Modeling could be fun, either as a mainstream profession or as a side gig. If you have made a career choice in modeling, congratulations! However, the sheer amount of competition in this industry could make it daunting for anyone to get his/her foot in the door or get the very first professional assignment. One tried and tested method is to build one’s portfolio through TFP/TFCD assignments.
However, before all that, being familiar with some of the essential industry terms would not only save an aspiring model time in negotiating a contract, also would help him/her navigate the industry confidently, be part of the community while staying safe and vigilant of unprofessional people.
Age Category
The age range the model appears to be. Generally within 5-7 years over or under his/her actual age.
Art Director
The person responsible for developing and/or overseeing the artistic aspects of an ad, editorial, publication, or other media production. This person can be a contractor or employed by an advertising agency, a magazine, or the photographer. It’s not unusual for a photographer to assume the role of the Art Director for smaller or personal projects.
Art Model
Art modeling involve modeling for art institutes, art classes, and art students. The model can pose for an individual artist or in a group setting that includes art projects, portrait work, or simply studying human forms.
Beauty Shot
This is a simple head shot where the model is photographed with a simple hairstyle and very clean/minimal makeup. There is nothing extravagant or over-the-top in the styling of this photo.
Big And Tall
Male version of the female “Plus Sized” models. Larger male models would fall into this category.
Book
A model’s portfolio of photos.
Booker
A person who is in charge of booking and scheduling appointments for models.
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.
Buyout
This is an arrangement where a client will issue a model a one-time payment for their work, rather than residual payments.
Call Back
This is a second audition before the client makes the final hiring decision. A Call Back is used to view the model one final time. A callback means that the director saw something in your audition that he liked, and is considering casting you in a role.
Classic
A term to describe older models (those who are around 40+).
Commercial Model
A Commercial Model is a model that can be booked regardless of age, size, or weight. Commercial models do not work in the realm of high fashion and instead are often seen in various media ads.
Comp Card
This card contains the model’s stats, photos, and contact information.
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 contact sheet is a roll of film developed by the photographer. The photos are arranged on this sheet so that they can be easily viewed and selected.
Copy Book
This is another copy of a model’s portfolio.
Editorial Models
These are the high fashion models that appear on elite fashion magazines and wear designer products.
Editorial Print
This type of print consists of models shown in fashion magazines.
Fit Model
This type of models has the perfect body structure for modeling, but not necessarily the face or vibe of a print model. Fit models are utilized by designers and fashion houses.
Freelance
This is a model who works without any agency representation.
Go-See
A mass-interview where a bunch of models go to a client to get hired. This also allows the client to see the model in person as well.
Haute Couture
This means high fashion in French.
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 websites where they post their model’s photos and stats.)
Look Book
A collection of photos that showcase the designer’s looks for the season.
Markets
This is another name for fashion capitals of the world. For example, “Paris,” “Milan,” and “New York” are all markets.
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 websites that clients can easily access from their offices.)
Mother Agent
This is the modeling agency where the model is first discovered.
New Face
A model who is new to the agency and is still working to be booked by a client.
Plus Model
A female model who has bigger proportions and wears a larger size.
Runway Model
These models specialize in catwalks and live runway shows where the designer wants the models to walk and display their clothing.
Show Card
A special purpose card that is used to bring attention to modeling agencies.
Stats
This is the model’s physical details including height, waist, hips, and bust.
Tearsheet
A tearsheet is a clip from a magazine or other print job that the model has worked.
Test Photo Shoot
A test photo shoot is a shoot paid for by the model for them to test different looks, styles, and angles to build their portfolio.
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.
Toned
In modeling this term means “very slim”.
Voucher
An invoice signed by both model and client. At the end of a job, the model will give the voucher to their agency so the model can be paid and the client can be billed.
TFP and TFCD Explained
TFP is an acronym for “Time for Prints” and is a common term used by models and photographers. It can also mean “trade for prints” or “test for prints”. While. TFCD stands for “Time for CD” or “Trade for CD.”
TFP/TFCD describes an arrangement between a model and photographer, whereby the photographer agrees to shoot an agreed number of photographs of the model and provide the model with a limited license to use the best photos chosen from the shoot.
In exchange for the photos, the model provides his or her time. This arrangement works very well for photographers who are interested in trying new lighting techniques, equipment or want to build their books, and for models who need photos for their books but are unable to afford the usual photography rates.
Courtesy: modelscouts.com
Photoshoot / Session Photography Ground Rules
The type of modeling that the model is willing to do should be clearly understood before the shoot starts. Such as, will the model be fully clothed or will there be a degree of nudity with the model posing semi-nude or nude. The model must make it clear before hand what he or she is willing to do and photographers must make it clear what they expect from the model as well.
A photographer should NEVER push a model past what she has agreed to do, and a model should never feel pressured to go to a level that she is uncomfortable with. If you find that you are being asked to do things that make you uncomfortable, stop what you are doing, regroup, tell the photographer how you are feeling, and if they still push you, you must leave the set. If you are represented by a model agency you should contact your agent immediately.
Depending on your agreement and the laws in your particular jurisdiction, the model or the photographer may want to limit the usage of photos from the shoot. The agreement may specify that the model can only use specifically agreed upon photos in his or her online portfolio (to avoid sub-standard pictures being used and damaging the photographer’s reputation) or perhaps that the photographer will only use certain images in printed publications and not on the internet.
In addition to being a way for models and photographers to obtain prints for their books, working TFP or TFCD is a great way for new models to get valuable practice and to network with numerous photographers who may ultimately hire the model for paying jobs. It also a great way for photographers to meet and work with new models and get the “bugs out” before working together on paid modeling jobs.
Courtesy: modelscouts.com
