Ever wondered what a TFP, Composite or Buy-Out means?
Learn the lingo of top models and agencies with our models glossary!

MODELS GLOSSARY

AFTRA

American Federation of Radio and Television Artists a television performers union.

AGE CATEGORY

The age range you appear to be. Generally between 5 - 7 years over or under your actual age.

ART DIRECTOR

The person responsible for developing the look of an ad, editorial or other visual presentation. Can be a an independent contractor or employed by an advertising agency, a magazine or photographer.

BEAUTY SHOT

A clean headshot with excellent makeup and simple hairstyle. A beauty shots shows your face in an elegant and beautiful manner. No big hair, no heavy jewellery or anything that distracts from your skin, bone structure and overall features.

BILLING FORM

A form used by models to record the names of clients, job descriptions, number of hours worked, rate of pay, and expenses. The model has the client sign the form (voucher) and will give the client one copy, the agency one copy and will keep one copy for herself. (see also Voucher)

BOOK

The model's portfolio book of photos.

BOOKER

A person working in a modeling agency who books jobs, schedules appointments and assignments for models.

BOOKING

A modeling job or paid assignment.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Factors that may exist in a booking and for which the model may be paid more. An agency establishes booking conditions that outline fee specifications for cancellations, weather permitting bookings, overtime or weekend fees, or bonuses for a variety of other conditions.

BOOKING OUT

When a model books out he or she makes specific hours or days they are unavailable for assignments.

BUY OUT

An arrangement in which a client will issue a model a one-time payment for use of their work rather than pay residuals.

CALL BACK

A second audition or meeting with the client so they can see you again before they make a final hiring decision.

CATTLE CALL

A mass interview or audition where numerous models attend. (see also Go-See)

CHART

A file or sheet used to chart a model's schedule, appointments and other activities.

COMPOSITE

Often referred to as a comp card. A card used to promote the model that contains several photos, the model's stats and contact information.

CONTACT SHEET

A sheet developed by a photographer showing all the shots from a roll of film so photos that can be selected quickly and easily. Can be in black and white or color.

DAY RATE

The rate charged for a model's services for a full 8 hour day of work.

EDITORIAL PRINT

Fashion pages of a magazine that are produced by the magazine itself to portray current trends, clothing and fashion ideas. Editorial work does not pay as well as commercial print which is work done for an actual paying client.

FITTING

When the model tries on clothing and outfits to make sure they fit properly and can be altered before a booking such as fashion show, commercial or print shoot.

FITTING MODEL

A model who is used by designers and fashion houses, usually on a regular basis. The model would have the perfect measurements that fit industry standards. Can be any size and are not required to have the facial bone structure required by to be a print model.

GO-SEE

A mass interview or audition where numerous models attend. (see also Cattle Call)

HAUTE COUTURE

The french word for high fashion.

HEADSHEET

A poster or brochure of the model's the agency represents that is presented to clients. Usually contains the model's headshot and stats. (Headsheets are rarely used anymore, almost all agencies have web sites where they post their model's photos and stats.)

MINI BOOK

A smaller version of the model's book that can be sent to clients. Photos are usually 5 x 7 inches. (Mini books are rarely used anymore, almost all agencies have web sites that clients can easily access from their offices.)

SAG

Screen Actors Guild

SED CARD

Pronounced Zed Card. Another name for composite card. Apparently named after a German agent who invented it.

STATS

The models statistics such as height, bust, waist, hips. For men it is height, chest and waist.

TEARSHEET

An actual page from a magazine, catalog or other print job in which the model has worked.

TEST

A test photoshoot usually paid for by the model to test different looks and start building their books with photos.

TFP

TFP means Time for Prints. It is when a model will exchange their time to pose for a photographer and the photographer will in turn give the model prints for their book. Usually this is done by a photographer who may be building their own portfolio or they want to try new lighting techniques or styles.

VOUCHER

An invoice that is signed by the model and the client after the model completes a job. The model will hand in their vouchers to the agency so that the client can be billed and the model can be paid.

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