Model Lingo

There are some terms that you'll need to know if you want to be in the modeling world. Here are some of the most important:

1) TFP: Stands for "time for prints/photos", also called TFCDs "time for CD of images". This process involves a photographer taking your pictures and instead of paying him/her, you get a copy of all your images from the shoot and the photographer gets to use those photos to expand/update their portfolio. TF arrangements are free for both parties and may or may not require a model release form. Most models get a CD of all the images or their choice of their favorite shots, which are retouched by the photographer. TF arrangements are not black and white and the terms can be flexible as agreed upon by the model and photographer. If you see TF*, that means you can negotiate what you want out of the shoot, whether it is prints or a CD of photos.

2) Model Release Form: This is a document, usually one page, that lists the conditions agreed to between the model and the photographer. Each model release form differs but basically outlines what type of shoot it is, and what restrictions or limitations the model or photographer has when using the images for personal or professional purposes. The majority of model release forms require the model to waive (or dismiss) their claim of ownership/copyright to the photos, which means that they do not own any of the photos, nor are they allowed to make a profit from selling the images. They are allowed to use it for promotional purposes, however.

3) Go-See: The first time you meet with a prospective client who may be interested in booking you for a job.

4) Casting Agency: Not to be confused with a modeling/talent agency. This type of agency is responsible for contacting the agent with potential auditions, gigs and bookings for their models. Casting agencies do not represent models or talent, nor do they deal with modeling contracts, although many do allow models and actors to upload their photos and resume onto their database/website in order to notify them of upcoming projects. Casting agencies do not charge commission fees, although they may charge a small monthly fee to have your profile on in their database and/or website.

5) Exclusive Contract: When you sign a contract that is "exclusive" that means you can only work for that agent and cannot accept representation from anyone else. These types of contracts must be reviewed carefully. Exclusive contracts makes sure the talent/model doesn't get signed by a competing agent.

6) Non-Exclusive Contract: This type of contract allows you to be represented by other agencies or allows you to search and book your own gigs. Most non-exclusive contracts will have limitations to how their contract works. For example, if you are signed to a Los Angeles modeling agency under a non-exclusive contract, then you are free to get another agent outside of the LA market, such as San Francisco or New York. Each agency you sign with must offer a non-exclusive contract. Read the fine print carefully to see which areas you can have multiple representation in.

7) Open Casting Calls: Many agencies hold open casting calls, which are specific days and times out of the week where they'll accept walk-ins without an appointment. You get to meet the agency staff face-to-face. Be sure to check out the agency's website; they'll provide the dates and times they have open casting calls and what you should wear and bring.

8) Tear Sheet: A tear sheet is a page that's actually been torn out of the publication you appeared in. Many models use tear sheets of their photos in their portfolios because it gives clients a more authentic way to see what work you've done. A photo of yourself in an Old Navy magazine ad with the official logo and other print looks a lot more convincing than the photo by itself.

9) GWC: This is an acronym for "guy with a camera." This term refers to those individuals (mostly males) who have expensive cameras and label themselves "photographers" but generally have no training. Many of these types figure that just because they have a camera that costs over $2,000, that qualifies them to take "professional" pictures of models. The term GWC is a negative one and meant to describe those who shouldn't be trusted or worked with.

10) Implied Nudity: This type of modeling suggests that the model is nude but does not explicitly show any private parts. For example, a model with her hands over her bare breasts or a topless model with her back to the camera would qualify as implied. There will be times when the model will actually be nude on-set, however, she/he will be strategically covered up.

11) Cheat: This is industry-speak for "move." For example, "cheat to the right a little" means "move to the right a little." This term originated in the film industry and sometimes pops up in the modeling world.

12) Glamour Modeling: This type of modeling focuses on the actual model and not a product, clothes, or company brand. It is often adult or sexual in nature and often includes various stages of undress (implied nudity, partial nudity, full nudity). Many examples of glamour modeling can be found in men's magazines such as Maxim, FHM, King, and Smooth Magazine).

13): Commercial/Print Modeling: This type of modeling focuses on promoting a product, brand, idea, or company. Commercial/print models are used to sell products and are not required to look unique, stunning, or strange like runway models. The appeal is for the main public so these models are required to be attractive with symmetrical features and proportional figures. Consumers want to be able to relate to the model. Commercial/print models appear on billboards, catalogs, product labels and other forms of print material.

