Now Let’s Do a Test Shoot Now that we’ve made our acquaintance with a model, what’s our next step in making a shoot happen with him/her? Well, probably the most important question we should ask ourselves is what do we wish to accomplish with the test? Are we simply doing a photo shoot for the sake of a shoot, or, do we actually have a plan of attack on how, where, why, who, we need to create a striking image in order to plan it accordingly. I like to plan a shoot rather than simply jumping in the car, driving somewhere, then jumping out and shooting. Though spontaneity has its place, when it comes to trying to do a shoot for a portfolio piece, I think it leaves us a bit lacking, so let’s think about what we’re trying to achieve here shall we? Both you and the model are hoping to get a picture worthy enough to take a place in both your portfolios, so a little attention to detail should take precedent I would think. And with that, it should be a well-planned idea as well as being structured to get the most bang for the buck, which both of you are spending. You’re both giving up of each other’s time and talent along with the cost of film & processing (digital notwithstanding), along with costs like gasoline, meals, wardrobe, makeup, etc. piling up as well. So by taking just a little time in doing some planning you’re more likely to make your test more a success than not. The first order of business should be to decide whether studio or location. That will probably dictate a lot of what equipment you’ll be needing, including wardrobe, how the makeup should look, number of assistants (if available and affordable) needed, etc. And this is something that, unless you as a photographer already have an idea of what you’re wishing to create from the photograph, a real collaboration would be a nice touch. Talk to the model, find out what she/he needs for her/his book and decide whether that’s something you can use, and if not, give her/him an alternative idea that you have. Once the idea is decided upon then it’s down to the details. That being for you to decide on equipment, film type (again, digital notwithstanding), indoor/outdoor, studio or location, time of the shoot, whether a meal will be needed, permits gathered if necessary, and on and on. Now you may be saying to yourself, man, I just pick up my camera and go shoot. And you know what, that’s fine, IF, all you ever want to be is a shooter who is thought of as grabbing his camera and snapping pictures. And believe me, that’s exactly how you will be perceived, no matter in YOUR mind you think you’re the next Herb Ritts. Most everyone else will see you as basically a snap-shooter. And if that’s all you’re wishing as a photographer, so be it. But I think most of us out there are striving for something more, in both ourselves and especially in our work. So please don’t sell yourself short. Take some time to do it right. By doing that you’re actually going to begin a growing process as a photographer and as an artist. And it will be rewarded with photographs that are far and away better than any you’ve done before. With all your prep work done by both you and the model and all the elements gathered for your idea, now it’s time to shoot. Plan the day accordingly if you’re shooting outdoors with the best timing for light. Also, make sure you’ve allowed enough time for doing your setup, dressing, makeup, etc., especially if you’re trying to do a sunset shot or other image based on catching the light just right. Nothing is more frustrating than to arrive on location at just the right moment and still face another half hour of pulling it all together before you can shoot a frame! And should that happen, you’re now just trying to grab anything you can since your perfect light has already come and gone. So don’t be just “on time”, but “before on time”! Think ahead! Same thing holds true with shooting in a studio. If you’ve made arrangements to shoot only a couple hours in a studio for basically free, or a nominal fee, don’t be late and don’t run over your time. Be courteous and next time you’ll probably be treated even better than before. And just a side-note, studios tend to always remember a photographer’s personality. And should you wish to try to impress them with a little ‘tude, well, they’ll remember you alright, and I’m guessing your next deal with them with come with more than a few strings attached… With all said and done the next step is to make the shot happen. Be a pro, be courteous to the model, help her/him with poses should she/he hit a snag, and DO NOT EVER get upset at a model no matter what!!! You are the glue that holds a shoot together and she/he are totally looking at you for guidance and your skill to take the shot to the next level. Be there for them and the photograph. And should they stumble, simply shake it off and offer some positive alternatives. ALWAYS be positive with your shooting even if you yourself should ever hit a brick wall. Come mentally prepared to be able to improv during a shoot because whether you want to admit it, it’s all about you my friends. No laying the blame on a model’s inability to move for you will change that either. Accept the responsibility because that’s just the way it is in this business. And if you do everything you can to prepare yourself for a shoot, with prep, gear, idea, timing, etc., you’ll be blessed with an image that more than likely will rival anything you’ve done to date. And remember, it will only get better. Good shooting. 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All Photos by David Mecey