Digitals (sometimes called polaroids or snapshots) are plain, unretouched photos that show what you genuinely look like. Agencies prefer them to a glossy, edited shoot precisely because they are honest. You do not need a photographer, a studio or a cent — you need good daylight and ten minutes.
The core shots
- Front headshot — face the camera, neutral expression, hair back off your face.
- Side profile — turn 90 degrees, same neutral expression.
- Full-length, front — head to toe, arms relaxed at your sides.
- Optional extras — a natural smile, and a full-length from the back.
Light it like a pro (without trying)
Stand facing a big window in daytime, or outside in open shade. Avoid harsh midday sun and overhead indoor lights, which cast shadows. Keep the background plain — a blank wall is perfect. Have someone else take the photos at about chest height, holding the phone steady and level.
What to wear
Fitted, plain clothing that shows your shape: a singlet or fitted top with jeans or shorts, or simple activewear. Skip baggy clothes, busy patterns, logos, hats, sunglasses and heavy accessories. Minimal or no makeup, natural hair, bare feet or simple shoes.
Do and don't
- Do use daylight, a plain background and fitted clothes.
- Do keep makeup and editing to nothing.
- Don't send filtered selfies, group photos or sunglasses shots.
- Don't crop tightly — agencies need to see your full frame.
Common mistakes that get submissions skipped
Heavy filters and FaceTune, dark or blurry photos, group shots where it is unclear who you are, sunglasses or hats hiding your features, and over-styled "model" poses. Keep it simple, clear and current — recent photos that look like you today.
Uploading to models.au
When you apply on the Get scouted page, you can upload your photos straight on the form — they are resized and compressed in your browser before anything is sent, so even big phone photos go through quickly. You can attach up to a dozen; the core three or four are plenty to be assessed.
A one-minute pre-send checklist
- Front, profile and a full-length — at minimum.
- Daylight, plain background, phone held level at about chest height.
- Fitted plain clothes, hair back, minimal or no makeup.
- Sharp and well-lit — no blur, no heavy shadows.
- Recent — they should look like you this month.
- No filters, no heavy editing, no group shots, no sunglasses.
Editing: what is fine and what is not
Cropping, straightening and a light exposure or brightness fix are fine — they just make an honest photo easier to read. What is not fine is anything that changes how you look: smoothing skin, slimming, reshaping features, or whitening teeth and eyes. Agencies are assessing the real you, and any gap between your digitals and the person who walks into a casting works against you. When in doubt, send it straighter, not glossier.
FAQ
Do I need professional photos to apply to a modelling agency?
What should I wear for modelling digitals?
How many digitals should I send?
Got your shots? Upload them and get scouted →