Fashion magazine cover shoot by Henry David Photography in St. Louis

Build a Portfolio That Opens Doors.

Published in 9+ international fashion magazines. Agency-connected in St. Louis, Chicago, and Japan. Whether you need clean digitals for your first submission or a full editorial book, this is where it starts.

Published in 9+ International Magazines

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PUMP Magazine Editor's Choice & Beauty Insiders Awards • PPA Member • Mother Model Management

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.

How to Submit to Agencies (Step by Step)

Most agencies accept digital submissions through their website. You will typically find a “Become a Model” or “Submit” page with a simple form. Here is 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.

I deliver your images formatted and sized for agency submissions. If it is your first time, I walk you through the entire process: which agencies to approach, how to fill out the forms, what to expect after you submit. You are not doing this alone.

Ready to start your portfolio?

Tell us about your goals: agency submission, full book, or editorial. We'll send pricing and a proposed date within one business day.

Recent Work

Fashion, editorial, and digitals from studio and location sessions.

90s editorial for Mother Model Management, St. Louis by Henry David Photography
Emilia for Elite Model Management Japan. Night editorial, Shimbashi, Tokyo
Anna for Lucent Models Osaka. Nakazakicho editorial by Henry David Photography
Beauty and fashion editorial portrait by Henry David Photography
Hinano in Osaka. Backlit editorial by Henry David Photography
Caroline H. agency digitals formatted for submission by Henry David Photography
Yukie for Lucent Models Osaka. Leather jacket editorial by Henry David Photography
Men's modeling portfolio photoshoot by Henry David Photography
Emilia for Elite Model Management Japan. Neon Shimbashi editorial
Editorial modeling portfolio in St. Louis studio session
Reira for Lucent Models Osaka. Nakazakicho alley editorial
Modeling portfolio session in Chicago by Henry David Photography
Dramatic fashion editorial portrait with styled lighting
Beauty editorial portrait with professional retouching
Studio portrait with Rembrandt lighting for modeling portfolio
Professional modeling portfolio with creative direction in St. Louis
Coto for Lucent Models Osaka. Environmental portrait
High-fashion modeling portfolio image by Henry David Photography
Golden hour editorial with warm natural light
Men's editorial modeling photoshoot by Henry David Photography
Fashion modeling portfolio session in St. Louis
Fashion portfolio portrait demonstrating range
Studio modeling session showing wardrobe variety in St. Louis
Fashion magazine cover photo by Henry David Photography

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, affordable, 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

I Work Directly With Agencies

Your images are formatted to exact agency submission standards. I know what bookers look for because I work with them. When your digitals land on an agent's desk, they look professional from the first glance.

Elite Model Management Japan

Tokyo

Lucent Models Agency

Osaka

West Model Management

St. Louis & Tokyo

Mother Model Management

St. Louis

What You Get

Every session is built to give you exactly what you need to move forward.

Pre-session consultation and styling guidance
Professional direction and posing coaching
Multiple looks and wardrobe changes
High-resolution retouched images
Files formatted for agency submissions
Optional comp card layout design
Online proofing gallery within 48 hours

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.

Learn more about children's headshots

Shot 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 quality speaks for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your modeling portfolio session.

What are modeling digitals and why do I need them?
Modeling digitals (sometimes called polaroids or snaps) are simple, clean photos that show agencies exactly what you look like without heavy styling or retouching. They typically include a headshot, a waist-up shot, and a full-length shot. Every agency requires them, and they're the first thing a booker looks at when considering new talent.
How many looks should I prepare?
For digitals, you only need one or two simple outfits: a fitted solid-color top and well-fitting jeans or similar. For a full portfolio session, plan for 3-5 outfit changes to show your range. We'll send you a detailed style guide after booking so you know exactly what to bring.
What should I wear to a portfolio shoot?
It depends on the session type. For digitals, keep it minimal: solid colors, fitted clothing, nothing distracting. For portfolio and editorial sessions, bring a mix of casual, dressy, and editorial pieces. Avoid large logos and busy patterns. We'll give you specific guidance during your pre-session consultation.
Do you work with modeling agencies?
Yes. I work directly with Mother Model Management, West Model Management, Elite Model Management Japan, and Lucent Models in Osaka. I know what bookers and agents look for, and I format your files to agency submission standards.
What age do you photograph?
I photograph aspiring and signed models of all ages, including children and teens. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for the entire session. I specialize in making younger models feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
How do I submit my photos to agencies?
Most agencies accept digital submissions through their website. You'll typically need your digitals (headshot, waist-up, full-length), your measurements, and basic contact info. I deliver your images formatted and sized for agency submissions, and I'm happy to walk you through the process if it's your first time.
These are so amazing, I love them! I really appreciate all of your help and direction.

Caroline Hueseman

Model Portfolio Client

Let's build your book.

Tell us where you are in your modeling career and what you need next. We'll send pricing and availability within one business day.

@henrydavidphotography

Published in 9+ international fashion magazines

Beauty and fashion modeling portrait by Henry David Photography
Fashion magazine cover portrait by Henry David Photography
Modeling portfolio photography by Henry David Photography
Chicago fashion photographer modeling portfolio by Henry David Photography
Modeling portfolio digitals for Caroline by Henry David Photography
Men's modeling photoshoot by Henry David Photography
PUMP Magazine editorial spread featuring work by Henry David Photography

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.

View Full Editorial Portfolio