Model Submission Vibes - Agency Digitals + 1 Look
Perfect for new, aspiring, unsigned, and working models preparing for agency submissions, castings, and commercial opportunities.
The Process
Before shoot day, we’ll connect over a Zoom consultation to align on goals, market, and visual direction. We’ll also chat about which outfits to wear for your agency digitals shoot (aka Model Polaroids) and options for your extra look.
Digitals (Women): Fitted black (or white) tank top with fitted blue or black jeans or leggings for one look, then a simple 2 pc bikini set for the second “Digitals look” (which is optional). Keep footwear clean and minimal — strappy black or nude heels work best.
Digitals (Men): A common go-to is a tank top with jeans, followed by a shirtless look with jeans or black shorts for the second outfit. Stick to clean sneakers or loafers, no boots.
BEFORE THE SHOOT
Sessions take place in my Evanston studio (on-location from the Chicago Loop to downtown Milwaukee on specific days). Please arrive camera-ready with hair and makeup done.
We’ll start with your commercial look to showcase your personality and movement, then transition into agency digitals. Bring makeup wipes to remove the makeup for your agency digitals, since they need to be shot with little to no makeup.
These sessions are quick and super focused so that we can capture all the angles that you need for submissions and castings.
THE PHOTOSHOOT
Once your session wraps, everything moves into a smooth, organized post-production process.
Within 2–5 business days, your agency digitals will be delivered via Google Drive for easy access and downloads. (WeTransfer is also available upon request). You will also receive a Proofing Galley (within 2 - 7 business days) to select which commercial photos you want for your package (you can also choose to retouch an agency digital from your selects if you like).
If you’re not currently signed and actively looking, I’ll also provide a curated list of agencies I recommend submitting to—chosen specifically to match your look and overall vibe.
AFTER THE SHOOT
Trusted by New and Aspiring & Model Agencies Across Chicago + Worldwide
80+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews from real working talent.
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We recently had new digitals done with Patrick Simmons Photography, and the entire experience was outstanding! Patrick made the process comfortable and fun from start to finish. He has such a great eye for lighting, angles, and detail, which really brought out the best in every shot. The results were clean, professional, and exactly what we needed for updated portfolio images. Patrick’s professionalism, creativity, and friendly personality made the session stress-free, and his quick turnaround on the final images was a huge bonus. If you’re looking for high-quality photography that truly captures you at your best, I highly recommend Patrick Simmons. We couldn’t be happier with our digitals!
- Julie
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Patrick has a very friendly and easy-going personality. As a photographer, he is experienced and knowledgeable in his craft. His amiable personality and skills in photography allow for an enjoyable, low-stress, yet productive photo shoot. He will also provide tips and advice for models during the shoot if necessary. This makes it easier for models at any level of experience. The studio space is clean and polished yet well-decorated. My session with him was very efficient yet comfortable which made for an easy process.
- Hannah
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Patrick was a wonderful photographer to work with! I had my modeling digitals taken with Patrick, and he was quick, kind, and made sure that I felt confident. I highly recommend for high-quality industry-standard modeling photos that you will feel excited to submit to agencies and more!
- Leela
FAQ — Agency Digitals + 1 Commercial Portfolio Look
What are modeling digitals?
Modeling digitals are a series of clean, unedited photographs that show agencies, clients, and casting directors exactly what you look like right now. They are typically photographed against a simple background with little to no makeup, minimal styling, and form-fitting clothing.
Digitals are one of the first things agencies and clients review when considering a model for representation, castings, or bookings.
Why are modeling digitals important?
Digitals are the modeling industry's version of a resume.
They give agents, bookers, and casting directors an honest view of your face, body proportions, skin, hair, and overall marketability without distractions from heavy retouching, dramatic styling, or creative photography.
Many agencies will request updated digitals before considering new talent or submitting existing models for jobs.
What is included in this session?
