Is it Affordable to Get Modeling Digitals in Los Angeles?

Name: The Light Committee
Price range: $$

By The Light Committee

Whether or not something is affordable is obviously relative to what one person can afford versus another. Instead, we might ask if modeling digitals are possible to get in Los Angeles for a price under $300? Is it possible to get model digitals for even much cheaper than that, say in the $100 range? As of the writing of this post, you might be delighted to learn that both are possible.

How Much Should Modeling Digitals Cost?

Modeling digitals prices can depend on the photographer you will work with. Some photographers will price their services much higher than another photographer. But paying a photographer more does not automatically equate to getting better results. It is possible to pay less for modeling digitals in Los Angeles and still get great or superior results than elsewhere.

Why prices might vary quite wildly depends on a lot of factors. Some photographers simply feel they are worth a minimum price, no matter how simple the shoot might be. Other photographers might have more expenses than another photographer. For example, if one photographer has a commercial studio, there are a lot more expenses that go into that versus a photographer that only shoots outdoors in public places.

Still, there are other factors that can help reduce the cost of modeling digitals, particularly because they are digitals versus other photo sessions like acting headshots. There is more complexity in creating acting headshots, which can mean that they cost more, generally speaking.

Streamlined Model Digitals Session Cuts Pricing

There are no singular rules about how modeling digitals should be done. This is because there are dozens of modeling agencies in Los Angeles alone. Each wants different types of digitals. However, it is possible to get types of digitals that most agencies will probably want from you. Usually, these include the following, against as plain a background as possible, typically a white background:

Modeling Headshots

They will want to see you makeup-free with a really close shot of your face, otherwise knows as a good modeling headshot. These shots are straight on in addition to profile views. If you have long hair, you’ll want to do some with your hair down but not in your face, and with a ponytail.

Full Body Modeling Shot

You will also want to have several full body shots made. These will include very basic no-posing versions in addition to many where you pose like a model would. For the non-posed shots, you will also want to create profile versions too.

Half Body or Three Quarter Body Shots

It’s easy enough to crop in on some of the full body shots to create half body and three quarter body shots too. But if time permits, ask your photographer to also create some of these during your session. If time also permits for an outfit change, it’s a good idea. Options are usually useful. Also, it is a good idea to wear form fitting clothes that contrast well with the background. For example, if the background is pure white, wearing a white T-shirt is not going to produce the best contrast. While there is no rule to using a white shirt, it’s just not as optimal as a black shirt against a white background. The same consideration should be made for your skin tone. Balance using colors that help contrast the background but also your skin tone. But again, make sure the clothes are form-fitting. A key point about your digitals is they need to see your physique and baggy clothes will not help with this.

All of these shots can be done quite streamlined with the right photographer. As a result, sessions can be kept short on time and thus, prices are possible near the $100 range.

Digitals Don’t Need Retouching – Saves Time and Money

A quick note about retouching your digitals. Typically, don’t do it. Most modeling agencies in Los Angeles want to see you all-natural, with no-makeup and your hair not all made up. You can create shots with makeup and your hair done for your modeling portfolio photos but not for your digitals. As a result of not needing retouching, this also saves the photographer time, which translates into saving you some money.

Can I Take Modeling Digitals Myself?

You can do just about anything things yourself, if you know how to. Some people know how to build a house. Some people know how to bake cakes. Most of us hire experts to do such things when they really need to count. The same is true of your digitals. You will come across the advice to just use your phone camera or a friend’s camera but here are some reasons to not:

#1 You can find a real photographer to help you for less than you probably think.

#2 Most model agencies want you in bright even lighting, usually of daylight color. This can be tricky to find or create, if you don’t understand lighting like a photographer does.

#3 As a model, you will usually be working with a photographer on a campaign. So, why not start now?

#4 As with everything in life that is important, always put your best effort into it. Working with a photographer ensures this.

#5 A photographer experienced with modeling digitals can help you with posing.

As of the writing of this post, you can find photographers in Los Angeles to help with digitals from around $100 to around $500. If you do your research, you might also find that for around $100 you can get results as good or better than the highest priced options you might come across.