Testing

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Frequently Asked Questions about Testing 
or 
Trade For Photos 
(TFP) shoots

Testing is when a Model poses, using her time and talents to allow the photographer to work on projects that he/she wants to work on.  The photographer gets the fun of doing shots other than the typical stuff is generally worked on day to day.  I may have asked you to test with me, if so then this will give you an idea of what to expect.

The Model (typically brand new models do this) gets experience and a lot of photos in return.  Most film photographers trade out something like one 8x10 print per roll of film shot.  Digital Photographers (like me) tend to just put the whole shoot on a CD.  Of course each photographer is different so you will need to check on exactly what it is that they do.  Personally I trade for the entire shoot on CD.

 

What do I need to wear?
Do I provide my own Wardrobe?
What kinds of photos are you taking?
How long will it take?
What do I need to do before the shoot?

Who are you taking the photos for?
How will the photos be used?
How much will I be paid?
When will I be paid?
Where will you be shooting?

How can I contact you if I have more questions?

 

What do I need to wear?

Each session would typically consist of two to four outfits. The style is up to you, but a good suggestion is dressed up in short (above the knee) dresses, or mini skirts --- the top should coordinate with the skirt, halter-tops and fancy tank tops are very acceptable. Accessories such as belts, hats, gloves, and similar props are highly encouraged. Look in magazines and around this web site to get ideas. Swimwear is a very good idea as a portfolio will need some figure revealing poses.

 

Do I supply my own Wardrobe?

The models will supply their own hair styling, and clothing. Makeup may be done at the shoot, or prior to the session by the model, it just needs to be decided on which it will be, before the shoot. Shoes are best if they have heels as opposed to flats in general

If there is a problem with the wardrobe, I need to know well in advance, I have sources for "cheap" designer clothing.  So if for example you have some nice tops, but not enough skirts, or high heels, we can solve that.

 

What kinds of photos are you taking?

Typically fashion, and glamour; the basic attitude of most shoots should be confident, brassy, bold, self-confident and in charge, the “I am woman, I can do anything!” attitude. Cute, Flirty, Sexy and Glamorous is acceptable. Models are encouraged to use their imagination to pick outfits and poses that they feel might influence future modeling assignments. 

 

How long will it take?

That depends on the model and their ability to pose. Typically I find there is one "great" image per one hundred shots.  And  at  two to four outfits, at even one shot every 15 seconds that is still around an hour, probably more like two hours, especially with new models. Plus Makeup time, say another half hour to an  hour.  About the only prep a model will have to do before hand is shower/shave and do their hair. I have had shoots last over 6 hours. My average seems to be one what I would call a "good image" every 8 shots.

 

 

What do I need to do before the shoot?

Basic preparation as you would for any shoot; shower / bathe, shave as normal. You are responsible for your hair, a loose style is always good.  Cosmetics it depends --- if I am doing it for you then Do Not put on any cosmetics, as that will be done on the set.  Do not wear a bra for several hours before the shoot, the tight bra straps will leave marks that the camera will pick up. In fashion we want to pay attention to the clothes you have on, not what you have on under them, and panty lines and bras lines under the clothes are not wanted. And Glamour may show more skin than fashion, especially the trade mark bare shoulders shot, so again watch out for things that will cause marks. Purse straps can also cause marks, be aware of the outfits you are wearing and make sure that any such marks will not be visible. 

 

 

Who are you taking the photos for?

Testing  (TFP) is for the purpose of discovering new talent. We are shooting images for our portfolios. It is highly unlikely that the images will be for anyone or thing. If that is different for your shoot then we will have discussed it prior to your shoot.

 

 

How will the photos be used?

This first shoot is not so much to take photos for a purpose, although there may sometimes happen, but to see how the model looks in a variety of colors, and outfits. Kind of like a test or exam at school. How do you look on film in a number of poses, and positions.  Things that a few shots in a portfolio will not show, plus most want to be models do not have formal portfolios. It is how you look in a image, plus how well you work with the photographer that will determine if you will get future sessions.

 

 

How much will I be paid?

Nothing, Zero, Zip.  Neither of us will make any money on this.  If we are shooting for a specific project that is not true. But when doing testing or what is called on the internet TFP (Trade For Photos) it is just that a trade of talents. Again if that is different for your shoot, we would have discussed this previously.

 

 

When will I be paid?

If we worked on a project that is a paying project then it depends.  If it is a profit share project then when we make a profit you will get paid.  In this business that is risky. In many cases I have shot all day shoots and neither us got anything except the fun of shooting, and some great images for our portfolios, if this is a paying shoot we would have discussed this prior to shooting, but typically after the shoot when you sign the release.

 

 

Where will you be shooting?

Typically we will be shooting at a studio located in my home. However during good weather we could shoot outdoors and any of many locations around the SLC valley.

 

 

How can I contact you, if I need more answers?

Please feel free to ask any more questions or if you need something clarified, my e-mail is Mike@Glamography.com

 

 

All Images are copyrighted by the photographer and may not be used without permission.