St. Louis Modeling Photographer
Agency digitals, comp cards, and full portfolio sessions for new and working models. On location across the St. Louis metro, formatted to the specs agencies expect.
Published across international fashion magazines, and trusted by models signed with Mother Model Management, Premiere Model Management, Elite Model Management in Miami and Japan, and Lucent Models.
These are premium sessions, built for models who are serious about the work. If you are shopping on price, we are probably not a fit.
Serving the St. Louis Metro
A St. Louis modeling photographer, on location across the metro
Henry David is a St. Louis modeling photographer working on location across the metro. We shoot digitals, comp card sets, and portfolio books for new and signed models, and we bring a complete portable studio to wherever the session makes sense. That can be a clean studio backdrop or a location with the right light and lines. There is no walk-in address to visit. We set up where you are and break down the same day.
We work throughout St. Louis County and St. Charles County, including Clayton, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Town and Country, Maryland Heights, St. Charles, and O'Fallon. If you are a parent driving a young model to a shoot, or a working model fitting a session between bookings, staying inside the metro keeps the day simple. For models outside the area, we also travel beyond St. Louis when a session calls for it.
Wherever we shoot, the standard is the same. Clean, honest digitals that show agencies who you are, and a portfolio that proves you can work in front of the camera. Tell us where you are in your modeling career and we will plan a session around it.
Published in 11 International Fashion Titles
PUMP Magazine Editor's Choice & Beauty Insiders Awards • PPA Member • Mother Model Management
“These are so amazing, I love them! I really appreciate all of your help and direction.”
Caroline Hueseman
Model Portfolio Client
What Every Model Needs to Know
Before you book a photographer or submit to an agency, you need to understand the basics. Here's what I tell every aspiring model who walks through my door.
What Are Modeling Digitals (and Why Agencies Require Them)
Digitals (also called polaroids or snaps) are simple, clean photos that show agencies exactly what you look like without heavy styling. Every agency requires them. They typically include a headshot, a waist-up shot, and a full-length shot.
Agencies want to see YOU, not makeup, not styling, not retouching. They need to evaluate your bone structure, your proportions, your skin, your natural look. That is why digitals are shot with minimal makeup and simple clothing. A fitted solid-color top and well-fitting jeans are usually all you need.
I format every set to agency submission standards: correct dimensions, proper file naming, and the right resolution. When you submit, your images look like they came from someone who knows the industry, because they did.
What Goes in a Modeling Portfolio (and What Doesn't)
Your portfolio (or book) shows your range. It should include 10-15 strong images across different looks: beauty, fashion, editorial, lifestyle. Variety of wardrobe, lighting, and setting. Agencies flip through your book in seconds, and every image needs to earn its spot.
Avoid overly filtered images, extreme editing, or shots where styling overpowers you. Bookers see hundreds of portfolios. They are looking for models who can work, who can adapt to different concepts and deliver in front of the camera. Your book should prove that.
I help you curate a book that shows agencies you can work. We plan the session together, choose looks that demonstrate range, and shoot with the kind of variety that makes a booker stop scrolling.
What Agencies Want in a Submission
Most agencies accept digital submissions through their website. You'll typically find a “Become a Model” or “Submit” page with a simple form. Here's what you need:
- 1.Your digitals: headshot, waist-up, and full-length. Clean, well-lit, minimal styling.
- 2.Your measurements: height, bust/chest, waist, hips, shoe size. Measure accurately.
- 3.Basic contact info: name, age, location, phone, email.
Tell me which agencies you're targeting before the shoot and I'll prep your set to their specs: dimensions, styling, the look that booker expects. The submission itself is yours to make, and I don't do referrals. What I do is make sure your images look like they belong when an agent opens them.
What should your first portfolio include?
Tell us about your goals: agency submission, full book, or editorial. We'll send pricing and a proposed date within one business day. These are premium sessions, not budget digitals.
Recent Work
Agency, editorial and studio sessions, with digitals. Newest work first.
Choose Your Session
Three session types built for where you are in your modeling career.
Agency Digitals
The industry standard. Clean shots for first-time agency submissions. Headshot, waist-up, full-length. Minimal styling. Fast and formatted to exact agency specs.
- ✓Headshot, waist-up, and full-length shots
- ✓Minimal makeup and styling
- ✓Agency-standard formatting and sizing
- ✓Quick turnaround
Portfolio Session
Build or update your book. 3-5 looks, wardrobe changes, studio and location, creative direction throughout. Walk away with a well-rounded portfolio that shows your range.
- ✓3-5 looks with wardrobe changes
- ✓Studio and location shooting
- ✓Creative direction and posing guidance
- ✓High-resolution retouched images
Editorial Session
Magazine-quality creative work. Concept development, advanced styling, publication-ready retouching. This is how you get covers.
- ✓Concept development and mood boards
- ✓Advanced styling and creative direction
- ✓Publication-ready retouching
- ✓Suitable for magazine submissions
Trusted by Working Agencies
I shoot for working agencies and the models they sign, so I know what each of these bookers wants. Tell me which agencies you're targeting and I'll prep your set to their specs. The submission is yours to make. I don't do referrals.
Elite Model Management
Miami
Elite Model Management Japan
Tokyo
Lucent Models Agency
Osaka
West Model Management
St. Louis & Tokyo
Mother Model Management
St. Louis
Premiere Model Management
What You Get
Every session is built to give you exactly what you need to move forward.
For Parents of Young Models
If your son or daughter is interested in modeling, I make the process comfortable and fun. Sessions are age-appropriate, and a parent or guardian is present at all times. I know what agencies look for in child model digitals and format everything to submission standards.
I work with kids and teens regularly and specialize in helping younger talent feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. No pressure, no awkwardness. Just great images they can be proud of.
Book Your Child's SessionShot on Fujifilm GFX Medium Format
Every image is captured on a Fujifilm GFX medium format system. That means more detail, more dynamic range, and a quality you can see the second you open the file. This is the same sensor technology used in high-end commercial and fashion campaigns worldwide. When an agency zooms in on your digitals, the detail is visible at full size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your modeling portfolio session.
Are you a St. Louis modeling photographer, and where do you shoot?▼
What are modeling digitals and why do I need them?▼
How many looks should I prepare?▼
What should I wear to a portfolio shoot?▼
Do you work with modeling agencies?▼
What age do you photograph?▼
How do I submit my photos to agencies?▼
What does your book need next?
Tell us where you are in your modeling career and what you need next. We'll send pricing and availability within one business day. These are premium sessions, booked selectively.
Your Career Starts With Your Book.
Whether you need digitals for an agency submission or a full editorial book, let's build something that gets you noticed.