Digitals A.K.A ‘Polaroids’ are an important set of photos that you’ll continuously update as a signed or independent model. Digitals are photos that are taken of you with natural lighting and in your most natural state; no makeup, excessive hairstyling or dramatic poses are needed. They show clients how you appear naturally before hair and makeup are set. Oftentimes when one attends an open call, if the agency is somewhat interested in signing you; then they’ll take a few digitals in front of a solid colour wall.
HOW TO POSE FOR DIGITALS
To get an idea of how to pose for digitals is by going on a reputable modeling agencies website. Under each model’s portfolio is a category called digitals. From there, you’ll see simple photos taken of that model in natural lighting in front of a plain white wall. Another way to figure out if your photos are correct is by going under the ‘Become A Model’ section of the agency you’re interested; from there they’ll have examples of exactly how your digitals should look.
WHEN YOU’RE TAKING DIGITALS FOR AN ONLINE SUBMISSION
KNOW THAT THE AGENCY YOUR INTERESTED IN IS LEGIT
Take some time out to do a little Google/Social Media Research. Google Search ‘the modeling agency’s name – SCAM’ and see if anything pops up. Go on any of their social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. Is there any community interaction? Are they posting photos of THEIR own models? Agencies like to keep the community updated on their models. Most of the time you’ll see candid photos of models at their agency, agents celebrating each other’s birthday, and runway videos near fashion week.
GET READY FOR YOUR DIGITALS, ALMOST LIKE YOU’D GET READY FOR A TYPICAL OUTING.
Your hair needs to be clean. No flakes should be visible.
Your skin needs to be moisturized
Remove your nail polish and fake nails
No Jewelry or headbands are allowed. Remember you’re photographing in your natural state
You may wear light makeup. Although no makeup is preferred, light makeup is okay.
For example A light foundation or tinted moisturizer and a light application of mascara and eyeliner are fine.
USE NATURAL SUNLIGHT
Wait until the weather is nice enough where the sun is shining brightly so your best features are visible. Wait an hour before sunset, to refrain from using harsh lighting.
Be sure that the background of your photo is clear from any distractions.
No plants, Christmas trees, or other people should be visible in your photo.
Ideally, a plain white wall is what agencies prefer.
ASK SOMEONE WHO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH TO TAKE YOUR DIGITALS, OR USE A TRIPOD.
Having someone take your photos can allow the process to be quicker. If you live alone and you get an email from an agency asking you for more digitals, then a tripod will come in handy.
Set the timer on your camera
Allow yourself to sit comfortably in a subtle pose
Be sure you’re in focus and the image isn’t blurry
YOUR OUTFIT NEEDS TO BE SIMPLE FOR DIGITALS.
Once in a while (but not always) agencies state on their website for digitals to be taken in a solid color bathing suit. To feel the most comfortable with submitting swimsuit images is to know that the agency your submitting to is LEGIT! Most often, modeling agencies want images of you in simple attire.
Dark Solid color jeans (Dark wash or Black)
Solid color tank top or T-Shirt (White, Grey or Black)
Heels: Black or Nude
Barefoot is fine if the agency doesn’t state to wear heels.
Although, wearing heels is more flattering and elongates your legs.
Be sure to size your photos according to what is asked for, or else your submission won’t be accepted. Some agencies will state that each photo needs to be under 2MB. You can google search ‘Image resizer’ and sure enough, a few websites will pop up!
Once you’re satisfied with your images, send them out to modeling agencies and post them to your social media. You never know who’s watching. You may get scouted via Social Media!