Modeling Digital Polaroid for Modeling Agency | Agency-Ready Digitals NYC

Tal Levy / Tals Studio
Jan 2
3 min read

Modeling digital polaroid for modeling agency submission

How Modeling Digital Polaroids for Modeling Agencies Are Evaluated

When submitting to modeling agencies, digital polaroids—often referred to simply as “digitals”—are one of the most important materials an agency will review. Unlike editorial images or portfolio photographs, modeling digital polaroids for modeling agencies are meant to show you as you truly look, with no distractions, no heavy styling, and no overproduction.

Understanding what agencies actually look for in digitals can significantly improve your chances of being taken seriously.

What Modeling Agencies Expect From Digital Polaroids

Modeling agencies use digitals as a baseline assessment tool. They are not judging styling or creativity—they are evaluating proportions, skin, posture, facial structure, and how you move in front of the camera.

Strong modeling digital polaroids typically include:

Clean, even lighting with no harsh shadows
Neutral background with minimal distractions
Natural makeup or completely bare skin
Simple, fitted clothing that shows body lines

Agencies want to see how you look before styling, not after retouching or creative direction.

Why Professional Digitals Matter More Than DIY Photos

Many models assume digitals must be taken on a phone to feel “authentic.” While simplicity is important, poor lighting, incorrect angles, or inconsistent framing can hurt submissions.

A professional modeling photographer understands:

Correct camera height and focal length
How to avoid distortion of body proportions
How to guide posture without over-posing
What agencies in NYC and internationally expect to see

Professional digitals still look natural—but they are technically correct.

Clothing Guidelines for Modeling Digital Polaroids

Agencies consistently recommend simple, form-fitting outfits that show your natural shape. Busy patterns, oversized clothing, or heavy styling work against you.

Standard looks often include:

Fitted top and jeans or simple bottoms
Clean sneakers or bare feet
Hair worn naturally, down or simply pulled back

Multiple outfit looks help agencies see range while maintaining consistency.

Facial Expression and Body Language in Digitals

Digitals are not meant to be expressive or dramatic, but they should not feel stiff. Subtle relaxation in the face and confident posture are essential.

During a professional digital polaroid session, photographers often guide:

Neutral facial expressions
Relaxed shoulders and natural stance
Front, profile, and three-quarter angles

This guidance ensures digitals feel calm, confident, and agency-ready.

Why Proofing Galleries Are Important for Digitals

Seeing a full proofing gallery allows models to understand which angles and expressions work best for them. Small differences in posture or head position can significantly affect how agencies perceive proportions.

Selecting final digitals from a larger gallery helps ensure:

Accuracy across multiple angles
Consistency between looks
Confidence in agency submissions

Digitals should look cohesive, clean, and intentional.

Video Digitals and Why Agencies Are Asking for Them

Many modeling agencies now request short video digitals to assess movement, posture, and presence. These are typically simple clips showing walking, turning, and natural expression.

Video digitals help agencies evaluate:

How a model moves naturally
Body awareness and posture
Comfort in front of the camera

They are increasingly viewed as a strong complement to still digitals.

Professional Experience Matters

At Tals Studio, modeling digital polaroids are photographed by Yoni Levy, an NYC photographer with extensive experience working with aspiring and professional models. Sessions are designed to be efficient, calm, and agency-focused—ensuring digitals meet real submission standards rather than social media trends.