✔ 3 Things Beginners Get Wrong About Model Digitals

Digitals with Libby Benzer

Digitals are one of the most important parts of your modeling journey — yet they’re also one of the most misunderstood. I see so many new models stressing over the wrong things, spending money they don’t need to spend, or holding themselves back because they think digitals have to be something complicated or glamorous.

Let me break down the three biggest mistakes beginners make with digitals and what you should focus on instead.

1. Trying Too Hard Instead of Keeping It Clean + Natural

Digitals are meant to show agencies what you look like on a normal day — not a glam day

That means:

• Heavy makeup

• False lashes

• Extravagant hairstyles

• Contouring, gloss, or glam touches

Digitals should look like you, truly and naturally.
One of the easiest rules to remember:

How you wake up is how you should show up.

What to do instead

• Keep your face makeup-free

• Wear your hair down naturally or in a simple, pulled-back style

• If you’re not getting them done by a photographer - Use natural light when possible

• Let your features speak without enhancement

Digitals are the “first impression” agencies see — real matters more than glam.

2. Overthinking the Outfit (or Waiting for a ‘Perfect’ Body)

You do not need a new wardrobe for digitals.
You also do not need to wait until your body looks “a certain way.”

Digitals are meant to show agencies where you are right now.

Your digital outfit should be a simple, clean palette:

• White, black, nude, or skin-tone complementary tee or tank

• Blue or black denim or black leggings

• Basic nude or black heels (nothing dramatic) or basic white sneaker

This keeps the focus on your proportions, not your wardrobe.

What to do instead

• Choose fitted basics you already own

• Avoid patterns, graphics, logos, or trendy silhouettes

• Skip unnecessary shopping (digitals should not cost a lot money to prepare for)

• Don’t postpone taking digitals because of body insecurity — agencies need your current look

You can grab everything from a regular clothing store if needed, but most people already have these pieces at home.

If you don’t have these basics at home, you can check this Amazon list as a reference.

3. Thinking You Need ‘Amazing’ or Dramatic Poses

This is the one that surprises beginners most:

Digitals are not a photoshoot.
They are a reference.

Agencies don’t want dramatic angles, broken-down poses, emotion, storytelling, or elaborate movement. They only need clarity.

A basic digital set includes:

• Full body

• ¾ body

• Close-up

• Profile

• Smiling and non-smiling options

What to do instead

• Stand naturally, tall, and relaxed

• Keep your hands simple (at your sides or gently resting on hips)

• Neutral face with soft expression

• Use clean backgrounds and clean light

• Avoid “trying to be editorial” — that part comes later

Digitals are where you show agencies the blank canvas they’ll work with. Save the dramatic posing for your test shoots and portfolio development.

Final Thoughts

Digitals shouldn’t feel intimidating — if anything, they should be the easiest part of your modeling journey.
Keep them clean, natural, simple, and honest. That’s exactly what agencies want to see.

And if you want support? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready for Agency-Ready Digitals?

I offer professional digitals at Hello Model Buffalo, complete with posing guidance, clean studio lighting, and support with your agency submissions.

👉 Book Your Digitals Session Here

👉 Download the What to Wear for Digitals Guide

You deserve to feel confident and ready for the next step in your modeling journey 🤍