One of the most important tools for those interested in breaking into modeling are modeling digitals, often called Polaroids by those in the industry. Aspiring models need to know how to create exciting images that showcase their natural beauty and capture the attention of agents and clients. Keep reading to gain insight into why modeling digitals/Polaroids are necessary, how to style yourself while posing, and how to ensure the result reaches the right audience.
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Modeling digitals / Polaroids are raw, unfiltered photo collages that allow casting directors and agencies to see models in their most natural state. These images used to be physical photos taken with an instant camera. While the photos have gone digital, they’re still often referred to as modeling Polaroids.
Like the modeling portfolio and comp cards, modeling digitals/Polaroids help models find representation and work. The modeling portfolio, a collection of professional photographs, show the subject’s features, may include creative aspects such as mood lighting, filters, and dramatic poses, and can be touched up or altered by the photographer. Many of these images are also printed on comp cards, or visual business cards that include portfolio photos, personal stats, and contact information.
Modeling digitals/Polaroids similarly showcase a model’s unique look and style by capturing their current, natural, unfiltered beauty. “Digitals are unedited, allowing agencies, casting directors, and clients to see the model’s natural features,” says founder and owner of TNG Agency Noelle McCann.
Modeling digitals/Polaroids help to keep changes up-to-date for prospective employers and allows designers and agents to assess if a candidate is suitable for a job. “It is essential to document any changes in the model’s appearance, such as a change in hair color, hairstyle, tattoos, body, cosmetic surgery, etcetera,” McCann says. “Digitals are standard for the modeling industry, and professional models (signed or not) should be updated every three months.”
Headshots and comp cards require significant money and time upfront, so it’s not practical to constantly update them; instead, most in the industry use digitals/Polaroids to track changes to a model’s appearance.
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While you should include updated digitals on your professional site, they should be on a different page than your digital portfolio—and should not be part of your printed portfolio.
“Digitals should be featured as an option to view online, separate from a model’s professional portfolio,” McCann emphasizes. “They should not be mixed into a model comp card with professional images. However, they can be on their own separate comp card for casting directors and clients.”
A great place to feature digitals/Polaroids is on social media. These images are great for creating a strong first impression that can help you skip the steps of in-person meetings and casting calls, leading to lucrative jobs more quickly.
While working with a professional is usually the best way to ensure quality photos, an amateur can take modeling digitals/Polaroids. To get the best photos at home:
- Get the lighting right. The subject should be photographed in soft lighting. Natural light is best, but a ring light is a great second option.
- Aim for neutrality. Pose against a white or light-colored wall, and avoid visual clutter in the background, such as electrical sockets or light switches. “The model should wear basic-color form-fitting clothing, sportswear, or swimwear that shows their body type,” McCann says. “Avoid prints, logos, and loud colors. Hair should be clean and worn naturally. Avoid fake nails, spray tans, and makeup.”
- Take high-resolution photos. Your digital images should be at least 300dpi (dots-per-inch) so they look great online.
- Snap a variety of shots. Most importantly, the model’s features and shape should be displayed clearly, with multiple poses. “Posing should also be natural—simple movements like placing a hand in your pocket or standing with a bend in the knee,” says McCann. “Avoid over-posing. The camera should capture your full body from different angles and profile sides. You can also take close-ups of your face from the chest up. Hair should be worn down in some images and worn back in others. Take some images of smiling (with teeth) and others without. Variety is key!”
- Look your best. “Make sure to get plenty of sleep a few nights before, drink lots of water, eat clean and healthy, and avoid alcohol before taking digitals,” says McCann.
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Look through this sampling from TNG to see the look and style most agencies look for in modeling digitals/Polaroids:
For aspirational inspiration, check out these famous model Polaroids from before the models became household names.
