What are digitals?

"Digitals" is the term modeling agencies use for a specific type of photograph — one that prioritizes clarity and honesty over artistry. The name is a holdover from the era when these were shot on Polaroid film (which is why you'll still hear them called "polaroids" in some markets), but the intent hasn't changed: show the model exactly as they are, in neutral conditions, so the agency can evaluate potential without distraction.

Digitals are not glamour shots. They are not portfolio images. They are not test shots taken on a dramatic location with a fog machine and a stylist. They are the functional baseline that agencies use to assess bone structure, proportions, skin clarity, and the camera's response to a face — before any investment is made on either side.

If you are applying to a modeling agency and they ask for "digitals," this is exactly what they mean.

The standard digital set

Most agencies expect a minimum of four shots. Some ask for five or six. Here's what a complete set looks like:

01

Straight-on face

Camera at eye level, neutral expression, hair back or to one side, even light

02

Profile

True 90° turn — right or left. Shows jaw, nose bridge, forehead, and neck line

03

Three-quarter

45° angle. Shows depth of features and how face reads from an angle

04

Full length

Head to toe, standing naturally. Arms relaxed at sides or one hand on hip

Some agencies also request a three-quarter body shot (waist up or thigh up) and occasionally a back shot for fashion or swimwear applicants. If the agency's submission guidelines don't specify, the four shots above are the safe default.

What the images should look like technically

Agencies want to see digitals that make evaluation easy, not impressive. That means:

  • Background: Plain white or light grey. No textured walls, no lifestyle backdrops, no outdoor locations
  • Lighting: Even, diffused, and flat — no dramatic shadows, no rim lighting, no heavy fill that obscures facial structure
  • Retouching: None, or minimal. Colour correction and basic exposure adjustment is acceptable. Skin smoothing, frequency separation, blemish removal — not acceptable
  • Resolution: High enough to be viewed at full size. Standard JPEGs at 2000–3000px on the long edge are fine
  • Expression: Neutral. Mouth relaxed and closed, eyes open and direct. No smiling, no character

On retouching: This is the detail most new models and even some photographers get wrong. Agencies are evaluating your actual skin, your actual proportions, and your actual features. A heavily retouched set of digitals that looks perfect will either be rejected outright or will create a gap between expectation and reality at your first casting — neither is a good outcome. Submit what you actually look like.

Submitting to agencies: the practical details

Most Toronto agencies accept applications by email or through an online form. Here's what to include:

Your photos

The standard four-shot digital set. If you have a few strong portfolio images, you can attach one or two as supplementary material — but lead with the digitals. They're what gets reviewed first.

Your stats

Height (in feet/inches and centimetres), measurements (bust, waist, hips in inches and centimetres), dress size (Canadian), shoe size, eye colour, and hair colour. Some agencies also ask for age; some prefer to remain neutral on this until they've assessed your look. If in doubt, include it.

Your email

One short paragraph. Who you are, where you're based, your experience level (including none — agencies sign beginners regularly), and what type of modeling you're interested in. No cover letter length. No enthusiasm-speak. Just facts.

File format and naming

JPEGs, under 5MB each for email submissions. Name your files clearly: firstname_lastname_face_front.jpg, firstname_lastname_fullbody.jpg, etc. Agencies receive hundreds of submissions; clear naming makes you easier to file and find.

What gets applications rejected

Beyond unsuitable physical attributes for a particular agency's roster, most application rejections fall into a small set of avoidable categories:

  • Over-retouched images — the agency can usually tell, and it creates an immediate credibility problem
  • Wrong shot types — editorial portraits instead of clean digitals, or selfies taken in poor light
  • Heavy styling — dramatic hair, heavy makeup, or statement wardrobe in what should be neutral shots
  • Low resolution — images too small to evaluate at full size
  • Missing information — a set of images with no stats, no email address, or no indication of location
  • Poor image quality — blurry, poorly lit, or obviously shot in a bathroom mirror

The last one is worth addressing directly: agencies do understand that not everyone has access to a professional photographer. A well-lit iPhone photo against a white wall with clean styling is better than a blurry studio shot. That said, if you're serious about agency representation, a short professional session — specifically for digitals — is a worthwhile investment. The difference in image quality is immediately apparent, and it signals that you take the process seriously.

What happens after you submit

Timelines vary. Some agencies respond within a few days; others take several weeks. A follow-up after two weeks is reasonable; after that, move on. Not hearing back is a non-answer — it means you're not a fit for their current roster, not necessarily that you won't be a fit for anyone.

If you receive a request for an in-person meeting or a "test shoot," treat it as a positive signal. An agency that asks you to pay for a test shoot upfront, however, is a red flag. Legitimate agencies make money when you work, not when you sign up.

At SpeedyHeadshots: Our modeling mini session is built specifically for applicants who need a clean digital set before applying to agencies. 30–45 minutes in studio, four to six polished but unretouched shots against a neutral background, same-day delivery. Learn more about the session here.