A gency
The Company that represents models, actors and talent of any kind (extras, dancers, TV presenters etc). A modeling agency is responsible for representing and promoting its roster of models to its clients and booking jobs for them. A models agency will usually handle all of the business side of a models life, including dealing with contracts, organizing jobs and certain travel and dealing with payment from jobs. Reputable agencies will not charge you to sign up with them, if they believe that you have what it takes to become a model then they will not require any money off of you (expect to pay for your own expenses though, such as the printing of comp cards, and the cost of your model books and any test shoots organized for you, often agencies will pay this money up front for you and then deduct it from future earnings with them.
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B ackdrop
whatever the model stands in front of during a photo shoot. Often during a studio shoot this will be colored or white paper which has been rolled down to cover from the ceiling to the floor under the models feet.
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B eauty shot
A close-up shot of part or all of the face, these shots are often used for makeup or cosmetics jobs, and can give good variety for a models portfolio.
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B ookout
The times when an agency cannot book a model because of other commitments (e.g. on holiday)
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C omposite (‘Comp') Card
Also referred to as a comp card, zed card or model card. A comp card is a piece of card or paper printed with a variety of different photos of you. It includes your name, your agencies contact information, and all your stats (height, shoe size, eye color etc). Agencies will print these for you as soon as possible after you have signed with them.
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C ontact Sheet
A photographic print out of all the photos which have been taken on a roll of film, this is also referred to as a ‘Proof sheet'. From this the photographer will decide which photos are best and choose the print them at a larger size.
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D resser
The person who helps a model to or catwalk show and makes sure that the clothing they are wearing is put on properly, dressers are essential backstage in catwalk shows because of the often chaotic conditions.
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F itting
This is the session that occurs before a fashion show or photo shoot where the model and client meet, try on all the clothes and have them fitted to the models body, this can often be quite a long process but is essential for fashion shows and certain photo shoots.
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F reelance Model
A model who does not have an agency, and finds jobs for him/herself.
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G o-see
The appointment made by an agency for one of their models to ‘Go See' a potential client.
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H ead Shot
A clear photograph (often a Polaroid) depicting just the head of a model or actor.
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L ocation
Anywhere other than a studio (e.g. in a field / on a beach) where you will be for a particular job, either film or photographic.
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M odel Release
A legal document provided by the client/photographer and signed by the model or models agent. This contract gives the photographer/client the right to use the photographs taken during this sitting for whatever use is specified on the release, as this is a legal document always make sure that you thoroughly read it!
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N ew Face:
A brand new model who has just started working with an agency.
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P hotographic Release
A contract signed by the photographer which allows the model or models agency to use the photograph(s) taken by him for a specific use (e.g. agency website)
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P ortfolio
Also called a Book or Model's Book. A notebook containing a collection of the model's best photographs (usually size 8"x10") and tear sheets. Model agencies will usually provide these, stamped with the agency logo for all of their models, but you should expect to have to cover this cost yourself.
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S cout:
Someone who works either for or on behalf of different model or talent agencies finding new faces, often through approaching people on the street.
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T ime For Prints (TFP)
An arrangement between the model and photographer whereby they work for each other to gain prints for their books or test out new ideas, and there is no money involved. The photographer provides a selection of prints from the photo shoot in return for the model's time on the day.
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T ear Sheet
The actual page torn from the magazine a model appeared in. Models put their tear sheets in their portfolios. Tear sheets are often favored more than printed photos as it shows that the model is already generating interest to clients.
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T est Shoot
When a model and photographer work together either on their combined portfolios or a new idea to be tested out. Test shoots are essential for new models starting out as they show how the model can perform in a professional environment.
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U sages
This relates to the way in which the image of the model will be used, the more usages that an job has (e.g. magazine ads, billboards, bus stops etc) the more money that the model will get paid.
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‘Z' or Zed Card
See Composite Card
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