MODELS HOUSE ACADEMY · 7 October 2026 · Models House Editorial
How to Take Model Digitals at Home
Take clean model digitals at home with a phone. Learn lighting, clothing, grooming, the essential shot list, posing and common mistakes to avoid.
Model digitals are deliberately simple photographs that show your current appearance. They are not fashion editorials. Good digitals make it easy for an agency or casting team to see your face, proportions and natural presentation without filters or distracting styling.
What are model digitals?
Digitals, sometimes called polaroids, are straightforward current photographs used for agency submissions and castings. Their job is accuracy, not glamour.
The equipment you actually need
A recent phone camera is usually enough for a beginner. Use the rear camera where practical, clean the lens and avoid digital zoom. A tripod or another person can make framing more consistent.
Find clean natural light
Stand near a large window or outdoors in open shade. Avoid mixed lighting, harsh overhead bulbs and direct midday sun that creates deep shadows.
Choose the right background
Use a plain neutral wall with enough space for a full-length frame. Remove clutter, mirrors and objects that compete with your outline.
What should you wear?
Simple fitted clothing is usually best because it lets people see your proportions. Avoid logos, complicated layers and accessories unless an agency specifically requests them.
Hair, makeup and grooming
Keep presentation natural and current. Heavy makeup, beauty filters and aggressive retouching defeat the purpose of digitals. If you normally have facial hair, show your current look honestly.
The essential model digital shot list
Take a clean headshot, three-quarter portrait, side/profile image and full-length front view. Useful additions include a natural smile and three-quarter full-length view. Keep the camera around chest or eye level rather than using dramatic angles.
How to stand
Use relaxed posture, shoulders down and a natural stance. Do not force editorial poses. For posing practice beyond digitals, use our model posing guide.
Common mistakes that weaken digitals
Avoid portrait-mode blur, screenshots, social-media filters, old photographs, group images, sunglasses, extreme crops and low-resolution files. Do not submit images that no longer represent your appearance.
How to choose and name the final files
Select the clearest version of each required view. Keep files large enough to inspect and use simple names such as firstname-lastname-headshot.jpg. Then add the strongest images to your Models House profile.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take model digitals with an iPhone or Android phone?
Yes. Good light, accurate colour, sharp focus and simple framing matter more than owning an expensive camera.
Should I smile in model digitals?
Include a neutral headshot and, when useful, a natural smiling version so the reviewer can see both.
Should I wear makeup for digitals?
Keep makeup minimal or follow the agency’s specific instructions. The goal is to show your current natural appearance.
Can I edit my model digitals?
Basic exposure or crop corrections are fine, but avoid reshaping, skin smoothing, filters or edits that change how you actually look.
How often should I update digitals?
Update them whenever your appearance changes materially and periodically enough that submissions accurately represent you now.
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