How often should I update my digitals?

Every three to four months, and immediately after any change to hair colour, hair length or body shape. Out-of-date digitals waste everyone's time at a fitting.

Can digitals be black and white?

No. Clients need to see your true hair, skin and eye colour, so shoot in colour with no grading.

Do digitals replace a portfolio?

They sit alongside it. Digitals show what you really look like; the portfolio shows what you look like when a professional shoots you. Casting usually starts with the digitals.

Model digitals: what to shoot and how

5 min read

Digitals — still called polaroids in the industry — are the unedited photos that show a client what you actually look like. They matter more than your portfolio for casting, and you can shoot a good set in twenty minutes with a phone.

The shots you need

Head and shoulders, straight to camera, neutral expression. The same again with a natural smile.

Full length, front, arms relaxed at your sides. Full length side profile. Full length from behind.

A three-quarter turn at around waist height. That's six to seven frames in total — nobody needs more.

How to shoot them

Daylight only: stand facing a window indoors, or outside in open shade. Never direct midday sun and never a phone flash.

Plain background: a clean wall, no washing line, no cluttered bedroom.

Get someone else to take them, from chest height, phone held vertically, whole body in frame with a little space above and below. No mirror selfies.

No filters, no beauty mode, no cropping, no editing. The point is accuracy.

What to wear and what not to

Fitted and plain: a vest or fitted top with jeans, or fitted shorts. Swimwear is standard for fashion and fitness submissions where it's relevant to the work.

Hair down in one set, tied back in another. No makeup, or as close to none as you're comfortable with. Bare feet or simple heels for women in one frame.

Avoid sunglasses, hats, busy prints, baggy clothes, jewellery and anything that hides your shape or face.

Questions people ask

How often should I update my digitals?: Every three to four months, and immediately after any change to hair colour, hair length or body shape. Out-of-date digitals waste everyone's time at a fitting.
Can digitals be black and white?: No. Clients need to see your true hair, skin and eye colour, so shoot in colour with no grading.
Do digitals replace a portfolio?: They sit alongside it. Digitals show what you really look like; the portfolio shows what you look like when a professional shoots you. Casting usually starts with the digitals.

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