The PurplePort Guide to Shoot Styles

Shoot styles are the different types of photoshoots you can work in (e.g. commercial, beauty, fashion, lingerie, nude, etc.). They are sometimes referred to as genres or levels. 

When choosing which shoot styles you want to work in, you should only select those you are capable of and comfortable with. There is no point in saying you can do something that you cannot deliver or that could put you in a difficult situation. 

Some shoot styles may be restricted depending on the model's age (see Important Information for PurplePort members aged 16 and 17). 

Even when you have agreed upon a shoot style with someone to work in, before you arrange a photoshoot with them, it's best to confirm exactly what you are expecting and what is expected of you during shoot discussions. 

Types of shoot style 

The list below of the shoot styles on PurplePort isn't exhaustive and may leave much to interpretation. We explain some common industry terms and acronyms you may encounter on PurplePort and elsewhere in The PurplePort Glossary of Terms. 

Adult

This can be anything from posing suggestively nude or in a state of undress to interactions with others in the shoot. This predominantly means it will be explicit and sexual, mostly pornographic, and can include open leg. Always confirm what is expected!

Alternative

Typically this means something a bit gothic, lots of tattoos, just something out of the ordinary.

Beauty

Mainly referring to highly polished headshots. Mostly there will be a stylist and make-up artist present too.

Body Paint

Mostly you will be nude or semi-nude, and someone, preferably a makeup artist, will apply bodypaint in some way. You'll then be photographed.

Bondage

Tied up somehow in various states of believability, preferably using an experienced rigger. Always confirm who will be doing it and what is expected of you.

Commercial

Shots for sale in publications and on the web. Think magazine adverts.

Erotic

Posing suggestively, not necessarily explicit, but quite likely. Again, confirm what is required.

Fashion

Fashion mostly isn't nude but can have some nudity. Mostly there will be a stylist and make-up artist present too.

Fetish

Fetishes vary greatly, and one person's fetish is another person's odd behaviour. Always confirm beforehand what is expected of you.

Fitness

It's all running around in lycra, looking fit and toned.

Glamour

Posing suggestively, hopefully in glamorous surroundings, can be nude, topless, lingerie, and clothed. Best to confirm what is expected beforehand.

Landscape

Just beautiful pictures of the landscape.

Life Drawing

Drawing the human form, usually with the model holding different poses for periods of time. The model could be required to be nude, so it's always worth double-checking what level these shoots may involve. 

Lifestyle

You are portraying real-life situations, bright lights and happy smiling shots usually used for magazine advertising.

Lingerie

Pants and bra, stockings, suspenders, corsets etc. It can be artful or glamorous.

Nude

It can be anything from fully nude to partial or concealed. If you only shoot implied nude - that is, you are wearing clothes, but you look nude, then don't choose this option.

Pinup

Cheeky, fun shots aiming to be stuck on the inside of lockers everywhere.

Portrait

Images that capture the expression, personality, and mood of the subject.

Promotional

Typically posing with products of some kind so a company can use them in their brochures.

Remote

A remote shoot means you are shooting with another person without being in the same room (or even country) as them. It can be done in different ways, but mainly it refers to tethered shooting  (i.e. the photographer controls the camera via a computer). Anyone on the receiving end of the camera (e.g. a model) usually selects this shooting style if they have the appropriate setup and equipment to accommodate a tethered shoot. 

Sheer

You are shooting in anything sheer or semi-transparent. Ideally, you'll be okay shooting nude or topless.

Swimwear

Posing in your swimmers.

Topless

Typically this will mean nipples showing. It's best to confirm before agreeing to a shoot.

Wedding

Shooting as though it's a wedding. Photographers may use models to pose as the bride to promote themselves on their websites.

Adding or changing shoot styles on PurplePort

You can do this by going to Manage your account and clicking Work Preferences. Un-tick the shoot styles you do not need (or select the ones you do need), and then click Update your work preferences at the bottom of the page to save your preferences. 

The Adult option is only available to those who also choose any of the following shoot styles:

• Fetish
• Erotic
• Promotional
• Bondage

This ensures no confusion for those selecting "adult levels" with "an adult". If someone chooses any of the above shoot styles, we know they more than likely intended to select the shoot style Adult.