Model Digitals and Polaroids: How to Take Them Yourself

Digitals, also called polaroids, are simple, unretouched photographs that show exactly how you look right now. Agencies and clients use them to judge your natural features, proportions and skin before they consider anything else. The good news is that you can take them yourself with a phone and a helper, as long as you follow a few rules.

What digitals are for

Think of digitals as an honest passport photo set. They are not meant to look glamorous. Their job is to give an agent or client a clear, trustworthy record of your appearance. Heavy editing, filters and dramatic poses work against you because they hide what the reader needs to see.

Choose the right place and light

Natural daylight is the best option. Stand near a large window, or outdoors on an overcast day, so the light falls evenly across your face and body. Avoid direct midday sun, which creates harsh shadows, and avoid mixed indoor lighting, which changes your skin tone. Use a plain, light background such as a clean white wall.

What to wear

• Fitted, simple clothing: a plain tank top or fitted tee with slim jeans or leggings for general shots.
• Swimwear or a plain two-piece only where appropriate for the market you are applying to and only if you are an adult. Never share swimwear photos of anyone under 18.
• Barefoot or in neutral flat shoes.
• No logos, busy patterns or heavy jewellery.

Hair and makeup

Go bare-faced or use only light, natural makeup that evens skin without changing it. Wear your hair down and off the face, brushed and styled simply. If you have a major hair change planned, take your digitals afterwards so they match how you will actually appear.

The shots to take

A standard set has six to ten images:

1. Close-up headshot, straight on, neutral expression.
2. Close-up with a gentle smile.
3. Profile close-up from each side.
4. Three-quarter turn of the face.
5. Full-length front view, arms relaxed, feet slightly apart.
6. Full-length side view and back view.
7. One waist-up image to show your upper body shape.

Camera setup

Use the rear camera of a modern phone on a tripod or have a friend hold it at about chest height for full-length shots. Keep the phone vertical and the framing consistent. Turn off beauty modes and filters, and do not use any editing apps. Make sure the images are in focus, with your whole body in frame and no cropped feet.

Posing and expression

Stand tall with relaxed shoulders, weight evenly balanced and arms resting naturally. Look straight into the lens for front-facing images. Keep your expression calm and open, not stiff or exaggerated. Move slowly between poses and take several frames of each, since the best frame is often the one after you relax.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Heavy retouching, filters or skin smoothing.
• Busy backgrounds, mirrors or clutter.
• Baggy clothing that hides your proportions.
• Wide-angle distortion from holding the phone too close.
• Outdated images. Retake them every few months or after any change.

Details to note alongside your photos

Agencies and clients will usually ask for the same basic information, so keep it ready and up to date: your height, bust or chest, waist and hip measurements, shoe size, clothing size, hair colour and length, and eye colour. Measure yourself in a fitted garment with a soft tape, and re-measure before every new application. Accurate numbers are a sign of professionalism and save casting teams time.

Digitals versus portfolio photos

Digitals show you plainly. Portfolio photos show what you can do with styling, direction and mood. You do not need to choose one or the other, but you should not substitute one for the other. If an application asks for digitals, send digitals. If a client asks for your book, send the curated set.

Before you send them: a quick checklist

• Every image is sharp, well lit and unfiltered.
• The full set shows front, side and back views plus close-ups.
• Your measurements and contact details are current.
• Files are saved in a sensible size and named clearly, for example your name and the shot type.
• You are comfortable with where the images will be stored and who will see them.

Where to use them

Submit digitals through the official application form of any agency you approach, and upload them to your online profile, for example on modellero.com, so clients can see them alongside your portfolio. Once you have your digitals, the next step is to plan your full modeling portfolio.

Keep them current

Update your digitals whenever your measurements, hair or appearance change significantly, and at least a couple of times a year. Current, honest images save everyone time and build trust with the people booking you.