Sedcard for Models: What Is It and How Do I Create One?
The sedcard — also called a composite card or Z-card — is the single most important tool for any model. It’s your business card with agencies, clients, and at castings. No sedcard, no professional impression. CM Models explains what needs to be on it and how to create a good one.
What Is a Sedcard?
A sedcard (from “Sedding Card”) is a compact photo card — usually in 10×15 cm or A5 format — that a model presents at castings and bookings. At a glance, it shows:
- The model’s most important photos (face, full body, details)
- Body measurements (height, weight, clothing size, shoe size)
- The agency’s contact details
“Your sedcard is your first impression — and it counts. No client books without one.”
What Needs to Be on a Sedcard?
Front Side
- Main photo: clean headshot, natural light, minimal makeup
- Name (first name only for minors)
- Agency logo and contact
Back Side
- 3–4 more photos: full body, half body, one editorial look
- Measurements: height | weight | clothing size | shoe size | hair color | eye color
- Agency contact
What Photos Do I Need for My Sedcard?
Your sedcard photos need to be professional — but not overproduced. What agencies and clients want to see:
- Natural headshot: clear face, good light, no heavy filters
- Neutral full body: solid-colored clothing to show your proportions
- Character shot: your personality, an editorial look, or a shot in motion
- Detail photo: hands, hair, or a specific feature that sets you apart
When Do I Need a Sedcard?
As a newcomer at a model agency, the sedcard is usually produced right after signing your contract — often with a photographer from the agency itself. At CM Models, as a fresh agency member, you get professional polaroids right after your casting.
Can I Make My Own Sedcard?
Technically, yes. In practice, it’s not recommended. DIY productions often look unprofessional and can cost you castings. If you don’t have an agency yet, invest in a professional starter shoot rather than smartphone photos.
Ready for the next step? Apply at CM Models — after a successful casting, we’ll take care of your first professional sedcard. You can find more about the requirements for models here.
The Sedcard Photo Shoot: How to Prepare
The sedcard shoot is often the very first professional shoot of your modeling career — and therefore crucial for how you start out with agencies and clients. Anyone who shows up to set prepared gets the most out of the day.
The Most Important Tips for Your First Sedcard Shoot
- Sleep and skincare: get enough sleep for at least two days before the shoot and hydrate your skin well — the camera doesn’t forgive tiredness
- Prepare your clothes: pack several neutral outfits (white, black, beige) — the photographer will choose on set
- Keep makeup subtle: for headshots, less is more; the focus is on your natural features
- Be punctual: professionals arrive 15 minutes early — it shows reliability and gives you time to settle in
- Bring reference photos: show the photographer examples you like — communication saves valuable shoot time
“A good sedcard shoot doesn’t need expensive locations or elaborate equipment — it needs light, a good face, and a model who knows what they want.”
Next Steps After the Shoot
With your finished sedcard in hand, you can actively start applying. Look into the requirements for models and find out your body measurements as a model before submitting your application. At CM Models we guide you from your first application, through the casting, all the way to your finished sedcard — so your start is a professional one.
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