The PurplePort Guide to Shoot Styles
By Russ Freeman, written 1359830625
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: Younger Members (aged between 16 years and 18 years)).
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.