MODEL DIGITALS

DIGITALS  In photography—particularly in fashion, modeling, portraiture, and commercial photography—the term “digitals”(also commonly called polaroids or snaps) refers to unedited, completely natural, straightforward photographs of a person. Despite the name, “digitals” doesn’t just mean any photo taken with a digital camera; it refers to a specific style and purpose of image.

Key Characteristics of Digitals

  • No Editing or Retouching: Digitals show a person exactly as they look in real life. No Photoshop, skin smoothing, body warping, or heavy color grading is applied.
  • Minimal Styling & Makeup: The subject usually wears no makeup (or very clean, natural “no-makeup” makeup), simple hair, and form-fitting, basic clothing (such as a plain black/white T-shirt, tank top, jeans, or swimsuit/lingerie for agency casting).
  • Flat or Natural Lighting: They are taken using simple, soft daylight or basic studio lighting to avoid dramatic shadows that hide features.
  • Simple Background: Shot against a neutral, uncluttered backdrop (like a plain white, gray, or neutral wall).

What a Standard Set Includes

A standard set of digitals usually consists of a few specific angles:

  • Headshot: Clean shot of the face (smiling and full-face neutral expression)
  • Side view of the face and head (often with hair pulled back to show jawline and ear/head shape)
  • Half-Body / Three-Quarter: Shot from the waist or knees up.
  • Full-Length: Full body from head to toe, standing straight in neutral posture.

Why Digitals Are Used

  • Casting & Modeling Agencies: Agencies and casting directors require digitals to evaluate a model’s current, true physical appearance, proportions, skin condition, and hair length/color before booking them or signing them to a portfolio.
  • Accuracy Check: Glamour, high-fashion, and heavily retouched portfolio photos can conceal what a model actually looks like. Digitals ensure there are no surprises when a client meets or hires a person for a shoot.

MODEL DIGITALS CHECKLIST

How to prepare for your model digital session.

Female Models

  1. Do not wear makeup to your session. Model digitals must be natural, unedited, and makeup-free. The only exception is light coverage for temporary blemishes or pimples. (Tip: Bring translucent powder if your skin tends to get oily or overly shiny.)
  2. Wear neutral colors such as black, white, or gray. Avoid bright colors or heavy patterns.
  3. Choose colors that complement your skin tone. If you have light skin, wear black. If you have dark skin, wear gray or white. When in doubt, all-black is always a safe choice.
  4. Wear form-fitting clothing that shows your natural body shape (e.g., a fitted tank top and skinny or tailored jeans).
  5. Avoid loose, oversized, or baggy clothing.
  6. Wear plain black heels (at least 4 inches high). No boots or platform heels.
  7. Hair can be worn down or pulled back away from your face.
  8. Bring a hair tie/ponytail holder.
  9. For swimsuit digitals: Wear a simple, form-fitting swimsuit in a neutral color (black, gray, or white). Choose a classic/standard swimsuit rather than a trendy style or one with thin, complicated straps.
  10. Always bring two extra outfit options.
  11. Apply lip balm or ChapStick.

Male Models

  1. Wear neutral colors like black, white, or gray. Avoid bright colors or loud patterns.
  2. Choose colors that complement your skin tone. If you have light skin, wear black. If you have dark skin, wear gray or white. When in doubt, all-black is always a safe choice. (Note: Avoid overly shiny or excessively moisturized skin).
  3. Wear form-fitting clothing that shows your body shape, such as a plain crew-neck t-shirt (no V-necks) and straight-leg jeans.
  4. Avoid loose, oversized, or baggy clothing. Do not wear skinny jeans.
  5. Wear simple, neutral-colored shoes that aren’t distracting (e.g., black, brown, or white).
  6. Ensure your face is clean-shaven, unless a beard or stubble was pre-approved by your agent or photographer.
  7. For shirtless shots, wear solid neutral underwear (black, white, or gray). No bright colors or patterns along the waistband.
  8. Style your hair out of your face. Your eyebrows and full face shape must be clearly visible.
  9. Shave or trim torso hair for shirtless shots, unless discussed otherwise with your photographer or agent.
  10. Always bring two extra outfit options.
  11. Apply lip balm or ChapStick.