FAQ's:
It seems that everyone has different ideas about modelling terms these days. Below is a guide to terms that are generally considered accurate.
Test Photo Shoot:
We fully understand that everyone is a little apprehensive about modeling in front of a camera and as we want you to feel comfortable working for us, we have set up a table of our most frequently asked questions to inform you and put your mind at ease. If you don't see a question answered here please feel free to Contact us. We will be happy to answer any queries you have.
Q: What do I have to bring to the photo shoot?
There are several things, which you will need to bring to the photo shoot with you in order for it to run smoothly.
We ask you to bring some of your own clothes for the shoot. We do this for several reasons. Firstly as it will be your first shoot, we find our models feel more comfortable in their own clothes and secondly, as they belong to our models, we know they will be a perfect fit.
You will find a list of suitable clothes at the end of this document.
Bring a few arrangements with you and we will find the best ones for the specific shoot.
What we do ask of you is not to wear any underwear or clothes next to the skin for at least two hours before a shoot. This leaves lines and creases in the skin and makes it hard to produce the quality photographs we need.
Q: Will I get paid for the test shoots?
The simple answer is no, but you will receive free photographs from any shoot, usually supplied on a CD. This is basically because until we have seen and worked with you, we don't know whether you are suitable or not. We don't think it's too much to ask to give up a couple of hours of your time.
Q: How long do the shoots last?
The test shoots usually last about two hours. Please make sure you schedule at least two hours for the entire shoot.
Q: Will I receive any training?
After the test shoot, if we think you have the potential to become a cover girl model then we will train you completely free of charge in the different aspects of modeling. All models need a little bit of guidance when starting out on a new career.
Q: Who will be present during the shoot?
Normally there will be two people present on the day of the shoot, yourself and the photographer. Occasionally one more person will attend who would be in charge of sets and makeup, she also may be there to check the lighting and offer any input. On your test shoot, there will most likely be another model present that will also be testing.
Q: Will I get my own website?
Every model that we take on will receive her own section of the Covergirl web site.
I hope this answered some of your questions about what happens before, during and after a photo shoot.
The most important thing to remember is to RELAX. Modeling can be nerve-racking and tiresome, especially the first time, but it can also be fun and rewarding too.
Suitable Clothes for the test shoot
You will be expected to supply your own clothing for the test shoot and we ask that you bring at least six changes of clothes so that each shot is varied. Below is a list with examples of clothing to bring.
Don't worry if you don't have everything from the list. Just bring what you can.
- Skirts/Dresses (Clubbing Wear)
- Shorts/Hot pants
- Bikini Tops/ Boob tubes/ Halter necks
- Underwear/Bras/G-Strings
- Stockings/Suspenders
- Make-up/Mirror
- Jewellery
- Hair Accessories/Brush
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 a couple of hours.
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 etc.
The purpose of these is to find out if you are suitable for the job being offered. You won't have to sign a model release form and the material will only be used internally by the photographer/production company.
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.
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.
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.
US mag: As UK mag but includes holding the genitals open.
Continental: as US mag but includes finger and/or toy insertions.
Girl/girl Soft: Simulated lesbian sex with no insertions.
Girl/girl Hard: Lesbian Sex including toys and finger insertions.
Boy/girl soft: Involves simulating male/female intercourse and oral sex.
Boy/girl hard: Involves all types of full male/female sexual intercourse.
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.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SESSIONS FOR POTENTIAL MODELS ONLY £60!
Covergirl offers any new and aspiring models; the opportunity to be photographed by professional photographers in our studio ( various studio sets with authentic antique furniture to achieve that boudour sophisticated and unusual photographs) for a very reasonable rate of only £60 to see if you could make it as one of the Covergirl models, this is only for models who are serious about being glamour models.
If you are interested in attending one of our regular professional shoots then just complete the Model Registration Form and someone will get back to you to arrange a time and date. All models attending get professional advice and a CD of everything shot during the shoot for their own personal use and a minimum of six images professionally retouched, if we decide to take you on then we will set you up with your own model porftolio section, offer you FREE training should you require it and promote you to our database of photographers who hire our studio.
We also have a make up artist available should you require it at an additional cost of only £25.
Covergirl Model Professional Services
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