How to take headshots for modeling
A modeling agency submission headshot is a clear, recent photo that shows your current appearance without filters or heavy styling. Common requirements include a front-facing headshot, a profile photo and a full-length image. Many agencies accept phone photos instead of professional photography when reviewing new models. Use the rear camera, indirect daylight, a plain background, minimal or no makeup, natural hair and a simple fitted top.
Modeling Headshots at a Glance
| Element | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Camera | Smartphone rear camera or a professional camera |
| Lighting | Soft natural light facing a window |
| Background | Plain wall with no clutter |
| Makeup | None or minimal, unless the brief says otherwise |
| Hair | Natural and away from the face when requested |
| Clothing | Plain, fitted, neutral-colored top |
| Expression | Relaxed neutral expression, plus a smile if requested |
| Editing | Crop and adjust exposure only; do not reshape or smooth your face |
| Photos to prepare | Front headshot, profile, waist-up and full-length |
1. Check Whether You Need a Digital or a Professional Headshot
The type of photo you need depends on where you are in the modeling process.
Agency Submission Headshot
A digital, sometimes called a polaroid, is a simple image that shows what you currently look like. Agencies usually want to see your natural features rather than a highly styled portrait.
For agency digitals:
- Use a phone if the image is clear.
- Wear little or no makeup.
- Avoid filters and retouching.
- Wear simple clothing.
- Keep your expression and pose natural.
- Take the photo recently, especially if your hair, weight or appearance has changed.
ONE Management, Wire Model Management, Sutherland Models and White Cross Management state that professional photography is not necessary for initial submissions and request natural, current photos.
Portfolio or Commercial Headshot
A portfolio headshot can be more polished. A photographer may use controlled lighting, styling and subtle retouching, but the image should still represent your real appearance.
Use a professional shoot when:
- You are building a modeling portfolio.
- You need images for a comp card.
- You are submitting to a commercial casting.
- A client specifically requests professional headshots.
- Your agency has asked you to update your portfolio.
Do not send a dramatic editorial portrait when an agency asks for natural digitals.
2. Choose the Right Location and Background
Stand in front of a plain wall, an uncluttered door or another neutral background. The background should keep attention on your face.
Avoid:
- Bedrooms with visible clutter
- Patterned wallpaper
- Mirrors
- Outdoor backgrounds with people or cars
- Strong shadows from furniture or window frames
- Colored walls that affect how your skin appears
You do not need a studio. Several agencies recommend simple photos taken in daylight against a plain or uncomplicated background.
3. Use Soft Window Light
Face a large window with indirect daylight. This makes your facial features easy to see without creating harsh shadows.
Use this setup:
- Face the window.
- Stand several feet away from the wall.
- Keep the light in front of you rather than directly above you.
- Turn off overhead lights if they create a different color.
- Take the photo when the daylight is even.
Avoid direct midday sunlight, camera flash and strong side lighting. These can create deep shadows and make the image look more like a fashion portrait than an accurate agency submission.
4. Position the Camera Correctly
Ask a friend to take the photos or place your phone on a tripod. Avoid an arm's-length selfie unless the agency specifically allows one.
For the headshot:
- Use the rear camera.
- Place the lens at eye level.
- Keep the camera straight rather than tilting it up or down.
- Use the standard lens instead of an ultra-wide lens.
- Stand far enough away to avoid facial distortion.
- Use a timer if you are taking the photos yourself.
- Take several images without changing the lighting or setup.
The camera should be level with your face. A low angle can exaggerate the jaw and nose, while a high angle can make the face and body look smaller.
5. Wear Simple, Fitted Clothing
Choose clothing that lets the agency see your shape without pulling attention away from your face.
