A Glossary of Common Modeling Terminology

If you’ve ever been curious about the glamorous world of modeling, you’ve probably encountered a wealth of terms and jargon that might seem a bit bewildering at first. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! The modeling industry has its own unique language that models, photographers, and industry professionals use to communicate effectively. In this blog post, I’ll demystify some of the most common modeling terminology to help you understand this fascinating world a little better.

1. Model Portfolio: A model’s portfolio is a collection of their best photographs, showcasing their versatility, style, and the range of looks they can pull off. Think of it as a model’s resume in visual form.

2. Casting: A casting is a meeting where models are evaluated for potential work. It’s an opportunity for models to impress clients and casting directors with their personality, appearance, and ability to embody a specific role or look.

3. Go-See: Similar to a casting, a go-see is when a model visits a client’s office or location to meet and show their portfolio. This often happens when a client is considering a model for a specific job.

4. Runway: The runway is the stage where models showcase fashion designs during a fashion show. Walking the runway with confidence and grace is a crucial skill for fashion models.

5. Fit Model: Fit models are used by designers and brands to ensure their clothing fits properly and comfortably on a live person. These models have specific measurements and are hired to test clothing samples.

6. Test Shoot: A test shoot is a photoshoot where a model and a photographer collaborate to build their portfolios. It’s often done for free or at a reduced cost to benefit both parties.

7. Tear Sheet: A tear sheet is a page torn from a publication, such as a magazine or catalog, featuring the model’s work. It’s a tangible proof of a model’s success and is often included in their portfolio.

8. Commercial Model: Commercial models are primarily focused on promoting products or services. They often appear in advertisements, catalogs, and promotional materials.

9. High Fashion Model: High fashion models work in the world of haute couture and prestigious fashion brands. They often walk the runway and appear in high-end fashion magazines.

10. Editorial Model: Editorial models are featured in editorial content in magazines and online publications. They often represent the artistic and storytelling side of fashion.

11. Composite Card (Comp Card): A composite card is a printed card featuring a model’s best photos and their vital statistics, such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color. It’s a concise marketing tool for casting directors.

12. Wardrobe Stylist: A wardrobe stylist is responsible for selecting the clothing and accessories for a photo shoot or fashion show, ensuring that the model looks their best.

13. MUA (Makeup Artist) and H&M (Hair and Makeup): MUA and H&M refer to the makeup artist and hair stylist who prepare models for photoshoots and runway shows. They play a pivotal role in creating the desired look.

14. Posing: Posing is the art of positioning one’s body to achieve the most flattering and effective look in photos. Models need to master a range of poses for different situations.

15. Agency: Modeling agencies are companies that represent models and help them find work. They often handle bookings, contracts, and other aspects of a model’s career.

16. Booked: When a model is “booked,” it means they’ve been selected and confirmed for a specific modeling job or assignment.

17. Open Call: An open call is a specific time when modeling agencies invite aspiring models to meet with them, often without an appointment. It’s an opportunity for agencies to discover new talent.

18. Runway Walk: A model’s runway walk refers to their specific style and technique when walking down the runway. It varies between high fashion and commercial runway models.

19. Lookbook: A lookbook is a collection of images showcasing a brand’s clothing or accessories, typically with a specific theme or style. Models are often featured in lookbooks.

20. Runway Coach: A runway coach is a professional who trains models in their walk, posture, and overall performance on the runway.

21. Headshot: A headshot is a close-up photograph of a model’s face, often used for castings and auditions.

22. Art Director: An art director is responsible for the visual style and creative direction of a photoshoot, fashion show, or advertising campaign.

23. Show Package: A show package is a collection of a modeling agency’s best models and their profiles, which is presented to potential clients or casting directors before a fashion show.

24. Fitting: A fitting is a session where a model tries on the clothing they will wear in a fashion show or photoshoot to ensure it fits perfectly.

25. Wardrobe Malfunction: A wardrobe malfunction occurs when clothing or accessories worn by a model fail to perform as intended, potentially leading to an embarrassing moment.

26. Model Release: A model release is a legal document that grants permission for the use of a model’s likeness in photographs or other media.

27. Test Shoot (TFT or TFP): Test shoots done under the terms “Time for Trade” (TFT) or “Time for Print” (TFP) involve a collaboration between the model and photographer where both parties benefit from the images produced.

28. Commercial Print: Commercial print modeling involves models appearing in print advertisements, such as those found in magazines, brochures, and billboards.

29. Runway Show Package: Similar to a show package, this is a collection of a modeling agency’s top models specifically presented to designers and casting directors for runway shows.

30. Editorial Calendar: An editorial calendar outlines the themes, concepts, and publication schedule for a magazine’s editorial content, helping models plan their shoots accordingly.

31. E-commerce Model: E-commerce models focus on showcasing products for online retailers, emphasizing the details and fit of the items they model.

32. Mother Agency: A mother agency is the first agency a model signs with, often responsible for nurturing and developing the model’s career.

33. Comp Card Update: A comp card update involves adding new photos and information to a model’s composite card to reflect their latest work and appearance.

34. Casting Call: A casting call is an announcement or notice of an upcoming casting event where models are invited to audition for various projects.

35. Go-See Package: A go-see package includes a model’s composite card, headshots, and relevant portfolio images, typically left with a client or casting director after a go-see.

36. Shoot Location Scout: A location scout is responsible for finding and selecting the ideal settings for photoshoots, ensuring they match the desired theme and style.

This glossary provides a glimpse into the terminology used in the modeling world. Understanding these terms is not only helpful for aspiring models but also for anyone who is intrigued by the fashion and modeling industry. It’s a world full of creativity, artistry, and dedication, and knowing the language makes it easier to appreciate the hard work and talent that goes into every successful modeling career.

I hope this glossary has shed some light on the often-mysterious world of modeling. If you’re considering a career in modeling or just a curious observer, this knowledge will help you navigate the industry with confidence. Modeling is about much more than just looking pretty; it’s about conveying a message, telling a story, and making a statement. And now, you’re one step closer to understanding the beautiful language of the modeling world.