In the modeling industry, “Snaps” or “Polaroids” are simple, unretouched photographs of a model taken in natural light with minimal or no makeup and basic clothing (often a plain tank top or t-shirt and jeans or leggings).  

They serve several crucial purposes:

• Authentic Representation: Snaps provide a true and unvarnished look at the model’s natural appearance, body shape, and proportions without the influence of professional styling, hair, makeup, or retouching. This allows agencies and clients to see the model’s raw potential and how they naturally look.  
• Evaluation of Potential: Agencies use snaps to evaluate a new or potential model’s features, physique, and overall look to determine if they fit their roster and the types of jobs they might be suitable for.
• Keeping Records Updated: Even established models regularly update their snaps to reflect any changes in their appearance, such as hair length, weight, or tattoos. These updated snaps are shared with agencies and clients.
• Client Reference: When presenting models to clients for potential jobs, agencies often include their latest snaps alongside their professional portfolio. This gives clients a realistic expectation of what the model looks like in person.
• Simplicity and Efficiency: Snaps are quick and inexpensive to produce, allowing for frequent updates without the need for elaborate photoshoots.

Key characteristics of modeling “Snaps”:

• Natural Light: Usually taken outdoors or in a well-lit indoor space with natural daylight.
• Minimal or No Makeup: The focus is on the model’s natural skin and features.  
• Simple Clothing: Typically form-fitting basics that show the model’s silhouette clearly.
• Plain Background: To avoid distractions, a simple, uncluttered background is preferred.
• Standard Poses: Models usually pose straight-on, in profile, and sometimes with a few basic poses to show their figure.
• Unretouched: Snaps are not edited or retouched in any way.

In summary, “Snaps” in the modeling industry are essential tools for agencies and clients to assess a model’s natural appearance and potential, providing an honest and up-to-date representation.