Models come to me for test shoots
What is a test shoot?
Models need to keep their portfolios up to date, but they usually aren’t given photos from their paid jobs. So it is common for models to do what are called “test shoots” to get new images for their portfolios.
Test shoots are not just useful for models. Small teams of creative people also collaborate on test shoots to improve their portfolios and create personal projects. For example make up artists, clothing designers and hair stylists might do test shoots.
I use test shoots to do experimental work and personal projects. Sometimes the resulting photos are good enough for editorials in fashion magazines.
“Ordinary” photos for Caleann’s portfolio
It is important to listen to any client or collaborators to understand what they want to end up with. After talking to Caleann we decided to capture a range of images to demonstrate competence, personality and variety. Some of these would be typical “catalogue style” images of the type used for selling clothes.
I would describe Caleann’s personality as joyful and confident.
Caleann published in Malvie Magazine
In addition to the above “ordinary” photos we wanted to capture some images that had a bit more of a “wow factor” for submission to a fashion magazine.
Malvie is a fashion magazine based in France and I thought it would be nice to get another editorial published in Malvie. Malvie also has an instagram account.
I was very happy to tell Caleann that not only had Malvie accepted her photos for publication, they thought they were good enough to publish on the front cover of the magazine. Here are a few words Malvie sent me;
“Hello Ian,
“This edition of MALVIE is live — and your work helped shape it.
“Your editorial isn’t just featured; it defines the character of this issue. As a token of our appreciation, we’ve prepared a complimentary showcase digital cover for you, along with alternate versions featuring our logo in different placements. Choose what resonates, and share it with pride.
“This moment is worth sharing. Your audience, clients, and collaborators should see the work you’ve put into the world.
“Thank you for being part of this edition — we look forward to the next chapter together.
“Marius
“MALVIE French Magazine”
So now Caleann is an internationally published model. And she thought she was just coming for a test shoot to improve her portfolio!
Here are some of the tear sheets from Malvie. I don’t know why they selected a different photos for the covers of the French and English editions of the magazine. Maybe they couldn’t decide which they liked most?
Are you a model who needs a test shoot?
Contact me if you are a model who wants to do a test shoot. Most of my test shoots are done in my studio, which is is in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. The same goes for other creatives who want to collaborate. For example good MUAs, clothing designers, hair stylists etc.
