Digitals

Term from Modeling industry explained for recruiters

Digitals are basic, unedited photographs that show a model's natural appearance and physical features. These photos are like a model's business card in the fashion industry. They are taken in simple, well-lit settings with minimal makeup and plain clothing, usually against a white background. Agencies and clients use digitals (sometimes called 'polaroids' or 'digis') to see how models look in their natural state, without professional styling or photo editing. This helps them decide if a model fits their needs for specific jobs or campaigns.

Examples in Resumes

Updated portfolio with new Digitals and runway shots

Maintained professional Digital photo sets for multiple agency submissions

Featured in campaign after initial Digitals caught creative director's attention

Regular updates of Digital Portraits for international agency requirements

Typical job title: "Digital Photographers"

Also try searching for:

Model Photographer Agency Photographer Fashion Photographer Portfolio Photographer Headshot Photographer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle a high-volume digital shoot for an agency with multiple models?

Expected Answer: Should discuss time management, maintaining consistent lighting and backgrounds, efficient file organization, and ability to direct models effectively while maintaining quality standards across all shots.

Q: What's your process for ensuring consistency in digitals across different shooting conditions?

Expected Answer: Should explain lighting setup, camera settings, background requirements, and how to maintain agency standards regardless of location or time constraints.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you direct models who are new to taking digitals?

Expected Answer: Should describe communication skills, ability to make models comfortable, clear instructions for poses, and knowledge of standard agency requirements.

Q: What equipment do you use for digital sessions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss camera choice, lighting setup, backdrop options, and basic post-processing tools while emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural appearance.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic requirements for model digitals?

Expected Answer: Should know standard poses (front, profile, full body), lighting requirements, plain background needs, and basic formatting specifications.

Q: How do digitals differ from editorial photography?

Expected Answer: Should explain that digitals are meant to be simple, unedited, and show natural features, unlike creative editorial shots.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic camera operation
  • Understanding of standard digital requirements
  • Simple lighting setup
  • Basic pose direction

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Efficient workflow management
  • Advanced lighting techniques
  • Clear model direction
  • Quality control standards

Senior (5+ years)

  • High-volume shoot management
  • Agency relationship building
  • Team coordination
  • Advanced technical expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of current agency digital requirements
  • Over-editing of digital photos
  • Poor understanding of lighting basics
  • Lack of experience with model direction
  • Unable to maintain consistent quality across multiple shots

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