate set of images can be more valuable at the application stage than an expensive portfolio that no longer resembles you.
A simple ten-minute setup
Position the camera around chest height for full-length images and around eye height for portraits. Step back rather than using a very wide lens close to your face, which can distort proportions. Use the rear camera where practical, clean the lens and ask someone you trust to check framing. Shoot several frames, then select the clearest rather than applying beauty filters.
A submission checklist
Compare your photographs with the agency’s actual requirements before sending. Check the background, lighting, file format and size; make sure your face and full silhouette are visible. Confirm the images reflect your current appearance and that your contact information is correct. Keep copies of the originals so you can update or resubmit when requested.
Further reading from La Modelle
Editorial note: This guide provides general information. Requirements and working practices vary by location, agency and assignment.
