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Test Shoot for TF work
Hi all, I applied for a TF casting with a professional photographer I haven't worked with before - the brief being for a curve model shooting Boudoir. He's got some great work in his port and I thought our styles would align well. I got a response from him a few hours later asking me to come in for a test shoot for him to determine whether we proceed to an actual shoot. I like his work but this condition made me pause. What are your thoughts? Feb 29 20 07:29 pm Link Your MM portfolio has a lot of images with plenty of variety. You don’t need to prove anything to anybody. Your gut says warning signs. Walk away. Feb 29 20 07:56 pm Link Why not? You said you responded to a TF shoot and a brief session could determine if a longer shoot would good for both of you. Especially given that you like his work. I think every model should shoot at least two times a week or more. It keeps you sharp. Feb 29 20 08:14 pm Link I would never plan any sort of high concept / high cost shoot with a Model ( Agency or Not ) without doing a test shoot first Not that i do a lot of high concept / high cost shoots - but i have on occasion Mar 01 20 01:04 am Link If I'm doing a paid shoot, I might sometimes require a test shoot prior. There are multiple reasons why. The biggest being I was to know that the model is reliable before I invest into props, studio time etc. I've been burnt to many time in the past by no shows. Mar 01 20 03:34 am Link Select Model Studios wrote: Exactly ( except that i have only been burnt a few times on tests ) Mar 01 20 10:19 am Link While not the norm I can understand it under some circumstances. One is if more than one model is being considered and time and budget doesn't permit doing both. Another is that many models portfolios contain photos from over ten years and while skill should improve bodies change, sometimes often. Frankly if you like his work and doing the test isn't a big expense to do and is in line with what the project will be I would do it. Mar 01 20 12:01 pm Link Kelly Kooper wrote: A TF *is* a test shoot to my understanding. Mar 01 20 12:54 pm Link Kelly Kooper wrote: Do you think your time and effort for a test are reasonable investments relative to the potential benefit(s) of working with him? Only you can make that determination. If you think so, do it. If not, decline. Mar 01 20 02:49 pm Link Kelly Kooper wrote: You applied for a TF casting, which indicates this pro photographer wants to test applicants before selecting a successful 'curve' model for his actual boudoir shoot. Mar 01 20 03:50 pm Link Kelly Kooper wrote: Mark Salo wrote: A test shoot is a test shoot. Mar 03 20 08:34 am Link Kelly Kooper wrote: Communication is the key. Mar 03 20 08:38 am Link Or maybe the photographer has in mind something outside the range evident in the OP's portfolio which does seem to be pretty much of a piece. Although (especially for TF) my approach would be to plan on shooting something within the range indicated by the model's portfolio for the first shoot and spend a few minutes of that time testing for a potential second shoot. That way, everyone would (we hope) get at least a few usable pictures from the first shoot while going into the second shoot with a little bit more comfort. All IMHO as always, of course. Mar 03 20 12:45 pm Link Quite often I will do a 'test shoot' with a model before taking the time and expense of building a set, getting a MUA, booking an assistant, and renting props. I have to make the model is right for the job and can make the expressions that are needed. Of course, the model will get some images from the 'test shoot' that she can use in her portfolio or for social media. Mar 03 20 01:14 pm Link In this particular instance, referring to the OP's portfolio specifically, there is enough variation in the sets to allow for anticipation of their range and ability without need for a test shoot. I.E., figure looks great, mood and expressions compliment the poses, and the portfolio is definitely not representative of the excessive "one-look-wonder" type showcases. (Enough so that I could look at that portfolio and have a definite yes or no idea of working with them for a project in mind based on what is already shown.) The photographer 'may' have a specific reason for wanting to test first, but again, the mentioned offer is for a TF project to begin with, so it's unclear why a test shoot is needed first given this specific example. Maybe it was a default blanket statement reply to many responses. Has OP reached out to the photographer to ask why the need for a test first? That's probably going to have the most direct answer and reason for it. Mar 04 20 04:50 am Link Ken Marcus Studios wrote: Ken - You are one of the few Great Photographers that have stuck with MM through the years and continued to contribute your wisdom and experience to these forums . I for one am truly appreciative of this . Thank You Mar 04 20 12:20 pm Link It's difficult to judge what is actually compatible with your project in mind, when a model has a lot of images taken, say, 10 years ago, among others. It's very good idea to take a test session at very least to look who you're dealing with, before committing to any of the two different persons with the same names, with your project. Long ago, we all experienced the similar problem with Hollywood movies and roles. At least it's how I personally see it. If something wrong with that, I apologize. And I prefer my surgeon to talk with me like that, too, for example. May 11 20 07:25 pm Link Kelly Kooper wrote: Think of it as an audition. May 12 20 01:21 am Link If I were the model, OK, I quick test shoot, plus meeting each other is good. But, a quick test shoot and completely dressed; no nude or almost nude. No underwear or lingerie. As far as the actual shoot; do you need more photos or updated photos? If so, OK, but if you don’t really need them maybe it should be a paid gig. I’ve had TFP models where I gave them a little money anyway. Why, because they took the time to come help me. May 13 20 03:41 pm Link |
