Ultimate Guide to Model Polaroids: Capture Your Natural Best

In the competitive world of modelling, making a strong first impression is crucial. While a polished portfolio is essential, agencies and clients also rely on Polaroids to get a genuine sense of a model’s natural look and potential. These raw, unedited photographs serve as a blank canvas, showcasing your unique features without the enhancements of makeup, styling, or retouching.

At BMA Models, we understand the importance of high-quality Polaroids in capturing the attention of industry professionals. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create Polaroids that showcase your best self and open doors to exciting opportunities.

What are Polaroids?

Polaroids are essentially unedited snapshots that reveal your natural beauty and physique. They serve as a baseline for how you appear before any styling, makeup, or retouching, allowing agencies and clients to assess your potential for various projects.

Key Elements of a Great Polaroid

1. Non-Physical Attributes (The 3 A’s)

• Attitude: Project confidence and personality. A positive attitude and a genuine smile can make a world of difference.
• Aura: Cultivate a presence that draws people in. This involves maintaining good posture, making eye contact with the camera, and exuding a sense of self-assuredness.
• Appeal: Showcase your unique qualities and charm. Let your personality shine through and highlight what makes you stand out from the crowd.

2. Physical Attributes to Highlight

• Height and Posture: Stand tall and maintain good posture to showcase your height and physique.
• Overall Body Shape: Wear form-fitting clothing that reveals your body shape without being too revealing.
• Skin Condition: Ensure your skin is clean and well-moisturized.
• Hair Length and Style: Show your hair both down and tied back to demonstrate versatility.
• Facial Structure and Expressions: Capture a range of expressions, from a natural smile to a neutral expression.

Shooting Guidelines

1. Lighting & Background

• Natural Light: Use natural, diffused light for the best results. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.
• Clean Background: A clean, white background is ideal to keep the focus on you and avoid distractions.

2. Camera Angles & Shots

• Full-body: Capture full-body shots from the front, side, and back to showcase your physique and proportions.
• Close-up: Include a close-up of your face from the front and a profile shot to highlight your facial features.

3. Outfit & Presentation

• Female Models:
  • No makeup (completely natural look)
  • Hair tied back in some shots, down in others
  • Bikini or bra & underwear (avoid revealing lingerie)
  • Optional: Activewear or fitted casual clothing
  • Heels allowed
• Male Models:
  • No makeup
  • Groomed facial hair
  • Topless for upper body shots
  • Fitted shorts or briefs (avoid boxer shorts)
  • Optional: Jeans and a tank top
  • Barefoot

Important Considerations

• No Editing: Polaroids must be 100% natural and unedited.
• Keep Them Updated: Take new Polaroids at least twice a year or whenever you significantly change your look.
• Maintain Good Posture: Stand tall and elongate your body to showcase your best form.
• Show Different Expressions: Capture a range of expressions, from smiling to neutral.

Why Are Polaroids Important?

Polaroids provide agencies and clients with a clear and honest representation of your natural look. They help assess your suitability for different projects and determine how you photograph without the enhancements of makeup and styling.

Join the BMA Family

If you’re passionate about modelling and dream of gracing the catwalks and campaigns of the UK’s top brands, we invite you to apply online to join the BMA family. We’re always looking for fresh faces and unique talents to add to our diverse roster of models.