Good choices include:
- A plain fitted T-shirt
- A simple tank top
- A neutral sweater
- Plain jeans or fitted trousers for full-length photos
- Solid colors such as black, white, gray, navy or beige
Avoid:
- Large logos
- Busy patterns
- Oversized clothing
- Hats and sunglasses
- Statement jewelry
- Costume styling
- Clothing that hides your body shape
Agencies commonly request fitted, neutral clothing so the outfit does not distract from the model.
6. Keep Makeup and Hair Natural
For agency digitals, wear no makeup or only makeup that is difficult to detect. Avoid contouring, false eyelashes, dramatic eyeliner and heavy foundation.
Prepare your appearance as follows:
- Clean and moisturize your skin.
- Keep your natural hair texture visible.
- Remove hair from your eyes and face if the agency requests it.
- Avoid elaborate styling.
- Do not change your appearance to look like someone else.
- Remove glasses, hats and accessories unless they are part of your everyday appearance or the agency asks to see them.
Some agencies request hair pulled back, a visible hairline and no makeup. Others allow minimal makeup. Follow the instructions on the agency's official submission page.
7. Use a Relaxed Pose and Clear Expression
Stand naturally with your shoulders relaxed and your chin level. Face the camera directly and keep your expression neutral.
Take these variations when the agency requests them:
- Front-facing neutral headshot: Look directly into the lens.
- Front-facing smile: Include this if the agency requests a smile.
- Profile photo: Turn your body and face 90 degrees to show your side profile.
- Three-quarter photo: Include this only if requested or useful for your portfolio.
Avoid dramatic head tilts, exaggerated expressions and over-posed positions. The photo should show your face clearly.
8. Take the Complete Set of Modeling Photos
A headshot may be only one part of a model submission. Prepare the following images when the agency requests a full set:
| Photo | What it should show |
|---|---|
| Headshot | Shoulders-up view of your face |
| Profile | Full side view of your face |
| Waist-up | Upper body and posture |
| Full-length front | Entire body facing the camera |
| Full-length profile | Body proportions from the side |
| Smile shot | Natural smile, if requested |
Wire Model Management asks applicants for a headshot, profile, waist-up and full-length image. Other agencies may request fewer or additional photos, so do not send the same package to every agency.
9. Edit Only for Basic Presentation
Basic corrections are acceptable when they do not change your appearance.
You can:
- Crop the image.
- Straighten the frame.
- Adjust brightness slightly.
- Correct an obvious color cast.
- Remove accidental blank space around the subject.
Do not:
- Smooth your skin.
- Slim your face or body.
- Change your jawline.
- Whiten your eyes or teeth dramatically.
- Add artificial background blur.
- Apply beauty filters.
- Remove permanent features.
- Alter your hair or skin color.
A modeling agency needs to know what you currently look like. Agencies commonly request unedited or unretouched photos without filters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent problems include:
- Using the front-facing selfie camera
- Shooting too close to the face
- Using harsh flash
- Photographing in a messy room
- Wearing oversized or distracting clothing
- Applying heavy makeup
- Submitting old photos
- Using strong filters
- Sending a glamour portrait when digitals are requested
- Ignoring the agency's required photo angles
- Uploading group photos or images with other people cropped out
A clear, ordinary photo gives an agency more useful information than an artistic image that hides your natural appearance.
Safety When Submitting Modeling Photos
Submit images through the agency's official website or verified submission email. Check the agency's domain before responding to messages on social media.
Do not send nude or inappropriate photos. Do not pay someone to review a submission unless the agency clearly explains a legitimate, separately contracted service. Several agencies warn applicants about impersonators, payment requests and inappropriate image requests.
Final Checklist
Before uploading your modeling photos, confirm that:
- The photos are recent.
- Your face is clearly visible.
- The lighting is even.
- The background is simple.
- Your clothing is plain and fitted.
- Your makeup is minimal or absent.
- Your hair does not cover your facial features.
- There are no filters or major edits.
- You have included the angles the agency requested.
- The files meet the agency's format and size requirements.
If the agency's official instructions differ from this checklist, follow those instructions.