Having a set of high-quality digitals is essential, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your modelling career. Think of them as your photographic first impression, there to help get you noticed and book gigs. How do you nail the perfect digital, and why are they so key to modelling success? Let’s find out.
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Modelling digitals are unedited photos that allow agents and casting directors to see you in your most natural state. The aim is to showcase your true appearance before stylists, photographers, and makeup artists enhance your image. This is you as a beautiful blank canvas.
These pictures were taken on instant Polaroid cameras before everything went digital, and they’re still sometimes referred to as modelling Polaroids. Your digitals are more lo-fi than your portfolio pictures. You don’t need to hire someone to take them or spend money getting them done. They’re supposed to be raw, rough, and ready, like these early Polaroids of some famous modelling faces.
Digitals are used to help early career models find work and representation. Most major modelling agencies, including Storm, Premier, and Elite, ask for digitals as part of the application process in order to see a model’s natural features. They are also used during castings. It’s important to keep them up to date, so a radical haircut or new tattoo should be reflected quickly in your digitals.
Unlike your professional headshot, your digitals aren’t meant to be stylised pictures of your best self (although you should invest in those too). Both should be kept up to date, but headshot shoots can be expensive. Snapping some new digitals, on the other hand, is a cost-free DIY job – so there’s no excuse!
Andrea Raffin/Denis Makarenko/Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock
Look at these modelling digitals to get an idea of what poses you might strike and the angles from which you could have the camera capture you. They are relatively straightforward, but some clients may ask for specific poses or styles.
Keep it simple
Perfection is not the aim, so don’t overthink your digitals. Remember: They’re a quick visual reference point for people who may hire you, not the product of a high-end fashion shoot. Authenticity and appearing natural are key.
Makeup should be minimal or, at the very most, a natural, fresh look. Hair should be clean, not hiding your face, and worn down or in a simple up-do. Avoid fake tan, accessories, and fake nails. Clothing should also be simple; avoid wearing anything with patterns that may be distracting. Jeans and a block-colour tank top fit the brief.
Shoot against a plain background
Pose against a white or pale-coloured wall. The focus should be on you, not the wallpaper, bookcase, or lamp behind you. Find a background as uncluttered and plain as possible. If you’re shooting outside, a plain brick wall can be a good background.
Get the lighting right
Take some time to get the lighting right. Shoot in daylight or under natural, soft lighting. Avoid harsh lighting or any setup that casts shadows on your face.
Check the quality
Your digital images will need to be at least 300 dots per inch so they look as clear as possible online and can be enlarged. Set your phone to its highest-quality picture setting.
Consider your poses
Take multiple pictures in natural poses, and keep your poses varied to give you some flexibility. The aim is to display your face and body clearly, so avoid angles that distort your proportions.
Your final selection should include shots of your whole body, front on and in profile, and headshots taken front on and in profile from both sides. Make sure you are smiling in some of the photos and wearing a neutral expression in others. It is good to have options, because some commercial clients will want to see your teeth.
If you’ve been asked for specific poses, be sure to include them. Be wary of any requests that don’t feel right. You should never be asked for nude or partially nude digitals, or pictures in lingerie. Always trust your gut and ask your agent or someone you trust before pressing send.
Yes, it’s just your digitals. But, as with any modelling shoot, it’s important to look after yourself so you look your best. That means getting a good night’s sleep, eating healthily, and avoiding alcohol the night before.
Once your images have been taken, send them as they are. That means no filters or face tuning (and there’s no need to try to make them look like actual Polaroids either). Your digitals will be seen by industry professionals who know every trick of the trade when it comes to photography. They have asked to see you unedited, so don’t fall at the first hurdle. Be confident that the unfiltered, natural you is enough to get the gig.