What to send to a modeling agency: beginner submission checklist

Applying to a modeling agency should not feel mysterious. Most beginner submissions need the same basic materials: clean digitals, accurate measurements, location, contact details, and sometimes a short note or comp card.

You do not need an expensive portfolio to make a first impression. In many cases, simple, natural photos are more useful than heavily styled images because agencies want to see your real proportions, face, and potential.

Quick Answer

For a first modeling agency submission, send:

• 3 to 5 clean digitals
• Height and basic measurements
• Age if required
• City/country
• Contact email
• Instagram handle only if it is professional
• A simple comp card if you already have one
• A short, polite note

Do not send private images, heavy retouching, a 40-photo portfolio, sensitive documents, or payment unless you have verified exactly who you are dealing with.

The Photos To Send

1. Headshot digital

Use natural light, a plain background, and minimal styling. Your face should be clear. Avoid heavy makeup, sunglasses, dramatic filters, or beauty-retouching apps.

The goal is not to create a perfect beauty campaign. The goal is to show what you look like.

2. Full-body digital

Stand straight, facing the camera. Wear simple fitted clothing so your body proportions are visible. A black top and simple jeans, leggings, or fitted trousers usually work well.

Keep the framing clean:

• Full body visible
• Camera around chest height
• No mirror distortion
• No wide-angle exaggeration
• No cluttered background

3. Side/profile digital

A side view helps agencies understand your posture, proportions, and facial profile. Keep it simple and natural.

4. Optional: three-quarter shot

A three-quarter shot can help if you photograph well from movement or angles, but do not overcomplicate the set. If you only have time for three photos, prioritize headshot, full body, and side profile.

5. Optional: smiling shot

Commercial and lifestyle agencies often value warmth and expression. A simple smiling headshot can help, especially if your look fits commercial, e-commerce, fitness, or family/lifestyle work.

Need the photo setup first? Use the full modeling digitals guide.

Measurements And Details To Include

Add basic stats in the body of the email or form. Use the units common in your market, or include both metric and imperial if applying internationally.

Include:

• Height
• Bust/chest
• Waist
• Hips
• Shoe size
• Hair color
• Eye color
• City/country
• Age if the form asks for it
• Parent/guardian contact for teen models

Do not guess. If you are unsure, measure again. Wrong measurements can cause problems later when clients book samples, fittings, or wardrobe.

Should You Send A Comp Card?

If you have a clean comp card, yes. A comp card gives agencies a quick one-page overview of your photos and measurements.

Keep it simple:

• One strong headshot
• One full-body image
• A few supporting photos
• Measurements
• Name
• Location
• Contact email

Do not use a comp card filled with old photos, inaccurate measurements, or heavy retouching. A simple accurate comp card is better than a flashy one.

If you need one, build your free comp card.

Should You Send A Portfolio?

Only send a portfolio if it is strong and relevant. Beginners often hurt their chances by sending too many weak photos.

Avoid:

• Party photos
• Selfies with filters
• Over-edited beauty shots
• Low-quality TFP images
• Photos where your face or proportions are unclear

If your portfolio is not ready, send digitals first. Agencies are used to seeing beginners.

What Not To Send

For a first submission, do not send:

• Passport or ID scans unless you have verified the agency and process
• Bank details
• Private images
• Revealing photos
• Passwords or login access
• Payment for "review"
• A giant file transfer with every photo you have

More is not more. Safe, standard, clean is the strategy.

Copy-Paste Submission Email

Subject: Model Submission - [Your Name] - [City]

Hello,

My name is [Name], and I am based in [City/Country]. I am interested in being considered for representation.

My details:

- Height:
- Bust/chest:
- Waist:
- Hips:
- Shoe size:
- Hair:
- Eyes:
- Age: [if required]

I have attached recent digitals and a simple comp card.

Thank you for your time.

[Name]
[Email]
[Instagram, optional]

What To Do Next

Take your digitals first. Then build your comp card. Then send one clean submission.

If an agency wants more, they can ask. Your first job is to make it easy for them to see your real look without giving away more than they need.

Start with how to take modeling digitals, then build your comp card. If you want to understand what agencies are evaluating, read what modeling agencies look for.