General modelling terms
10.23.06 - 11:02am
It seems that everyone has different ideas about modelling terms these days. Below is a guide to terms that are generally considered accurate.
Testing.
In many professional situations you will be confronted with a test shoot, screen test or audition.
The purpose of these is to find out if you are suitable for the job being offered. You wont have to sign a model release form and the material will only be used internally by the photographer/production company.
Test shoot:
A test shoot is how it sounds. You go to a photographers studio who will take a few shots - either a roll of film or a few digital shots. This will take no longer than an hour or so.
Screen tests:
A screen test is similar to a test shoot except that it is for film, TV or movie related work and is used to see if you can read from an autocue/teleprompter amongst other things.
Model release form:
A model release form is a contract that both the model and photographer sign as an agreement that the model has no objections to the images being published. While it isn’t a 100% legal necessity in the UK, countries like The USA require a signed release form to publish the images.
You should be happy to sign a release. It is very unprofessional to try and get extra money for signing such a form.
A model release form looks something like this, but varies between different photographers/production companies.
Identification:
When signing a model release form, you will have to have identification with you, such as a passport, birth certificate, driving licence etc.
The photographer will take an I.D shot which looks something like this and may also need photocopies of your I.d’s. All identification should be valid and not out-of-date.
TFP (Time for Prints).
As a model it is best not to advertise the fact that you are looking to do TFP work because you will find yourself swamped with hundreds of emails - some genuine, most not.
Its better for you to look for photographers work you really like, and then approach them directly.
Note: The quality of the photographs here is the most important factor, you don’t need professional images to approach an agency but if you want to advertise online great photos will help.
TFP is a two way deal wherein the model donates time and the photographer donates prints of the work.
No money is usually exchanged either way.
A recent development of TFP is TFCD (Time for CD), you will get a CD with digital images on and also TFWS (Time for Website) in which someone agrees to put up a website for you.
In the case of TFCD, ask what camera the photographer will be using as you will want the best possible images.
You can check camera models here - be wary of anyone using a £100 camera available from Argos or a mobile phone ;)
Ask what size photos you will get and also how many, if its all legitimate you should get a copy of everything.
In the case of TFWS, ask for examples of websites and as before, if the examples are nothing special or average - don’t waste your time.
Putting up a 5 or 6 page website takes very little time, as a rough idea this website took 4 days to create - from registering the domain, all design work and all text writing to the final site you see now.
Edit: The site has recently been converted to a blog format for ease of use, syndication and accessibility.
Do not sign a model release for TFP, TFCD or TFWS work unless you fully understand and approve that the photographer could sell the images.
If you are asked to sign a release it implies that the photographer is intending to sell the material he has taken of you and if he is selling it - he should be paying you.
Adult modelling terms.
There are various terms for the levels (or explicitness) of adult related modelling. Below you will find regularly used terms;
UK mag: Fully naked including open leg poses.
Please note that these terms are open to interpretation, e.g. current “UK magazine” standard is the same as “continental” - magazines are much more explicit since these terms were made.
(rev 001)
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