Digitals: what agencies want to see, and how to take them at home
For models · 29 October 2026 · 2 min read
Digitals, sometimes called polaroids, are the most useful photos a model has. They are plain, natural pictures that show how you look right now. Agencies use them to decide whether to meet you, and clients use them to decide whether to book you. Good digitals win more work than a glossy portfolio shot.
What digitals are for
A portfolio shows what you can do with a team of stylists, make-up artists and a photographer. Digitals show the raw material. A client casting a skincare campaign wants to see your skin. A client casting e-commerce wants to see your proportions. Neither can tell from an editorial image with dramatic light.
The shots to take
- Head shot, facing the camera, neutral expression
- Head shot with a natural smile
- Both profiles, left and right
- Half length, from the waist up
- Full length, front and side, standing straight with arms relaxed
What to wear
Fitted, simple clothes in a plain colour: black jeans or leggings and a vest top work well. If you are comfortable doing so, a swimsuit or fitted underwear shows proportions best, but it is never required to apply. No logos, no patterns, no oversized layers.
Hair, skin and make-up
Hair off your face for at least some shots, so we can see your face shape and hairline. Little or no make-up. If you have freckles, tattoos or scars, leave them visible. Clients will see them on the day, so it is better that they see them now.
Light and background
Stand facing a window in daylight, against a plain wall. Avoid direct sun, which causes harsh shadows, and avoid ceiling lights, which make everyone look tired. Ask a friend to take the photos at chest height, holding the phone straight, not tilted from above.
What to avoid
- Filters, beauty modes and editing apps
- Mirror selfies and wide angle lenses, which distort proportions
- Sunglasses, hats and heavy jewellery
- Old photos. If your hair has changed, take new ones
Keep them current
Once you are with an agency, update your digitals whenever your hair, weight or skin changes noticeably, and at least every few months. Clients book from them, and arriving on set looking different from your digitals is one of the few things that can lose you a client for good.
If you are applying to us, these photos are all we need. Our guide to becoming a model in Scotland covers the rest of the process, and you can apply to Tartan Models straight from your phone.