What Are Digitals?
Digitals provide a clear, unaltered look at a model’s features. Unlike stylized photoshoots, which often include makeup, extensive retouching, and specific poses, digitals show a model in their most natural state. This is crucial because agencies and clients want to see the real person they might work with and assess how the model’s features can adapt to different looks or projects.
For models, digitals are an opportunity to highlight:
- Bone Structure and Facial Features: Agencies are looking at how the light hits your face, your jawline, and other distinctive features.
- Skin Condition: While everyone has imperfections, knowing the true state of a model’s skin helps clients prepare for makeup and styling.
- Body Proportions: Full-body digitals let agencies see body posture, natural proportions, and how a model holds themselves.
Models often submit digitals when applying to agencies or for casting calls. Unlike a full portfolio, which might take time to review, digitals offer an instant, uncomplicated way for decision-makers to evaluate potential. This can speed up the process of landing jobs and connecting with new opportunities.
What Makes a good set of digitals?
To make a lasting impression, it’s important to know how to present yourself in your digitals:
- Natural Lighting: Take photos in soft, natural light to avoid shadows and to showcase your features accurately.
- Minimal Makeup: Use minimal or no makeup to allow your natural skin to be seen. If any makeup is applied, it should be very light and subtle.
- Simple Attire: Wear fitted clothing, such as a plain black tank top and jeans or leggings, we want VERY sleek and simple.
- Neutral Background: A clean, neutral background keeps the focus on you, preventing any distractions in the image and keep things looking professional.
- Basic Poses: Include standard poses—front, profile (both sides), and full body. Keep a relaxed yet confident posture to show how you hold yourself naturally. The right photographer will guide you through all of this!
Why You Should Update Your Digitals Regularly
The modeling industry can change quickly, and your look might evolve over time. Whether you change your hairstyle, your fitness level shifts, or your style naturally progresses, updating your digitals ensures that agencies and clients have an accurate view of your current appearance. This helps avoid surprises at castings and builds trust, showing that you’re proactive and professional.
Conclusion
In the modeling world, digitals are more than just a formality—they’re an essential tool that can make or break opportunities. They demonstrate your natural beauty, offer transparency, showcase versatility, and simplify the process for industry professionals to evaluate you. For models looking to stand out in a competitive market, investing time in creating high-quality digitals is a must. Keeping them updated and authentic ensures that you’re always prepared for your next big break, showcasing the real you that clients want to work with.
Need Help?
I am a model and photographer, and provide photography packages to help models with everything they need to get started or update your portfolio. Everything from digitals to headshots, creative posing, and even making your comp card for you! Everything you need for your next casting -
mollygramphoto.com
molly@mollygramphoto.com
www.instagram.com/mollygramphoto
