Model Digitals and Portfolio Photos in Los Angeles: What Agencies Want
By Julian Buitrago, BLINK Photo Co. · Updated · 5 min read
Portfolio images show range. Digitals show you as you are.
New models are often told to "send digitals" and "build a book" in the same sentence. They are different things. Agencies use digitals to see the real you, and portfolio images to see what you can do on a shoot.
Short answerDigitals (also called polaroids) are simple, unretouched photos that show what you look like today: minimal makeup, fitted plain clothes, natural light, front, profile and full length. Portfolio photos are styled, creative images that show range. Agencies want digitals first. At BLINK's Marina del Rey studio, sessions start at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo; additional retouched photos are $50 each, and multi-look portfolio sessions are quoted (prices as of October 29, 2026).
Key takeaways
Digitals: no retouching, minimal makeup, plain fitted clothes.
Standard digitals: front close-up, front full length, profile, smiling and not.
Portfolio: styled images that show range, built over time.
BLINK studio sessions from $375 (one look, Oct 2026); portfolio sessions quoted.
What are model digitals?
Digitals are an honest record of how you look right now. Agencies use them to judge your features, proportions and skin without styling getting in the way.
Shots: front close-up, front full length, both profiles, three-quarter, smiling and not smiling.
Wardrobe: fitted black tank or tee and fitted jeans, or swimwear if the agency asks.
Hair and makeup: hair off the face (and one down), minimal or no makeup.
Light: clean and even. No filters, no retouching.
Simple clothes and clean light: the digitals look.
What are portfolio photos?
Portfolio images are styled: wardrobe, hair and makeup, mood and light chosen to show range, from commercial and clean to editorial. They are built over time, often from test shoots and paid jobs.
An editorial image shows what you can do on a set.
Which do you need first?
Digitals. Most agencies ask for them before they look at anything else. A few strong portfolio images help once you are signed or testing.
What should you bring?
For digitals: the fitted basics above, plus a change. For portfolio: two or three outfits that fit the direction you are going for. General wardrobe advice is in what to wear for your headshot.
What does a session cost?
As of October 29, 2026: studio sessions in Marina del Rey start at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo, and additional retouched photos are $50 each. Digitals and multi-look portfolio sessions are quoted to fit what your agency asks for. Acting too? Read actor headshots in LA. Our creative work is on the creative portraits page.
Prices as of October 29, 2026. Individual studio session at our Marina del Rey studio: $375 (one look, one fully retouched photo, private gallery with LinkedIn crops); additional retouched photos $50 each. On-site team headshots, priced in blocks: first 10 people $225 each, people 11 to 24 $175, 25 to 49 $125, 50 to 99 $75, 100 and up $55; $1,200 minimum per day.
Julian Buitrago is the founder and lead photographer of BLINK Photo Co., based in Los Angeles. BLINK runs on-site event headshot stations nationwide and photographs office teams, actors and models across LA and Orange County.
Frequently asked questions
What are model digitals?
Simple, unretouched photos that show what a model looks like today: minimal makeup, fitted plain clothes, natural light, shot front, profile and full length.
Should model digitals be retouched?
No. Agencies want to see you as you are.
What should I wear for model digitals?
A fitted black tank or tee and fitted jeans, or swimwear if the agency asks.
How much does a model photo session cost at BLINK?
Studio sessions in Marina del Rey start at $375 for one look with one fully retouched photo; additional retouched photos are $50 each; portfolio sessions are quoted (prices as of October 29, 2026).
Book a headshot in Los Angeles or Orange County
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