Know the Lingo
If you're going to start putting together projects with teams or models be sure you know the vocabulary. Here are my picks for the top lingo terms used in a typical conversation with models/team members.
Basics!
Shoot: this should be obvious, a photoshoot.
Port: portfolio
Studio setting: shooting in a photography studio or someone's makeshift studio in a garage
Collab: means collaboration. You come together to work for FREE and each benefit from each others talent. Pics could be used for social media or portfolio.
TFP or Trade For Print: is another term for collaboration. In return you, the photographer, give the model/team high res JGPS. FREE! No payments, hence the word "trade."
Trade: again another term for collaboration/TFP. FREE!
Casting call: When someone puts the word out for a model/photographer. It often means they're paying, but beware!! Most photographers don't understand that a
casting call=payment, unless otherwise stated.
Beauty Shoot: a photoshoot focused on makeup and hair.
Editorial: what you see in Vogue. A series of photos set to a theme, typically 3 to 6 looks. Full team is generally needed.
Techy Terms
RAW: According to techterms.com RAW photos are "an unprocessed photograph captured with a digital camera. It contains the raw image data captured by the camera's sensor (or CCD), saved in proprietary file format specific to the camera manufacturer." Very wordy but in short terms, a high quality image that is super large and perfect for printing!
High Res: means high resolution photos. When someone asks for high res photos they're generally expecting you to shoot in RAW.
Liquefy: a type of editing tool that brings in the subject. Typically used on the face, waist, and arms. Some models are ok with this others completely against it.
Clone Stamp: a type of editing tool used to copy one part of an image to another. I use it to turn unwanted bystanders into bushes.
DPI or PPI: refers to how many pixels per inch in an image. I shoot in RAW so my photos range from 240dpi to 300dpi. The higher the better. If you're only getting 72dpi from your shots, you need to up your game.
Themes and Other Terms
IG: Instagram
FB: Facebook
Submission: refers to the model wants to submit to a magazine or you (photographer) want to submit to a magazine. This is most of the time TFP.
Group shoot: a photoshoot consisting with 2 or more models being either shot at the same time or separately. This is either TFP or PAID.
Group meetup: when a large amount of photographers, models, and sometimes makeup artists, get together in a specific location to shoot. Everyone of all skills is welcome. Great to start at. Most are FREE.
Pay to play: not used too often. Generally refers to bands but some photographers use this term. You pay the photographer or model to shoot them.
Nude: totally butt naked posing. The model will be naked.
Semi-Nude: meaning model shows just butt or bare breasts.
Implied nude: Like burlesque. The model is naked but behind something or hands covering.
Instagram Model: A model who mainly only does projects for social media. Her portfolio or gallery is her social media pages. They don't typically don't expect RAW images but certainly want good quality to use.
Alternative model: She's not the typical fashion model. She might have a shaved head, bright hair, or a curvy body. It's pretty broad, but refers to "not the norm."
Curvy: plus size model or models with big hips or big breasts.
Pin-up: A style from the 30s to 50s. Think vintage housewife but ultrasexy!
Goth: Dark fashion, vampires, witchy almost. Dark makeup, dark hair, fair skin.
Have you heard any of these terms? Did I forget something? Comment below and let me know.
Be sure to follow my IGs:
Photography: rc_like_the_cola
Modeling: rclikethecola_model