Why Every Model Needs Polaroids?
- Agencies and casting directors often require Polaroids – not having them can cost you the job
- Learn how to take Polaroids and when to update them
Polaroids, also known as “digitals,” are a model’s best friend. Whether you’re a new model who has never done an official photo shoot or a model with years of experience, good Polaroids are a gateway to better shoots and more work. And, since it is standard industry practice for agencies and casting directors to request Polaroids.
Agency digitals used to be taken with a Polaroid camera, hence the name. These days, “Polaroids” don’t need to come from a Polaroid camera. A digital camera or smartphone is fine!
What are Polaroids? Polaroids show what you look like when you walk through the door. It’s important for photographers and casting directors to know what you look like before the makeup, hair, lighting and Photoshop. “Clients trust Polaroids,” said photographer John Fisher, he added, “They assume you are going to show up for a casting or job with the same hair, weight and general appearance as in your Polaroid.”
How to Take Polaroids?
First, these should not be professional photos. If you have a friend with a decent quality digital camera, that will be ideal.
Do not wear makeup or style your hair. You want these photos to showcase your unaltered look.
The best time to take the photos is during the day. Try to find a white or off-white wall to shoot in front of, preferably in the shade or on an overcast day. Direct sunlight can be too harsh for a quality Polaroid.
While different agencies and jobs call for different things, it is hard to go wrong with Polaroids in swimwear. This will show not only what your hair and face look like, but your body. It will show if you have tattoos, scars or tan lines and how easily concealable they are, which is important for casting directors to know when choosing talent. Wearing heels is the one “cheat” you get, which will lean and lengthen your frame.
To do the Polaroids and the videos you have to wear a bikini / swimsuit very simple and high heels.
Example: bikini to wear
While the combinations can be left partly up to you as a model, generally it’s good to include a full-body front photo with a relaxed pose, a close up face photo, a three-quarter profile and a full profile shot.
Example: polaroids
Example: photos with measurements
HOW TO TAKE VIDEO PRESENTATION AND CATWALK?
Moreover, for the evaluation of the possible model are very important the video presentation and the video catwalk.
The video presentation can be done in the same place where you do the Polaroids, always in bikini and high heels. It’s important that there’s good lighting, say hello, pronounce your name, your highness, your measurements. After this, as you did during the Polaroids shows your profile (left and right) and your three quarters (left and right). Don’t forget to show your hands to the camera (front and back).
As for the catwalk, you have to look for a lighted place that allows you to walk about 5 meters. Below is an example, if you’re not sure you’ll want to look for more sample videos on YouTube and train yourself a few times before making the video.
Example: introduction video & catwalk video.