Model digitals: the photos agencies trust most

What digitals are — and are not

Digitals are not a photoshoot. No styling, no retouching, no filters, no dramatic light. Their only job is accuracy: an agent should be able to look at them and know exactly who will walk into the room. Polished portfolio photos come later.

Who takes them: phone or camera?

A phone is fine — agencies say so explicitly. What is not fine is a selfie: the arm-length angle distorts your face and body. Ask a friend, or use a tripod with the self-timer. Hold the camera at about chest height, straight on, and for full-length shots keep your whole body in the frame from head to toe.

What to wear

• Women: a fitted plain tank top or vest and slim jeans or leggings
• Men: a fitted plain T-shirt or tank top and slim jeans
• Plain colours, no logos or patterns, no accessories, hats or sunglasses
• Swimwear only if the agency asks for it; never send underwear or lingerie
• Barefoot or simple shoes, as the agency requests

Hair, make-up and grooming

• No make-up, or as little as possible — several agencies ask for none at all
• Hair natural and clean; take the main shots with hair pulled away from the face, and one with hair down
• Clean, neutral nails
• Men: shoot as you are — if you change your facial hair, take new digitals

The shot list

• Headshot from the front, neutral expression
• Headshot from the front, natural smile
• Profile, left and right
• Three-quarter angle
• Waist-up from the front
• Full length from the front, side and back

Many agencies ask for a neutral face — no smile, no pout — so make the neutral shots your main set and add a smile as an extra.

Light and background

Stand facing a window in daylight, or outside in open shade. Avoid flash and direct sun, which create hard shadows. Use a plain white or light grey wall. If the light looks flattering but changes your skin tone, it is the wrong light — accuracy wins.

Agency rules come first — and red flags

Each agency has its own submission page; if it asks for something different from this list, follow the agency. Be careful with anyone who asks for lingerie or nude photos, asks you to pay before they will look at your digitals, or pressures you over private messages. A legitimate agency will not.

Keep them current and send one link

Shoot new digitals whenever your hair, weight or look changes, and at least every few months. On Mefolio, digitals have their own section on your page and show how recent they are, so agents can trust that what they see is current. Pair them with measurements you have taken again recently, and send one link instead of attachments.

Questions

What are model digitals?

Plain, unretouched photos showing what a model looks like today: headshots, profiles and full-length shots in fitted clothes and natural light.

Are digitals the same as polaroids?

Yes. The name comes from the instant cameras agencies used to use; today they are taken with a phone or digital camera.

Should I smile in my digitals?

Take your main set with a neutral expression — many agencies ask for no smile — and add one smiling headshot.

Can I take digitals with my phone?

Yes. A phone is fine; just avoid selfies, filters and portrait-mode blur. Ask a friend or use a timer.

Do I need swimwear digitals?

Only if the agency asks. Several agencies ask you not to send swimwear or underwear with a first application.

What should men wear for digitals?

A fitted plain T-shirt or tank top and slim jeans, no logos or accessories.

How often should I update my digitals?

Whenever your look changes, and at least every few months.

What is the difference between digitals and portfolio photos?

Digitals show you as you are, without styling. Portfolio photos show your best work with styling, light and retouching. Agencies want both, digitals first.