How to Prepare Your Portfolio & Digitals
Even with no experience, you can put together a professional, honest application portfolio using just your phone. The guide below walks you through it step by step — or download the whole thing as a PDF.
What are digitals?
Digitals (or 'polaroids') are simple photos taken in natural light, without heavy makeup or retouching. Studios don't want over-produced, filtered images — they want clear, honest, natural shots. The goal isn't to hide your looks, but to see your features, posture and proportions clearly. That's why simple always wins.
Golden rules
Use natural light
Shoot during the day facing a window so the light hits your face. Avoid harsh overhead light and flash.
Choose a plain background
A flat wall is enough (white, grey, cream). No clutter or other people behind you.
Minimal makeup, natural hair
Show your skin and features as they are.
Wear simple, fitted clothing
Solid colour, fitted. Loose or patterned clothing hides your silhouette.
No filters or retouching
Look as you really are. Filters break trust and hide your true appearance.
Standard shots
Portrait (Headshot)
From shoulder height, face sharp and looking at the camera. One neutral, one slight smile.
Half-length (¾)
Above the waist; show your shoulders and posture.
Full-length — front
Head to toe, arms at your sides, straight stance; shoes visible.
Profile / side
Side stance; show your features and posture in profile.
Technique tip
Hold the phone at eye level and vertical. The person shooting stands 2–3 metres away and doesn't zoom. Keep shots sharp, steady and well-lit.
Checklist
Do
- Natural light
- Plain background
- Fitted solid-colour clothing
- Natural hair/makeup
- Vertical sharp shots
- The 4 core frames (portrait + half + full-length + profile)
Avoid
- Heavy filters/retouching
- Sunglasses/hats
- Group photos
- Excessive makeup
- Dark/blurry shots
- Old photos
Underwear/nude/suggestive images — never requested, must not appear in your portfolio.
What your portfolio should include
Add this information to the first page of your portfolio: full name, year of birth (18+), city, height, measurements (bust/waist/hips), shoe size, clothing size, hair and eye colour, category (fashion/commercial/fitness/hand-foot/promotion), contact and social media. Keep your measurements honest and current — the studio uses them to match you with the right project.
Trust note
Fotipoti never charges a fee to apply and never requests underwear, nude or suggestive images. Applications are for ages 18 and over only. If you encounter a request that breaks these rules, disregard it and report it to destek@fotipoti.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to become a model?
No. You can apply even with no experience. What matters is preparing natural, clear and honest photos (digitals). Our portfolio guide walks you through how to make them from scratch.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying as a model is completely free. Fotipoti never asks you for payment at any stage. Ignore anyone who requests a fee.
How old do I need to be?
Applications are for people aged 18 and over only. Your date of birth is requested to verify that you are 18+; applications from under-18s are not evaluated.
What should I send as a portfolio?
A few basic shots taken in natural light against a plain background: portrait (headshot), half-length, full-length (front) and profile. Combine them into a single PDF and upload it. See the portfolio guide for details.
Do I need a professional photographer?
No. A good set of digitals can be shot on a phone. Natural light, a plain background and sharp shots are enough; heavy retouching or a studio is not required.
What measurements and information are requested?
Height is essential; we also ask (if available) for body measurements, shoe/clothing size, hair and eye colour, city and contact details. Enter your information accurately and honestly.
Is there a specific height or size requirement?
Different projects need different profiles (fashion, commercial, fitness, hand-foot, promotion). There is no single "ideal" measurement; applications are evaluated across various categories.
What file format can I upload my portfolio in?
You can upload your portfolio as a single PDF (max 10 MB). For security reasons, only PDF is accepted.
What happens after I apply?
Your application is reviewed; if suitable, we get in touch to start the interview and talent-pool process. Response time may vary with application volume.
How is my data protected?
Your application data is processed under KVKK based on your explicit consent. Details are in our model application privacy notice. Fotipoti never requests inappropriate images; if you experience such a request, report it to destek@fotipoti.com.