Shooting Pola à Lyon — Comment Postuler dans une Agence de Mannequin ?

Tu rêves de voir ton visage sur le book d'une agence ? Tu as déjà cette intuition que le mannequinat, c'est fait pour toi, mais tu ne sais pas par où commencer ? La première étape, c'est presque toujours la même : des photos pola, simples, honnêtes, sans artifice. Pas besoin d'un book de 30 pages ni d'un studio hollywoodien. Juste toi, une lumière propre, un fond uni, et 30 minutes pour capturer ce que les agences cherchent vraiment : ton visage tel qu'il est, ta présence, ton potentiel brut.

C'est exactement ce que je te propose à Lyon,
avec une formule pensée pour démarrer sans se ruiner et sans stresser.

The aim is simple: show you as you really are,
without excessive styling or retouching.

Plus d'infos ? Contacte moi 
Pierre-Alain    pierre-alain@visuels-photos.fr

Looking for a complete model portfolio? I also offer professiona lmodel portfolio and book photography in Lyon.

C'est quoi une pola, et pourquoi toutes les agences en demandent ?

Le terme vient des anciens polaroïds utilisés à l'époque pour "tester" un visage avant de signer un mannequin. Aujourd'hui la photo est numérique, mais le principe n'a pas changé : pas de retouche, pas de mise en scène, pas de maquillage épais.

Les agences de mannequinat et les directeurs de casting veulent voir ta vraie tête,
sous une lumière neutre, sur un fond uni, pour juger ta photogénie naturelle.

C'est la porte d'entrée obligatoire pour :

  • Postuler dans une agence de mannequin à Lyon ou ailleurs
  • Répondre à un casting
  • Mettre à jour ton book si ton visage a changé (coupe de cheveux, silhouette, âge)
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À côté des polas classiques, on te demande de plus en plus des digitals : les mêmes codes (fond neutre, lumière douce, zéro retouche), mais pensés pour être envoyés directement en fichier numérique aux agences, sans même passer par un book complet. C'est exactement le format de cette formule.

Model Digitals Session – €89

€89 – 30-minute session

The session includes:

  • 30 minutes of photography;
  • a selection of natural model digitals;
  • 8 professionally selected photographs;
  • images suitable for agency submissions and castings;
  • no beauty retouching.

The session is designed to be simple, efficient and focused on what agencies need to see.

Why Do Modelling Agencies Ask for Digitals?

Agencies need recent, natural photographs to evaluate a model before deciding whether to meet or represent them.

Model digitals allow agencies to see your face, proportions, body shape and natural appearance without the effects of fashion styling, makeup or heavy retouching.

They are commonly used for:

   - Agency applications,
   - Updating an agency profile,
   - Castings,
   - New model submissions,
   - Applications to agencies in France and internationally.

En option : Portrait Expression, pour aller plus loin que la pola

The aim of the session is to capture your natural appearance and personality.

There is no need to force poses or expressions. I will guide you throughout the session to help you feel comfortable and obtain natural, relaxed images.

The photographs should remain simple and authentic, allowing agencies and casting professionals to see the person behind the image.

CThis option is aimed at those who want to:

  • Enhance their portfolio beyond standard headshots
  • Prepare for a casting call that requires greater expressiveness
  • Build confidence in front of the camera ahead of a proper portfolio shoot
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€90 for 6 ‘expression’ photos, plus an extra 30 minutes added to the Polaroid session.

I’ll advise you, guide you and correct you so that the expression you’re aiming for really comes across.
This posing coaching session involves an additional 30 minutes. It takes place against a black background with lighting designed to highlight your expressions.

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How Does a Model Digitals Session Work?

1 — Preparation
We discuss your requirements and any specific instructions provided by an agency.

2 — Shooting
We work through the essential views required for your digitals: close-up, full length, three-quarter and profile views.

3 — Selection
I select the strongest photographs and provide the final images ready for agency submissions.

What Should I Wear for Model Digitals?

Simple, fitted clothing: jeans with a tank top or plain T-shirt. No patterns or logos.

Clean, simply styled hair: worn up or down, according to your natural style.

No heavy makeup: a light, even complexion and a touch of mascara are enough. Agencies want to see your real face.

A good night's sleep is more important than any beauty product — your natural appearance should speak for itself.


Model Photographer in Lyon

I am a professional photographer based in Lyon, France, specialising in portrait, dance, artist and model photography.

For model digitals, the approach is deliberately simple: neutral lighting, clean backgrounds and minimal direction allow your natural appearance to remain the focus.

The objective is not to transform you, but to provide clear and professional images that accurately represent you.

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Ready to make the step ?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are model digitals or polaroids? 

Model digitals, also known as polaroids, are simple and natural photographs used by modelling agencies to evaluate a model's appearance. They show your face, proportions and natural appearance without elaborate styling or beauty retouching.

Why do I need model digitals?
Agencies often ask for recent digitals when you apply for representation, update your profile or submit yourself for a casting. They allow agencies to see what you look like naturally, without the influence of fashion styling or heavy retouching.

How should I prepare for my model digitals session?

Keep it simple. Wear fitted, plain clothing without patterns or logos, and keep your hair natural and simply styled. Heavy makeup is not recommended. Most importantly, get a good night's sleep — your natural appearance should speak for itself.

If an agency has given you specific requirements, bring them with you to the session.

Are the photos retouched?

No beauty retouching is applied to model digitals. The purpose of these photographs is to show your real, natural appearance.
Basic adjustments such as exposure, colour and cropping may be made to ensure that the images are clean and consistent.

What photographs are included in the session?

The session includes 8 selected photographs showing the essential views generally required for model digitals, such as close-up, full-length, three-quarter and profile views.

How long does the session take?

The model digitals session lasts approximately 30 minutes. The session is deliberately straightforward and efficient, allowing us to focus on the essential photographs without unnecessary styling or elaborate setups.

Can I use the photos for agency applications and castings?

Yes. The photographs are intended for modelling agency submissions, castings and profile updates.

However, each agency may have its own requirements regarding the number, format or type of photographs requested. If you have specific instructions, we can take them into account during the session.

Do you photograph new and aspiring models?

Yes. You do not need previous modelling experience. The session is suitable for new faces, aspiring models and experienced models who need recent digitals.

I will guide you through the different poses and views, so you do not need to know exactly what to do in front of the camera.

Do you photograph male models?

Yes. Model digitals sessions are available for both male and female models.

Where does the session take place?

The session takes place in Lyon, France. The exact location and practical information are provided when booking.

Can I have a model portfolio as well as digitals?

Yes. Model digitals and a model portfolio serve different purposes.

Digitals are simple, natural images intended primarily for agencies and castings. A model portfolio is more creative and varied, allowing you to show different looks, expressions, poses and styles.

If you want to go further than your digitals, discover my model portfolio photography in Lyon.