Understanding modeling industry terminology helps you communicate professionally and navigate your career with confidence. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of important terms used in the modeling world:
A
Agency: A company that represents models, connecting them with clients and managing bookings.
Art Director: The person responsible for the visual aspects of a project, including model selection.
B
Beauty Shot: A close-up photograph focusing on the model’s face with minimal makeup.
Book: A model’s portfolio of photographs showcasing their versatility and experience.
Booker: An agency professional who manages a model’s assignments and schedules.
C
Call Back: A second audition with a client after an initial casting.
Call Sheet: A document detailing schedule, location, and requirements for a shoot.
Casting Call: An announcement inviting models to audition for specific projects.
Comp Card: A model’s business card featuring selected images and vital statistics.
Commercial Model: A model who appears in advertisements for products or services.
D
Day Rate: The amount a model is paid for a full day of work (typically 8 hours).
Digitals: Unedited photos showing a model’s current natural appearance.
Direct Booking: When a client hires a model without requiring a casting.
E
Editorial: Photographs accompanying articles in magazines, showcasing fashion.
Exclusive: An agreement where a model works only with a specific client for a period.
F
Fit Model: A model hired to test clothing sizes during the design process.
Fitting: A session where a model tries clothing for assessment before a show.
Freelance Model: A model working independently without exclusive agency ties.
G
Go-See: An appointment where a model meets potential clients to present their portfolio.
Grooming: Personal care routines to maintain a model’s appearance.
H
Headshot: A close-up photograph focusing on the model’s face for promotion.
Haute Couture: High-end, custom-fitted fashion design made entirely by hand.
I
In-House Model: A model employed exclusively by one company or designer.
Industry Standard: Accepted norms and practices within the modeling industry.
J
Junior Model: A model under age 18 working in age-appropriate advertising.
Jacket: The cover of a model’s portfolio book, often displaying their name.
K
Kit Fee: A fee charged by makeup artists or stylists for using their products.
Key Model: The main focus model in a group setting or campaign.
L
Lookbook: A collection of photos displaying a designer’s new collection.
Location Shoot: A photo session conducted outside a studio setting.
M
Makeup Artist: A professional who applies makeup to models for shoots or shows.
Model Release: A legal document allowing use of a model’s images.
Mother Agency: The initial agency that discovers and develops a new model.
N
New Face: A model new to the industry who is building their portfolio.
Non-Exclusive Contract: An agreement allowing a model to sign with multiple agencies.
O
Open Call: A casting where models can attend without prior appointment.
Option: A tentative booking pending final client decisions.
P
Photographer’s Release: Permission for a model to use images for personal promotion.
Print Work: Modeling assignments for printed media like magazines.
Portfolio: A collection of a model’s photographs showcasing their range.
Q
Quota: A target number of bookings or earnings set for a model.
R
Runway: The platform where models walk during fashion shows.
Rate: The amount of money a model earns for a job.
Release Form: Legal permission for image use by photographers or clients.
S
Showroom Model: A model who displays clothing to buyers in showroom settings.
Stylist: A professional who selects and coordinates clothing for shoots.
Sedcard: Another term for comp card, common in European markets.
Scouter: Someone who discovers new modeling talent for agencies.
T
Tear Sheet: A page from a publication featuring the model’s work.
Test Shoot: A photo session to build a model’s portfolio.
Trade Show Modeling: Representing companies at industry events.
U
Usage: The extent and duration for which a client can use a model’s images.
V
Voucher: A document recording work hours and booking details for payment.
W
Wardrobe: Clothing selected for a model to wear during a shoot or show.
Weather Permit: A booking contingent on suitable weather conditions.
X
X-Height: In typography, the height of lowercase letters in modeling materials.
Y
Youth Model: A model under 18 specializing in age-appropriate campaigns.
Z
Zed Card: Another term for a comp card, particularly in European markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you say when applying for modeling?
Introduce yourself with your name, age, height, and measurements. Mention relevant experience and express specific interest in the agency’s work. Keep communication professional and authentic while highlighting your reliability and commitment.
What do models call their pictures?
“Digitals” or “polaroids” (natural, unedited photos), “portfolio shots” (professional images for your collection), “test shots” (from portfolio-building sessions), “tearsheets” (published work), and “comp card images” (photos selected for promotional cards).
What are the basics of modeling?
The fundamentals include maintaining appropriate physical appearance, learning posing techniques, developing a basic portfolio, understanding your market niche, managing time effectively, handling rejection professionally, communicating well with creative teams, and learning business basics like contracts and finances.
