WHAT ARE POLAROIDS?

Polaroids are a standard in the fashion world and it is important for a model to know how best to make them.

What are Polaroids and what are they used for?

Also called digitals, polas or polas, polaroids are simple photos that aim to show a model in her natural state, to test her real photogenicity, to understand her actual physicality even in the absence of make-up, haircuts, professional lighting and, above all, without editing.

They are particularly useful when the casting is not held live and the client needs clear, truthful and up-to-date material to make his choice online.

The name derives precisely from the Polaroid camera, because in the past they were taken with this camera in order to be able to note the data and measurements of the models in the white border. Today, however, this type of image is taken with modern cameras or phones.

How do you make good Polaroids?

Polaroids done well can often make a real difference and show the professionalism of a model.

If requested for a specific job, adapt your Polaroids to the request. For example, if it is a job as a hair model take a Polaroid that shows the hair well and add a photo of the back; for a costume job it is important to show the curves of the silhouette; for a fitness job show the defined muscles.

Rules to follow

Your Polas will show you au natural but remember one non-measurable quality that must appear in the photos: your attitude.

They should be in underwear, bikinis (black or flesh-coloured, without pattern or lace) or in tight-fitting clothes that emphasise the physique
If you are a girl, wear heels
Show yourself either with your hair down or tied up, showing your ears
Do them in front of a neutral, even background
Make sure you have good (preferably natural) light
Do not wear make-up, or wear very natural, imperceptible make-up
Don’t take selfies or mirror selfies: Polaroids should be taken by someone or with a tripod
Do not do hair styling
Do not retouch photos in any way

What poses should I do?

Your shots should have:

A narrow frontal portrait of the face only
The two profiles
A 3/4
A full-length photo

In addition you may have:

a back photo (to show the length of the hats)
a photo of the backs and palms of the hands (remember to have
manicured hands and nails without polish or in a nude colour)
a photo focus on legs and feet (for footwear work)

Polaroid Video

The Polaroid video serves the same purpose and is even more truthful (because it is not photoshopped). In addition to appearance, it shows the model’s expressions and the way she walks.

The Polaroid video follows the same rules: on a possibly neutral background, with good lighting, in costume/underwear.

What should I do on video?

Usually you are asked to parade back and forth, show your smile, both profiles, palms and backs of hands.

However, different Polaroid videos may be requested, e.g. more focused on expressions. Always follow the guidelines given.

VIDEO PRESENTATION

More and more often for important jobs, a video is required in which the model tells his or her story (in short).

On a neutral background with a horizontal half-length shot you present yourself: state your name, nationality and the agency you are represented by. Additional information you can enter is age and height. Then show your hands, move your hair behind your ears and show both profiles.

POLAROID: CONCLUSIONS

Polaroid photos complete the book and, in the case of online casting, are your business card. That is why it is important that they represent you in the best possible way.

Polaroids, whether in photo or video format, are intended to reflect your current appearance. That is why they should be updated every 6 months or so, or more often if your appearance has changed (e.g. if your colour, haircut or measurements have changed).

Want advice on your polaroids? Send them to me in DM on instagram at @elizawang_

WHAT ARE POLAROIDS?