This session includes:
✔ Industry-Standard Agency Digitals
✔ 1 Additional Commercial Portfolio Look
✔ 1-Hour Session
✔ Zoom Consultation
✔ All Usable Agency Digitals (Unedited)
✔ 3 Lightly Retouched Commercial Images
✔ Online Gallery for You and Your Agent
Why is the extra commercial look included?
Because agencies don't just want to see what you look like—they also want to see how marketable you are.
While digitals help agencies evaluate your raw potential, commercial portfolio images help them understand how you photograph in real-world advertising situations.
The additional commercial look gives you:
A polished image for agency submissions
Portfolio content for casting websites
Images for social media and self-promotion
A stronger first impression with Midwest agencies and clients
Many Midwest agencies represent models for commercial, lifestyle, healthcare, retail, tourism, hospitality, and e-commerce work. Having at least one strong commercial image helps demonstrate that you can connect with a camera and potentially book these types of jobs.
Why is the commercial look especially important for Midwest agencies?
The Midwest market is heavily commercial.
Many agencies throughout Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Indianapolis, Detroit, Minneapolis, and surrounding markets submit models for clients such as:
Target
Kohl's
Walgreens
Healthcare companies
Universities
Financial institutions
Tourism campaigns
Lifestyle brands
E-commerce retailers
These clients often want approachable, relatable people rather than high-fashion editorial models.
Your commercial look helps agents visualize how you might fit into these campaigns and can help strengthen your overall submission package.
What should be included in modeling digitals?
A standard set of agency digitals typically includes:
Headshot
A clean, well-lit image showing your facial features clearly.
Profile Views
Images from both sides that showcase facial structure.
Three-Quarter Length
A mid-length image showing proportions and posture.
Full-Length
A full-body image displaying overall physique and proportions.
Swimsuit/Bikini (Women) or Fitted T-Shirt/Shirtless (Men)
Images that help agencies evaluate physique and body proportions.
How should I prepare for this session?
The most efficient shoot flow is to arrive camera-ready.
We recommend:
Hair already styled and ready to shoot
Makeup already completed
Wardrobe steamed and prepared
Commercial outfit ready to photograph first
We will photograph your commercial portfolio look at the beginning of the session while your hair and makeup are fresh.
Once the commercial images are completed, you'll use makeup wipes to remove all makeup so we can capture clean, agency-standard digitals.
Please Bring:
Makeup wipes
Moisturizer or lip balm
Black or blue fitted jeans (or black leggings)
Black or white fitted tank top
Women: 2 pc black swimsuit + Nude or black heels
Men: black or neutral swim trunks + Clean, simple footwear
This workflow allows us to maximize the hour and produce both strong commercial images and agency-ready digitals without rushing.
Why are the digitals photographed last?
Agency digitals are intended to show your natural appearance.
By photographing the commercial look first and digitals second, we get the best of both worlds:
Professional portfolio content
Clean agency digitals
Maximum use of your session time
This approach is far more efficient than starting with digitals and then rebuilding hair and makeup for commercial photos afterward.
How often should I update my modeling digitals?
Most agencies recommend updating digitals every 3–6 months or anytime your appearance changes significantly.
Examples include:
Haircuts
Hair color changes
Weight changes
New tattoos or piercings
Significant skin changes
Changes in fitness level
Your digitals should always represent what you look like today—not six months ago.
Can I retouch my modeling digitals?
No.
Agency digitals should remain completely unretouched.
They are designed to provide an honest representation of your appearance. Retouching defeats the purpose and can create problems during castings and bookings.
The commercial images included with this session receive light professional retouching and are intended for your portfolio and marketing materials.
Are modeling digitals different from a modeling portfolio?
Yes.
Modeling Digitals
Clean
Unedited
Simple backgrounds
Evaluation tool for agencies and clients
Modeling Portfolio Images
Professionally styled
Creative and market-specific
Lightly retouched
Showcase personality, versatility, and booking potential
Think of digitals as your resume and portfolio images as your work samples.
The combination of strong digitals and a polished commercial image creates one of the strongest submission packages for today's Midwest modeling market.