Glossary of Modeling Terms
Learn the key modeling terms you'll hear every day
Understanding industry terms will help you feel confident and professional when working with agencies, brands, or photographers. Here are some of the most common ones:
Agency: A company that represents and promotes models to clients. Book / Portfolio: Your collection of photos that shows your range and look. Booker: The person in an agency who manages your castings and jobs. Buyout: Extra payment for how and where your photos will be used. Casting: A meeting or audition where models are selected for a job. Catwalk / Runway: The stage used during fashion shows. Composite Card (Comp Card): Your professional model card with photos, measurements, and contact details.
Editorial: Photos used in magazines to tell a story or showcase fashion. Fitting: A session where outfits are tried and adjusted before a photoshoot or show.
Go & See: A quick meeting between a model and a potential client. Hair Stylist / Makeup Artist (MUA): Professionals who style your look for shoots or shows. Lingerie: Stylish undergarments often used in fashion or swimwear shoots. Location: The place where the shoot happens: studio or outdoors.
Model Release: A document you sign to allow the use of your photos. New Face: A new model just entering the industry. Plus Size: Models who represent curvier body types. Polaroids: Simple, natural photos showing your real face and body: no filters or heavy makeup.
Runway: Another term for catwalk. Stylist: The person responsible for clothing and accessories during shoots. Tear Sheet: A page from a magazine showing your published work. Test Shoot (TFP): A free photo session between model and photographer to build portfolios.
Usage: How and where your image is used and how you will be paid. Wardrobe: The outfits you will wear for a shoot or show.
Tip: Keep learning the language of modeling: it will make working with agencies, photographers, and clients much easier.