PREPARING FOR DIGITALS
Polaroids or digitals allow clients and agencies to see what a model looks like naturally. These un-retouched images are the standard for the modeling industry and models typically update their digitals every few months, or if there are major changes to their look. For example, the colour/style of hair, new tattoos, weight gain/loss, etc. It’s important to have up-to-date digitals on hand. If you're preparing for digitals it is very important you look your best.
You'll find below a few tips and things to consider before taking your digitals.
What should I bring?
Agencies prefer to see models in a simple look that shows their features and shape clearly. Baggy or loose clothing does not work. For digitals, we use form-fitting clothing. Do not bring any bright colours/patterns/prints/clothing with logos.
Women ought to wear black jeans/jeggings/leggings and a form-fitting tank top that is preferably black; men ought to wear form-fitting jeans and a neutral form-fitting top. It’s hard to go wrong with black jeans and a slim-cut black t-shirt. We suggest you bring all white & black options for us to choose what’s best for you.
We also require a few pictures with a black bikini / underwear. Male models are typically photographed shirtless to show their body shape; women ought to wear black bikinis with black heels. The heels are recommended because they enhance the model’s shape by lengthening the body and accentuating curves.
What about hair & makeup?
These images are meant to be as natural as possible, keep you hair hydrated & natural, makeup isn’t recommended. Polaroids with heavy makeup will make it harder for the client to see what you look like naturally, and that’s the point of these images. It’s ok to use a small amount of concealer and lip balm, do not wear mascara, eyeliner or eyeshadow and allow your natural eyebrows to show.
Taking care
- Wash your face two times per day, ideally when you wake up & when you go to sleep. Follow a skincare routine that works best for you.
- Wear sunscreen, also wear a hat if you’re going to be exposed under the sun for a long time.
- Keep yourself hydrated! Drink lots of water, but not more than needed since this can lead to bloating.
- If your digitals are soon: try to get enough sleep & avoid partying for a while.
Foods to avoid
It’s important to pay attention to what we eat, even days before our shoot. Here’s some foods you should avoid in order to stay in shape & reduce bloating.
- Beans
- Dairy
- Carbonated Beverages
- Broccoli & other cruciferous vegetables
- Alcoholic drinks
Eyebag control
Many of our models struggle with their eyebags, it’s completely normal! Here are some things you can try to reduce them prior to your digitals.
- Place a Green Tea bag over each eye and let it sit for 30min.
- Add eye cream to your skincare routine. Make sure you massage the area as well. We recomend Cicatricure’s Blur & Filler cream.
- Place some frozen spoons over your eyes to decrease swelling and tighten up your eye area by restricting blood flow. Leave them for 5min.
It’s in the eyes
Did you know that there’s ways to dilate your pupils on command? It’s true! And something as minimal as that can elevate your digitals, here’s some ways how to do it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Dilate-or-Shrink-Your-Pupils-on-Command