**Glossary of Terms**
Welcome to our glossary of terms you might come across on this site and others like it in the photography and modeling industry. Here’s a quick rundown of the common acronyms and terms to keep you in the know:
- **WTWW (Want to work with)**: A way to express interest in collaborating with someone professionally.
- **NSFW (Not Safe/Suitable For Work)**: Content not appropriate for work or public viewing.
- **SFW (Safe/Suitable For Work)**: Content that is appropriate for all audiences, including work environments.
- **Collaborate**: Joining forces with others, often without payment, to produce images beneficial to everyone’s portfolio.
- **Syndicate**: A type of collaboration aimed at selling images and sharing the proceeds.
- **PP/Post Processing**: The editing process applied to both film and digital images to achieve the final product.
- **Edit/an edit**: The alterations a photo undergoes from its original form to its finished state.
- **MUA**: Makeup artist.
- **Tog**: A slang term for a photographer, though not all photographers are fond of this nickname.
- **Test/Testing**: Similar to an audition, this is a preliminary shoot to determine if a model fits a project’s needs before committing to paid work.
- **TFCD (Time for CD)**: An arrangement where a model’s time is exchanged for a CD or digital copies of the session’s photos.
- **TFP (Time for Prints)**: Similar to TFCD, but the model receives physical prints instead of digital images.
- **TF**: A general term for time-for-prints or time-for-CD agreements.
- **Part-paid/part TF**: Compensation that includes both a payment and a selection of images from the shoot.
- **Lads Mag/Middle Shelf**: Magazines like Maxim or FHM, typically found on the middle shelves of newsstands.
- **Men's Mag/Top Shelf**: Adult magazines found on the top shelves, like Penthouse or Hustler.
- **G/G (Girl/Girl)**: A photoshoot involving two female models, which can range from fashion to more explicit themes.
- **B/G (Boy/Girl)**: Similar to G/G, involving a male and a female model, with requirements varying widely.
**Modeling Levels Guide**
When asked about your “levels” in modeling, it’s about the types of shoots you are comfortable with. Here’s a breakdown:
- **Portrait**: Just as it sounds, these are fully clothed shots focusing on your face and expressions.
- **Fashion**: Showcasing specific styles or outfits, fully clothed.
- **Glamour**: This can vary widely from semi-clothed to more revealing shoots. Clarity beforehand is crucial.
- **Lingerie**: Involves modeling in lingerie or swimwear, often with more revealing aspects under studio lighting.
- **Implied Topless/Nude**: Appears as if you’re topless or nude, but you’re actually clothed.
- **Concealed Topless/Nude**: You may not have clothes on, but nothing explicit is shown.
- **Topless**: Bare breasts are visible in the photographs.
- **Artistic/Classic/Figure Nude/Nude**: Fully nude without sexually explicit poses; more focused on form and artistic expression.
- **Adult**: Explicit content—always best to understand the specifics before agreeing.
- **Playboy Nude**: Artistic nude with some more explicit poses but not fully explicit.
- **Top Shelf Levels**: Explicit content suitable for adult publications.
- **UK Magazine/US Magazine**: Typically very explicit poses, often seen in adult magazines.
- **Continental**: Extremely explicit, including the use of toys or props.
- **Artistic Boy/Girl or Girl/Girl**: Non-explicit nude work focusing on artistic expression.
- **Soft/Hard Boy/Girl or Girl/Girl**: Varies from somewhat explicit to very explicit, crossing into adult film territory.
- **Gonzo/POV**: Terms from the adult film industry referring to interactive scenes with the photographer or videographer.
Remember, clear communication is key in all professional interactions to ensure that everyone’s expectations are aligned. Always clarify what is expected in a shoot and feel comfortable to speak openly about your boundaries.