The different kinds of photo shoots for a model and what they involve
If you are aiming to become a professional model who wants to work in front of a camera, there are a few things you should know in order to perform to the best of your ability and to prosper in your career as a model.
Test shoots
Test shoots usually refer to the practice of a photographer wanting to try out a creative idea, test new equipment, wanting to build their own portfolio, or the photographer might just want try out how a photo shoot would go with the set-up of the photo session. The other side of test shoots is for models who need test shots for their portfolios. This can be organized by the model themselves so they can get professional shots to show to agencies, or by an agency who wants to represent a new model.
Test shoots are usually a simple trade of services. Do not expect to get paid for a test shoot, just as a photographer will not expect a reward for the photography he/she does. So you could view it as friendly set-up of one professional helping another, which works both ways.
Model photo shoots
Model photography shoots are generally used in the fashion industry, whereby a model poses for a photographer either at a studio or in a specific shoot location. Although model photography shoots tend to refer to an actual model posing for the camera, it can also signify a photographer taking photographs of advertised goods for a magazine. Model photography shoots always require a photographer and a shoot location. Models pose for the camera as instructed by the photographer or the photo shoot coordinator.
A model photography shoot can also refer to a common practice where a photographer is taking photographs of a model for the model’s portfolio. This usually means that a model pays a photographer to take his or her head and body shots, or by which an agency organizes the model photography shoot on behalf of the model.
There are some basic points which you should aim to fulfill as a model, in terms of photo shoots and photo sessions.
A model who wants to do well in model photography shoots should always remember a few tricks of the business to ensure success:
1. Always come to model photography shoots on time. Nobody appreciates waiting around, especially as Studio time is often based on hourly fees. So it’s always better to come early rather than late. There’s nothing worse than keeping a photographer and the rest of the crew waiting. Usually all details relating to a photo shoot are discussed and set beforehand, therefore coming to a shoot with all the necessary items is vital. This is a good representation of your own reliability, so in order to appear as professional as possible, make sure you come fully prepared.
2. Try to make the photographer’s life as easy as possible. Listen to instructions well and always do your best to comply with what the photographer is hoping to gain from the photography shoot. A model, who knows what he/she is doing and who does not need so much managing, will definitely take a nice stand with the photographer. If you show flexibility and you can adapt to the setting easily, this will make the photographer feel much more at ease, and will consequently allow for the photo shoot to go according to plan without delays or disruption.
3. If you are a model who has been hired for a model photography shoot, remember that the whole crew is relying on you to deliver the best results. While all the participants play an important role in model photography shoots, the model is responsible for assuring that the shoots turn out a success. You should never arrive to a photo shoot looking tired and exhausted as this will have an effect on the photo shoot in a variety of ways. So remember to always get a good night’s sleep before the photo shoot and come to the shoot with energy and eagerness to work hard, as expected. So, very important thing to remember is to keep yourself healthy and energetic, always do your work professionally and allow for the model photo shoot to be finished as quickly and smoothly as possible.
When all the preparations have been made for the shoot, then starts your one-on-one with the photographer. Your ability to communicate with the photographer is key as it sets the tone and speed of the shoot. So listen to the instructions of the photographer carefully and try to make his/ her job as easy as possible. Naturally, the more a model and a photographer work together, the smoother the photo shoot, but whether it’s your first or your tenth time working together, you should always aim to ask the photographer what he or she wants in order to facilitate for the most effective working environment.
Warning
You should always make sure that you are dealing with a professional photographer, especially when it comes to test shoots. There are lots of people luring and scamming young, impressionable models, and for this reason you should always consult a professional photographer for taking your photographs, especially if you are just starting out in the business. Shogunmaster Photography offers a professional and reliable Photo Session, which provide models with professional photos at a very affordable price. So it’s worth to invest a bit of time and money in finding a professional to work with.
