In the industry, a "test shoot" image like this serves as more than just a photograph; it is a model’s primary currency. Here is a feature look at the mechanics behind such an image. The Anatomy of the Agency "Test"

: Agencies like those featured in BBC News' "Anna in Fashionland" use these specific visuals to market their talent to international markets, from Paris to Tokyo. The Evolution of the Digital Portfolio

The move toward digitized, coded filing systems allows agencies to manage thousands of global talents.