Modeling glossary from A to Z

Modeling and production use a lot of English terms, even in everyday Arabic conversation. We have gathered the most important ones, listed alphabetically by their English names.

A to D

• Agency — a company that represents talent, finds them work and negotiates on their behalf in return for a commission.
• Booking — a confirmed job with an agreed date and fee.
• Buyout — an extra payment from the client for wider or longer usage rights to the images.
• Call sheet — a document setting out the day's timings, the location, the team and contact numbers.
• Call time — the time you are due on location, not the time shooting starts.
• Casting — a meeting or online submission through which a client chooses suitable talent.
• Comp card — a card showing your best photos, your measurements and your contact details.
• Digitals — simple, unedited photos that show what you really look like.

E to L

• Editorial — images for magazines or features that tell a story rather than sell a product directly.
• Exclusivity — a clause that stops you working with competing brands for a set period.
• Fitting — an appointment to try on and adjust outfits before shoot day.
• Go-see — a short meeting with a client or agency so they can get to know you, without a specific role in mind.
• Hold (option) — a provisional reservation of a date before final confirmation.
• Lookbook — a set of images showcasing the outfits of a season or a whole collection.

M to W

• Mood board — a collection of images and references showing the intended look and feel.
• Portfolio — a curated selection of your best photos and work.
• Release form — a document you sign allowing your images to be used on agreed terms.
• Retouching — editing images after the shoot to improve the light or remove minor blemishes.
• Usage rights — the terms that set where, when and for how long the client may publish the images.
• Wrap — the call that work on set has finished for the day.

If you hear a term you do not know on set, just ask. Asking shows care and professionalism, not inexperience.