14) Fashion/Runway/Editorial Modeling: This type of modeling is all about selling and showcasing the latest clothes and trends in the fashion world via runway shows, photoshoots, ad campaigns and ads in high fashion magazines. Models in these fields are required to be very tall, very slim, and often possess facial features that are strange, weird, odd, alien, or unique.

15) Portfolio: This can be considered a model's "resume" of work, which contains a model's best photos, including tearsheets. Clients and agencies often determine a model's potential for success based on how strong his/her portfolio is. Model portfolios should be regularly updated as you take on new work. Only put the strongest images in your portfolio.

16) Book: Lingo for a model's portfolio. A model's "book" more specifically refers to the hard copy of the portfolio, as opposed to an online portfolio.

17) Test: This term refers to test shooting with a photographer for the first time.

18) Comp Card/Zed Card: This is the model's calling card, which is used by agencies to shop around their models to potential clients. Comp cards can come in all types of formats but usually consist of the model's headshot, name, measurements, and a selection of other photos that showcase what type of modeling he/she specializes in.

19) Inseam: The measurement that represents the length from the inside of the upper thigh, near the crotch area, to the ankle. The inseam is important when determining sizing for pants or other types of bottoms.

20) 3/4 Stance or 3/4 pose: This type of pose is typically taken from the mid-thigh up and is in between a profile and a full on pose. The 3/4 stance creates slimmer lines and is more flattering for a model's figure. For a better idea of what a 3/4 stance looks like, you can refer to beauty pageant contestants and how they often pose while standing or at the end of their walk.

21) Voucher: Modeling vouchers are a slip of paper that models must bring with them to gigs booked by their agency. These vouchers are necessary for receiving payment. After each gig, models should turn in their voucher(s) promptly in order for the payroll process to begin. The longer you wait to turn your voucher in, the longer you'll have to wait for a check. It is best to make blank copies so you always have some on hand. Ask your agency for blank vouchers if you don't already have them.

22) Booker/Model Booker: The booker is your best friend in a modeling agency. Each model is assigned a model booker and that person is solely responsible for finding you work and is the person that contacts you with the details about your castings, go-sees, and shoots. Your model booker will be your go-to person if you have questions, are running late for a gig, etc.

23) HWP: This stands for "height-weight-proportionate." This is a quick way for clients to ask for a model that is properly in proportion in all aspects, mainly their height, weight, and measurements.

24) Photog: This is pretty obvious but for those that aren't sure, this is simply shorthand for "photographer."

25) Port: Short for "portfolio."

26) DOE: Short for "depends on experience." Shorthand for the way compensation will work for a project/shoot. The more experience a model has, the more likely his/her pay rate will be higher than a new/inexperienced model. Sometimes DOE also appears as BOE, which is short for "based on experience" and means the same thing.

27) Headshot: A close up photo of your face. There are different ways to compose a headshot but it is basically taken from the shoulders up or closer. You should be facing the camera directly (no profiles) and you can choose to smile or not smile. Your hair should be out of your face and your makeup natural. Headshots are required for models to submit themselves for work.

28) Snapshots: This term is used to described photos taken that are not done professionally. Photos taken by a friend using a digital camera and then printed are an example of a snapshot. These usually come into play for new/inexperienced models that are submitting to modeling agencies for the first time. 9 times out of 10 agencies will specifically request digital snapshots that are not professionally done to really gage a person's modeling potential.

29) TG: This is short for "transgender." There are some transgender models out there and clients that need them. If you are not transgender and come across a model casting for "TG Models" do NOT submit.

30) Polars: This term is short for "polaroids." You do not need to use an actual Polaroid camera...this is just a general term for "snapshot" (see #28 for the definition of snapshot).

31) Kit Fee: You'll run into this term when working with a makeup artist. Not all makeup artists charge a kit fee, which is basically a small amount that you or the photographer (or you can both split the amount) are required to pay when working with them on a shoot. These fees usually help the makeup artist purchase new makeup items after using them on set (foundation, false lashes, etc). The kit fee varies from artist to artist and can be as small as $20 up to $75 or more. It is usually best to ask beforehand whether the makeup artist you plan to work with will charge a kit fee.

