Glossary for for people wanting to become a Model

Helps explain those "trade" words you may not know if you start modelling

Advertising Agency

Companies that specialice in creating ads to promote products and services.

Agency

Companies that represent people (models, actors etc). A modelling agency represents and promotes its models and are usually responsible for the business side of the business ie contracts, booking, payments etc.

Agency Book

The book of models agencies distribute to their clients to gain work. It includes details of the models.

Backdrop

The background when an image of a model is made. It can be inside in a studio or outside.

Beauty Shot

A close-up image often used in a cosmetics ad.

Bio

A brief summary of a models working life.

Bookout

When you are not available for work ie you are already booked for other work.

Clean-Clean

Means clean face, clean hair and not made up at all.

Composite Card

Sometimes called a comp card, zed card or model business card. A card that promotes you - brief summary, statistics, a couple of different images, contact information etc.

Contact Sheet

Sometimes called Proofs. A sheet of small images taken in a photo shoot. Easy to view and select images to be used.

Dresser

Person responsible for dressing the model and making sure the clothes fit perfectly..

Fashion Fit Model

A male or female model with perfect proportions for a given clothing size. They are used as the base for new designs.

Fitting

When clothes are altered to fit the model before photos are taken. Often involves a lot of hanging around with stylists, seamstresses and designers making changes.

Freelance Model

A model not dependent on one agency for work or a model who works without an agent.

Go-see

What every model wants - an appointment with a potential client.

Headsheet

Agencies use posters these to display head shots and information on models they represent.

Location

Somewhere, outside a studio, where models work. When a model is on location they are away from the comforts of a studio and need to be prepared for the change of situation - sometimes it better!

Model Release

A legal document allowing a photographer use photos from a specific shoot.

Photographer Release

A contract signed by the photographer allowing a model to use the photos from a specific shoot.

Portfolio

Also known as the Book or Model's Book. It shows a cross section of the models best and most recent work. It demonstrates their assets and skills to potential clients.

Prints For Time

When models work for photographers without money changing hands.

Resume

Brief information about a model including age, statistics, education and experience.

Studio

Where photographs are taken and images created. There are different types like Cove or Cyc or Cyclone Studio (no corners - smooth and rounded everywhere, and Daylight Studio (uses natural light)

Tear Sheet

Pages "torn" from magazines showing the model. These are included in portfolios and are more valuable than photos - they show the model at work..

Test Shoot

Photographers and models working together to achieve new looks.

Usages

A model's pay is often based on usage - the more times an image or photo is used the more they earn. Some times the photo/film is seen once by a small number of people - low usage. Sometimes the photo/film is seen repeatedly across the world - high usage.

Zed Card

See Composite Card.

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CAUTION when BECOMING A MODEL

You will gain the respect of agencies, photographers and fellow models by being cautious i.e. checking references - it may be alien to you initially but you will soon find it's the right way of working. Clients and photographers will not take offence they will respect you.
You need to be cautious if you want to start modelling.