How do you put together a test photography shoot?
I’m Lisa Ramsay. I am a commercial freelance photographer who lives and works in the New York City Tri-State area. I have been asked this question many times. There are different outlets or avenues you can utilize to produce your creative project. There are no set rules for a test photography shoot. Treating your team and your photoshoot like any other “business” photoshoot will help you tremendously.
Let’s dive in and discuss the many elements that go into a test photography shoot.
The photographer is the Captain of the Ship (your photoshoot). Yes, you are the one in charge. Most test photoshoots are organized by the photographer. You set the tone of the entire photoshoot. While your team members may bring their ideas to the project or may want to add another element to the photography shoot, at the end of the day, you are the person who makes the final decision. Some photographers are very strict with their test photoshoots. They want everything done to their specifications or desires. I run a democratic test photography shoot. However, I make the final decisions. The creative talents I have on the shoot want direction and may have questions. I want my team to feel they have input and their opinions/skills/experience mean something to me. I want to hear their voice. Remember, at the end of the day or when submitting an editorial, YOU will be held responsible for all decisions that occur
2. Concept or Mood Board. Who creates this? Most of the time, I create the concept board or mood board. Many fashion stylists are skilled with this. Discuss this with your stylist, if you will have one. Make sure to include reference images for posing, hair, makeup, and any other important factors. Location, time frame, and the purpose of the shoot also go into your document. Model information and photos are very helpful to your team.
3. Who requests the pull letter from a magazine or publication? This can be the photographer or the fashion stylist if you have one.
4. Starting the test photoshoot. Your preparation is key to your success. Are you choosing an outdoor location or an indoor space? Will there be easy access to a restroom or changing? Where will you stage hair and makeup prior to the photoshoot? How much time are you allowing for hair, makeup, and any styling prior to any photography? Once everyone arrives at your test photoshoot, let them set up and get themselves comfortable. Be open, friendly, and encouraging with your team. Have a pre-production meeting or talk with the team about the photo shoot plan. Be very clear with behind the scenes photos and videos. Most magazine submissions or client work do not want to see anything prior to publication of finished work. Keep the BTS creation to a minimum. I say this so your test shoot does not drag on or that the model gives your creative team more energy than with you. I say this because it has happened on multiple photoshoots of mine. I now keep BTS creation to another photographer or to a very short time frame.
5. Be open to the ideas of the hair/makeup people. My creative teams have a vision and a skill set that I appreciate. Sometimes they see things or areas of improvement that you may not see, due to other things going on. Even if you do not like their ideas, it is generally a good idea to listen to what the team has to say.
6. If there are expenses like flowers, etc, who pays? Usually, the photographer pays for expenses like flowers. I would discuss this type of expense with your team. Locations, photo studios, lunch, travel are all items that the photographer usually pays for the whole team. You may have a team that pitches in and you may not. I would be very clear, from the start, if any fees to the team will be paid. Are there expenses like shipping or travel that need to be covered by the person who is putting the test photoshoot together?
7. Who hires the model? The photographer hires the model. Even if another member of the team is the organizer of the test photoshoot, the photographer has the last voice for model selection. I like to send model packages to the fashion stylist (if one is on your test photoshoot) so I can get feedback on my original choice. What you look for in a model will make or break your test shoot. Is the model a chameleon? Does the model move well? Does the model have a strong sense of confidence? Whatever your deciding factor is, your decision for model selection will be a big part of your success or failure.
Relationships with modeling agencies are like any other business relationship. Ask questions as to what is expected after the photography shoot. Be clear and honest with any model agent.
8. Who hires hair/makeup talent? If the photographer is putting together the test photoshoot, then the photographer hires the hairstylist and makeup artist. If the stylist puts the test photoshoot together, then they should hire the HMUA team.
9. Who gets the permit? The photographer generally applies for the permit.
10. After the photoshoot, who edits the editorial? The photographer will be the person selecting the images for your editorial. Sometimes, I will include an extra beauty image for the hairstylist or makeup person. A close-up or different angle for their portfolios. This is totally up to you. Retouching is done by the photographer or sent out to a retoucher.
11. Who sends the final images to publications? Generally, it is the photographer. Sometimes the fashion stylist may do this. The fashion stylist will have to provide a list of all clothing and accessory credits.
12. Why did I not receive any photos? Not every test photoshoot will be published in a magazine or client.If your test photoshoot was for portfolio building, you should receive finalized photographs. Honest communication with the photographer is essential. I know of test photoshoots where the photographer hated the outcome and did nothing with the images. Meaning, the team did not receive anything. This is an unfortunate situation. If this happens, I would be very frank and honest with my team. I would try to pull something from a failed photo shoot. However, sometimes it does happen that nothing is good. I would be honest with your team and try to offer another shoot to the team to make up for a failed photoshoot.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via my website, https://www.lisaramsay.com.
all images ©LisaRamsay