Words and Photography by Nadine Wilmanns
Model Digitals & Polaroids
How to prepare for our photo session in Metzingen or London
Long before digital cameras and social media filters existed, casting directors used instant Polaroid cameras to quickly capture a model’s true features on the spot. These raw physical prints gave agencies an immediate, unmanipulated look at who was walking through the door. Today, even though I shoot with high-end equipment in my studio, the industry terms “polas” or “model digitals” carry on that exact tradition: a clean, basic, and reduced visual reference of who you are right now.
The other day the lovely Katharina Dodik – who you can see in the pictures – was in my studio in Metzingen to update her digitals for her agency, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to write a post about it.
Show your unretouched, natural self
The defining rule of model digitals is total authenticity. There is zero skin smoothing, no digital retouching, and no makeup allowed. Agencies and casting directors need to see your genuine skin texture, facial structure, and exact body shape.
Matching expectations is critical in commercial and fashion bookings. If a director hires you based on heavily edited images and you arrive on set looking completely different, it creates immediate disappointment. Digitals eliminate bad surprises on shoot day. Seeing your true skin and features allows production teams to make practical decisions before booking, such as determining whether they need to hire a makeup artist and deciding what specific look or styling will work best for the project.
Your outfit choice
To highlight your natural frame clearly, your clothing should be simple and form-fitting. A plain, fitted tank top paired with tight jeans, leggings, or fitted shorts works best to display your silhouette clearly. For footwear, if you’re a woman, bring some high heels, as we also shoot barefoot. If you’re a man, bring some clean trainers.
In my studio, I shoot digitals against a clean, plain backdrop. The goal is not to create an elaborate editorial concept, but to remove every possible distraction so that all the focus stays strictly on you and your natural presence.
What we capture during your photo session
During a digital session in my Metzingen studio or a booked studio space in London, I make sure we cover all the standard essentials that agencies request. We capture full-body shots as well as close-up head-and-shoulders shots from the front, from the back, and from both side profiles so bookers get a complete 360-degree impression of your features. For models with longer hair, we capture you both with your hair worn naturally down, and also tied up and out of your face so your jawline and facial structure are fully visible.
Show a variety of expressions
Beyond standard angles, a great digital set demonstrates your range of expression. During our shoot, I guide you through several distinct moods: a cool and subtle smile, a warm and open smile, a direct and cool gaze, and a slightly more thoughtful or melodramatic look. Showing this variety gives casting agents a clear sense of what moods and commercial campaigns you can comfortably pull off.
More than standard
When you book your digitals with me, we also go a step beyond basic agency shots. Once we have the standards locked in, we move into a few more advanced, dynamic poses. While these remain clean and unedited, they show off your ability to move in front of the camera, giving you strong, versatile images that you can even use directly inside your main portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Model Digitals
What should I wear to a model digitals photoshoot?
You should wear simple, form-fitting clothing that clearly displays your natural frame. A plain fitted tank top combined with tight jeans, leggings, or fitted shorts is ideal. As a woman, bring high heels and as a boy bring clean trainers. Feel free to bring a few outfit options to my studio so we can pick the best combination together, or send me photos via WhatsApp beforehand.
How should I prepare for my model digitals shoot?
Preparation is all about arriving fresh and natural. Wash your hair the day before or on the morning of your shoot, stay well hydrated, and come with clean skin with no makeup. Most importantly, schedule your session for a time of day when you naturally look and feel your best. If you tend to get puffy eyes or dark circles in the morning, book an afternoon studio slot so your face is fully rested and relaxed. And of course, it is best to get a good night’s sleep before the shoot day.
How often do models need to update their polaroids?
Models should update their digitals every three to six months. You should also update them whenever your physical appearance changes, such as getting a new haircut, changing your hair color, or experiencing noticeable body changes.
Why book a professional photographer for digitals?
Booking a professional photographer for your digitals makes the entire process hassle-free. Trying to shoot accurate digitals at home with a smartphone often results in unflattering lens distortion, awkward shadows, and uneven indoor lighting that can obscure your real features.
In a professional studio, you get clean, professional studio lighting that presents your skin tone and proportions accurately. Having an experienced photographer direct you on set ensures you know exactly how to pose, giving you total peace of mind that your photos meet international agency standards and show that you take your modeling career seriously.
Where can I book a model digital session?
You can book dedicated model digital and polaroid sessions at my photography studio in Metzingen. Or, if you’re in the UK, we can hire a studio in London. A studio provides ample private space for you to change, professional lighting tailored for agency submissions, and I will be there to provide personal direction throughout the entire shoot.
If you are ready to update your modeling portfolio with natural, unretouched digitals that bookers love, let’s talk. I offer calm, fully guided Model Digital sessions across my studio in Metzingen and hired studio spaces in London. Contact me here to plan your shoot or write an email to nadine @ nadinewilmanns . com
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