Straits Talents

Application Guide

Photo & Video Requirements

Everything you need to know before submitting your application. Follow this guide to prepare your materials — or hand it to your photographer as a brief.

picture_as_pdfPrint this page to brief your photographer

1Natural SnapshotsSnapshots2Casting VideoVideo3Comp CardComp Card4PortfolioPortfolio
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All images on this page are AI-generated. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.
1

Natural Snapshots

These are the most important photos in your application. The goal is a completely natural, unedited view of your current appearance — no makeup, no styling, no filters. Agencies need to see the real you to match you with the right projects.

Upload at least 6 photos

1. Portrait: Frontal face

Look straight into the camera. Neutral expression.

2. Portrait: Smiling

A second frontal portrait — smiling with teeth.

3. Profile: Left side

Turn fully to your left. Stand straight.

4. Profile: Right side

Turn fully to your right. Stand straight.

5. Full Body: Frontal

Wear heels. Arms relaxed at sides. Neutral background.

6. Full Body: Back

Turn away from camera. Same position — heels, relaxed.

7. Profile: Left or Right

Additional profile view if desired.

8. Full Length: Frontal or Back

Another full-body angle if you have one.

Examples

No makeup, natural hair, soft window light, plain white wall behind.

Heavy makeup, styled hair, harsh flash creating shadows, patterned background.

What to do

  • check_circleNo makeup
  • check_circleNo hair styling — natural texture
  • check_circleNo jewelry
  • check_circleForm-fitting clothing (black or white tank top and leggings, or simple swimwear)
  • check_circleWear heels for all full-body shots
  • check_circleSolid neutral background — white or light grey wall
  • check_circleSoft natural daylight from a window

What to avoid

  • cancelNo filters of any kind
  • cancelNo retouching or skin smoothing
  • cancelNo harsh direct flash
  • cancelNo busy or coloured backgrounds
  • cancelNo accessories or statement clothing
  • cancelNo poses that obscure your body shape

Technical Requirements

Formats
JPG, JPEG, PNG — HEIC is auto-converted
Max file size
10 MB per photo
Minimum
6 photos (slots 1–6 must be filled)
Maximum
8 photos
2

Casting Video

A short self-tape that lets us see your personality, voice, natural movement, and emotional range. It doesn't need to be polished — genuine is better. Follow the steps below in order. You can record everything in a single take, or film each scene separately and join them into one file before uploading — both approaches work.

Step-by-step shooting script

1

Setup

Before you press record

Place the camera at eye level — use a tripod, a stack of books, or prop it against something stable. Switch to landscape (horizontal) orientation. Stand in front of a plain, neutral background. Turn off any background music. Make sure your face is well-lit — soft natural light from a window works best.

lightbulbEach scene uses a different frame — you may need to reposition the camera between takes: Introduction and Emotions use a half-body frame (waist up); the 360° Turn uses a full-body frame.

2

Introduction

~10 secondsHalf body

Face the camera. Say: “Hi, my name is [name]. I'm [age] years old, [height] tall, and my hobby is [hobby].” Speak naturally. A warm smile is welcome.

Example

“Hi, my name is Jane. I'm 24 years old, 172 cm tall, and my hobby is playing tennis.”

lightbulbNo need to memorise anything — just say it the way you'd introduce yourself to someone new.

3

360° Turn

~12 secondsFull body

Start facing the camera. Rotate slowly to your left: left profile → back → right profile → return to face front. Take your time — each angle should be clearly visible. Keep your chin level throughout.

lightbulbWear the same form-fitting outfit as your natural snapshots if possible.

4

Hands

~5 seconds

Raise both hands toward the camera. Show your palms facing forward, then flip to show the backs of your hands. Lower your hands.

5

Four Emotions

~20 secondsHalf body

Show each of the four emotions below — a few seconds each. No performance is needed. Just bring the feeling to mind for a moment and let your expression follow naturally. See the prompts below.

6

Wrap

~3 seconds

Return to a neutral expression. Give a small nod or a quiet smile, hold still for 1–2 seconds, then stop recording.

How to find each emotion

Don't try to make your face look a certain way. Bring the feeling to mind for a moment — your expression will follow on its own.

Happy

Think of something that genuinely made you laugh recently.

Sad

Recall a moment that felt heavy or quiet.

Angry

Imagine someone crossing a line you care about.

Surprised

Picture unexpectedly running into someone you haven’t seen in years.

Technical Requirements

Formats
MP4, MOV
Max file size
100 MB
Required
1 video file
Duration
45–60 seconds recommended
Editing
Single take or separate clips joined into one file — your choice
Reshoots
Fine to reshoot — submit only your best final version
3

Comp Card

A comp card (composite card) is your digital business card — a single file that gives clients a quick overview of your look and key measurements. If you already have one, upload it here.

style

Don't have a comp card yet?

Use our free generator — choose a layout, upload your photos, and download a print-ready card in minutes.

Create Cardarrow_forward
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No personal contact details

Your comp card must not contain a personal phone number, personal email address, or home address. Cards created with our generator already include the correct agency contact details automatically. If you are uploading your own card, make sure it shows only your photos and measurements — remove any personal contacts before uploading.

Photos, measurements, agency name and contact. Clean layout, no personal contact details.

Personal phone number or email address visible on the card.

Technical Requirements

Formats
JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF
Max file size
10 MB (high resolution required)
Required
1 file — mandatory
4

Portfolio

Your portfolio gives us a sense of your range and personality beyond the application photos. It can include professional work if you have it, or simply a few strong photos from everyday life — both are equally welcome. You can mix images and videos — there is no required combination. Upload whatever best represents your range and experience.

Professional Work

If you have professional shoot experience, this is the place to show it.

Magazine tearsheet

Campaign photo

Test shoot

Dynamic editorial

Lifestyle Photos

No professional experience? No problem. A few strong photos from everyday life can tell us just as much. Most people have 3–4 photos that genuinely capture them well — here is what makes a portfolio-worthy lifestyle shot.

Street / outdoor

Café / indoor

Nature / park

Everyday moment

What works

  • check_circleYour face is clearly visible and well-lit
  • check_circleThe moment feels natural — a real expression, not a pose
  • check_circleThe background doesn't distract from you as the subject
  • check_circleClothing is neat and appropriate
  • check_circlePhoto is sharp and well-exposed

What to avoid

  • cancelGroup photos where it's unclear who you are
  • cancelHeavy filters or strong colour grading
  • cancelArm's-length selfies or mirror selfies
  • cancelDark, blurry, or heavily backlit photos
  • cancelBackgrounds that compete with your face

Common mistakes — photos that feel great but don't work for casting

Mirror selfie

You may look great — but a bathroom mirror tells us nothing useful. Background, lighting, and context all matter.

Face hidden

A famous backdrop is memorable for you — but casting needs to see your face clearly, not the landmark behind you.

Group photo

Group photos make it impossible to identify the applicant. We need to see you on your own, clearly framed.

Too filtered

Beauty apps change your features in ways casting can immediately spot — and it works against you.

Technical Requirements

Image formats
JPG, JPEG, PNG
Video formats
MP4, MOV
Max image size
10 MB per file
Max video size
100 MB per file
Maximum
10 files total
Required
Optional — skip if no portfolio yet

Ready? Submit your application.

Got your photos and video ready? The application takes around 15 minutes to complete. We review every submission personally.

Apply Nowarrow_forward
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