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1 What are test shoots? Test Shoots -- Test shoots or testing has become a generic term for photographic shoots where a model acquires photographs to use for the model's promotional materials or portfolio and the photographer gets to test out new ideas and / or equipment. These can also be referred to as Trade for Photos (TFP) or Trade for CD (TFCD) Shoots. Whether you are working with a modeling agency or working freelance you will need photos - photos for your composite, portfolio, and web presence. You have two basic goals when doing test shoots. One is to get good quality photos as fast as you can to start getting work. The better quality (more professional and creative) photos you have in your portfolio the
higher paying jobs you will get. The second is to get experience in front of the camera and learn how to find your way around a studio or location shoot. Advice for Models -- A Test Shoot (also known as a Time For Prints [TFP] shoot) is when a photographer wants to try out a new creative idea, test some new equipment or film, wants to build the photographer's portfolio, or just wants to practice and figure out how to take pictures, he sets up a photo session. He needs a warm body to put in front of the lens. This is where the volunteer model comes in. Your First Goal -- is getting quality photos fast and exposure and experience in front of the camera. Free test shoots may be the best route. Is it bad or a total waste to do a test shoot with a beginning photographer? No. When you are starting out any chance you have to get in front of the camera and see some results is valuable. It is a chance to gain some experience, try new make-up, poses, expression, wardrobe, and see how the photographer sees you. And once in while you and the beginning photographer may even hit upon something that will produce an outstanding photograph. It seems to happen more by accident then design, but sometimes neat things can happen. For a model this 'learning by doing' is the best teacher. Free Test Shoots -- These types of shoots can also be the hardest to find. This information applies to fashion models, life style models, and commercial models. If you are seeking adult glamour modeling, it will be no problem finding free test shoot once you learn where to look for them. But it does help to accomplish your second goal of gaining experience. This situation gives you good quality photos, very fast, for little to no money, and the experience in front of a camera, taking direction. This
can work out well for both parties. The photographer does not want
to pay for a model and the model does not want to pay for a photographer,
so by trading services both get images for their portfolio and gain
experience. In some cases the photographer might give you a couple of
prints for your services, in other cases you may have to pay for prints.
In all cases you will not get the original and don't even ask to borrow
them. Get Comfortable -- Whether you are able to track down free test shoots or have to pay for photo shoots as a wannabe model you will have to have photos. You also have to have experience working in front of the camera. The photos are needed for your marketing materials - portfolio, comp card, and web site. The experience in front of the camera is how you truly learn to be a model. During your first few photo shoots you may be just trying to get comfortable in front of the camera. As you do more shoots you will pickup how to move, how to work in the light, how to hit your mark, and the routine of a shoot. After you have 30 to 50 shoots you will have a handle on working in front of a camera. At this point you become a valuable asset to a shoot and no longer a wannabe. It always amazes me how modeling schools offer to train you to be a model but either never or
rarely put you in front of a camera. ALL top modeling agencies send models out on test shoots to gain experience and build a portfolio. That is how they start and train the top professional models. Tracking down test shoots is essential for a beginning model.
It's Not Enough
-- Fantasizing about becoming a model, actor or actress is not enough.
Modeling/acting is a multimillion dollar, worldwide business. It's a show
business with thousands and thousands of people trying to get into the
act.
It is full of rejection, disillusionment,
insecurity, depression and frustration! People gossip about you, people
lose their reputations with a phone call, and too much pressure is put on
everyone, and the competition is outrageous!
But on the other side, modeling/acting is
glamorous, fun, exciting, and extremely lucrative. There are many
opportunities for travel to the most beautiful cities, countries and
islands on earth. Most successful models/actors wouldn't change places
with anyone because they are happy and in control of their careers. They
know what they want and how to get it. Modeling/acting are competitive
fields. The work demands a great deal of determination, persistence, and
stamina.
It's Worth The Money -- It is possible
to make from $50 to $250 per hour, depending on your experience,
popularity and where you live. New models can expect to start at: Pricing
-- Photographers are generally independent business people. They are free
to charge whatever they want for their services. However, competitive
market forces tend to keep their prices down, just as the cost of doing
business tends to force their fees up. The more senior and talented a
shooter is the more he or she tends to charge. A good, well-run business
tends to be busier and able to charge more then a poorly run business.
Photography charges will vary in different parts of the nation. Generally,
photographers in the largest cities are able to command the highest fees. Commercial Rates --
Many commercial photographers charge for time plus materials and expenses.
The guide for comparison is usually the day rate. This is what a
photographer will charge for a full day / hour of shooting. On top of these
time charges will be the expense for film and processing. A role of
36-exposure slide film and processing can run anywhere from $12.50 up to
$35.00, depending on brand and markup. In addition some photographers may
have a usage fee that will either restrict how you can use the photos or
make additional charges for certain types of use. Portrait Photographer Rates
-- They usually charge a sitting fee, which is just enough to cover the
cost of film and little overhead depending on how complex the shoot. The difference is
that they retain all ownership of the negatives. You must order all your
prints through them and they usually charge a higher mark up than
commercial photographers. Package Deal
Rates -- This is from a
photographer that specializes in shooting models' portfolios. The shoot is
usually based on a given number of rolls of film, how many outfit changes,
how many light or location changes, promising a head shot and given number
of other shots. Note:
Most agencies take the standard 15% to
20% percent commission on all model/actor earnings. These agencies usually
don't charge a
registration
fee but do expect the model to pay for all messengers, composites, and
mailings, and every effort is usually made to keep expenses low. |
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