32) Callback: This term is typically used for acting but is becoming more common in modeling as well. A callback is like a second interview, which will require you to go back and meet with the client again. This means the client liked you enough after the first casting to have you come back in order to see if you are indeed the person they want to hire for their project. Sometimes callbacks will require you to look and dress the same way as you were at the first casting. This helps the client to remember who you are quicker--especially if the shoot or project has a theme.

33) Contact: When you talk to your agent they might tell you the name of your "contact." This term refers to your "contact person," who is the individual you will need to speak with when you arrive at your casting or for the actual modeling gig. The contact person usually is the go-to person if you have any questions or concerns.

34) Buyout: When clients do not want to deal with paying commissions, residuals or usage fees for models they have used in print ads and other marketing material, they will typically pay the model a buyout fee. By paying the model/agency this fee before the shoot, it legally means that you are not entitled to any future compensation by the client, even if they end up using your printed image in other places or for other purposes. Buyout rates vary but can be very beneficial for a model to receive. Some buyout rates, which are paid in addition to the pay rate for the actual modeling work performed, can be $500 or even $1,000 or higher.

35) Call Time: This is the time you are supposed to be on set. For example, if your agent/client tells you that your call time for a shoot is 8:30AM that means you need to be there and ready to work at 8:30AM.

36) MTF/FTM: These abbreviations fall under the transgendered model category. MTF is short for "male to female" and FTM is short for "female to male". Transgendered models should take careful note of which type the client is asking for before submitting.

37) Booking Out: This refers to notifying your agent of the dates and time frames when you are not available for castings, go-sees, fittings, shoots, etc. The method of booking out can include updating your schedule using an online calendar through your agency's website or emailing your agent of the times when you won't be able to take on modeling assignments.

38) Check Avail: This is short for "check availability". Agencies and casting directors will use this term when contacting you for modeling work that you may potentially be booked for. Oftentimes check avails are last minute (within 24-48 hour notice). Sometimes clients won't be able to plan ahead and won't hire their models until the day before so when you get contacted with a check avail, you will be notified of the project, shoot dates and time. The agency or casting director will need to know if you are available during those dates/times in order to officially submit you to the project.

39) BBW: This acronym is short for "Big Beautiful Woman." Clients using this term are often looking for plus size models.

40) Agency Tested: This designation is mainly used by photographers and means that they have experience doing test shoots with models represented by agencies. Working with an "agency tested" photographer is a huge benefit because they have direct experience doing portfolio work that meets the caliber of agency requirements and could have potential networking opportunities for new, unsigned models.

41) Lookbook (Look Book): A lookbook is a special collection of photographs that are put together to showcase/display a line of clothing--similar to a catalog. This type of publication is then shopped around to potential buyers, such as boutique stores, retailers and independent buyers. Those that are interested can then decide which items they want to carry in their stores.

42) Camera-Ready: Whenever a model is told to arrive to the set "camera-ready," this means they must do their hair, makeup and wardrobe themselves so that once they get to the gig, they'll be ready to get to work. This is often the case when a project doesn't have a makeup artist, hair stylist and/or wardrobe stylist available to take care of these things for the model.

43) Model Scout: A person who works for a modeling agency and is in charge of recruiting new faces for the company. They oftentimes venture out to popular local hang-outs in the hopes of finding male and females who they feel would do well as a professional model and meets the requirements of the agency. When a person gets "scouted," they'll be given the model scout's contact information so that an appointment can be arranged at a later date and time, which gives the scouted individual the opportunity to meet the agency staff and see if they would be an ideal candidate for agency representation.

44) Booking: This term simply means a modeling job that has been confirmed.

45) Main Board: This term refers to models on an agency's website who are their current, actively working and experienced models who have a large portfolio to showcase, including tearsheets.

46) Image/Direct Board: This term refers to model's on an agency's website who are not available for castings and go-sees (usually applies to internationally repped models that work in various markets) but are available to be booked directly based on the strength of their portfolio and professional experience.

47) New Faces: This term refers to models on an agency's website who are brand new to the industry and have little to no experience. Therefore, they do not have a portfolio or comp/zed cards or professional tearsheets to submit to clients. Snapshots/Polaroids are submitted instead in these instances.

48) Development Board: This term refers to models on an agency's roster who are new but have done their test shoots and typically have a basic portfolio and/or comp/zed cards for clients to view their potential.

49) Fitting: An event where the model meets up with the designer/client to try on the clothes for their assignment to make sure the clothing fits. The model's measurements are also taken to guarantee the correct garments are pulled and sized properly.