Hi Everyone,

So I have been in the industry for a little over 5 years now, as a mua for 5 years and a hair stylist for almost a year.  Last year I decided that I would not accept tfp work unless it was something that I felt I needed to add to my portfolio, or if it was for a good cause.  Replacing products, time, gas it all just got to be far too much. 

Doing tfp helped me to get me name out and build my portfolio which of course is the whole idea of this right?  However I was just curious as to how some of you determine if you still want to accept this type of work or how often. 

I can't wait to see what some of you have to say about tfp and how you feel about it.  Have a wonderful day!

Love, peace, and lipstick!

I absolutely still test and always will. I've been doing this for 20 years. Everyone I know who has been doing this a long time still tests. My avatar is from a test shoot. Since your portfolio always needs new photos and your work doesn't always yield port appropriate photos or you don't get photos from the shoot you need to refresh it constantly in other ways. No one ever grows "beyond" testing.

When I do test though I am incredibly selective. Only agency standard models (tall & skinny enough, nicely proportioned, great skin & hair, nice features) and photographers who are as good or better than those represented in my port. The type of photos they create and the look of the shoot need to match what I need for my port. There needs to be a stylist or the clothes need to be well sorted. This is also a great way to get to work with other creatives who you might not end up on set with at a paying gig just by chance.

Sometimes I even test with newbies starting out who I feel have potential. Why do I do this, since I won't get photos I can use in my port from it? Because a lot of people gave me opportunities when I was a newbie and I'm grateful for it. There's always someone newer than you and we need to give back in this industry when we can.

You are absolutely right! I think my  issue is that I live in a small town and because I have been doing this for a while I have worked with almost every model in town at least twice. I don't like to keep using the same faces over and over unless I absolutely have to. I strive to keep my images update as often as I can as well. I do travel a lot so I try to schedule shoots whenever I am on the road just to have some fresh faces in the mix. 

I think it is different for everyone based on your situation.  When I wasn't working having to drive 30 or 40 miles to a shoot without compensation was truly a struggle at times but I struggled for my passion so to speak.  My brides are my true money makers for sure!

I totally get being very selective about "who" you work with. I have worked with some photographers whose images were so chappy the before and afters I took with my phone looked better than their "professional" images. Which is why I now pick and chose.  You do live and learn. Thanks for your input!