Model Test Shoot Guides
My test shoot guides are designed to help models & photographers create stronger portfolios in fashion.
Models:
Strategic Test Shoots:
Many models struggle with how to conduct test shoots effectively, leading to a poorly built portfolio and no work. These guides show you exactly the types of shoots that will strengthen your portfolio and will lead to more bookings from building the right wardrobe, understanding what testing hair and makeup look like, and learning dynamic movements that elevate your images.
Finding the Right Photographers:
A lot of models can’t find decent photographers, but with these guides it will make it easier for you to identify and work with photographers who are equipped to produced industry standard images.
Effective Communication:
You might not know what you need as a model even after getting signed. These test concepts are an easy way for you to connect with a photographer to show them what direction you need to go for your test shoot.
Agency Guidance:
Modeling agencies don't always provide detailed direction for test shoots and sometimes you’ll want to set up test shoots on your own. My guides are built from real working modeling portfolios, so you’re not left guessing which shots you need that attract jobs.
Avoiding Uncomfortable Photoshoots:
To avoid ending up with useless images or having weird and uncomfortable experiences with photographers, these guides ensure that photographers stay focused on producing high-quality fashion content leaving no room for any inappropriate behavior.
Photographers:
Learn How To Shoot Models:
Learning how to shoot a model is the first step in becoming a reputable fashion photographer. Sadly, a lot of newer photographers don’t know what models need in their portfolios. These guides teach you exactly how to curate images that meet those needs and become sought out for by the fashion industry.
Getting on Agency Lists:
Modeling agencies are in dire need of high quality photographers. A lot of photographers test for themselves and their own needs, but to get paid by agencies, you need to learn to shoot what their models need. My guides help you develop a book that will place you on agency lists and get you paid test shoots.
Producing Industry Standard Images:
Newer photographers may struggle with achieving the high-level shots models and brands require. My guides provide detailed advice on fashion, lighting, and lens choices to help you capture the right images with the right quality.
Developing Your Eye:
Building an eye for fashion and effective direction skills is a non-negotiable as a fashion photographer. Models often rely on photographers for direction in test shoots from styling, movement, facial expressions, what looks good and what doesn’t. My guides help photographers to develop instinct when working with models.
Model Test Shoot - FAQs
What is a model test shoot?
A photoshoot for a model’s portfolio is often called a “test shoot” and it’s a collaborative photo session where models, photographers, and sometimes stylists come together to create new images for the model's portfolio. It's an opportunity to showcase the model's versatility and skills without the pressure of a specific brand or real-world project.
Why should you get a model test shoot?
Doing model test shoots is one of the main ways models can increase their chances of getting bookings when they are signed to a modeling agency. Not only does regularly testing update and refresh your portfolio, but it allows you to experiment with different styles and poses helping you grow as a model while also making connections in the industry. Most modeling agencies use portfoliopad which is a software that sends out a package of models for brands to sort through. The cover image of your portfolio is the first thing a brand sees when they get the package, so having strong test images makes the difference between whether or not a brand clicks through your portfolio to get to know you or not.
What to bring to a model test shoot?
With my model test shoot guides, you’ll learn to bring the right outfits for the respective test shoot concept. Models nowadays are in a better position to further their career and opportunities if they learn how to style their own shoots and do their own simple hair and makeup. In most cases, models are expected to bring their own wardrobe and do their own hair and makeup unless they are hiring a stylist and makeup artist team.
Do models have to pay for test shoots?
Paid test shoots are a way for models to ensure they are getting the necessary photoshoot images that an agency can use in their portfolios by working with a professional photographer. While some photographers offer what is known as “TFP” which is an antiquated term meaning “trade for print” what it really means is “mutually benefitting all parties” and so there are many instances where models can get free test shoots done. Shooting for free, however, can be riskier because photographers offering free work are typically newer to the craft and can be inconsistent in providing work that will actually be helpful to a models portfolio. Some photographers offering free trade shoots can have ulterior motives especially if they have no experience or relationships working with modeling agencies.
How long does a test shoot take?
Test shoots can vary in length, but they usually last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many looks are being shot and the complexity of the setup. A typical test shoot will have about 4 looks and a model depending on whether they’re newer or not can take longer since they are still in development, while more seasoned models can shoot much quicker.
Do models get paid for test shoots?
In most cases, models do not get paid for test shoots since these sessions are often collaborative efforts aimed at building portfolios. Unless the photographer approaches the model and the photographer has a significant advantage to gain from the session whereby monetary compensation is warranted, you can discuss that upfront, but in most cases the photographer and model need each other or the model really wants to work with the photographer.