What Is a Test Shoot?

That’s a whole lot of negativity. A whole lot of “nos”. So what is a test shoot? A test shoot is a shoot where you collaborate with others. You each bring a bit of yourself to the collaboration with shared ideas and a joint vision. And you each should feel like you have some ownership with the final images you’ve created.

A test shoot isn’t usually paid. Last year I was in the running for one of the biggest photography awards in the country. It’s not the first time I’ve been nominated for a national award. Despite this, I’m very much a “starving artist”. This doesn’t mean I take on paid work and treat it as a test shoot; they’re very different things. Paid work needs to be contracted and approached in a way where you very much 110% know you can deliver what is expected. You have one chance and if you mess up you won’t get another. Don’t engage in paid work and offer something that you either haven’t done or don’t have the transferrable skills to do. Instead, create a space for yourself where there isn’t the pressure to deliver something; and use that opportunity to fuel your creativity and growth. What is that something? Why, it’s a test shoot!

But, that doesn’t mean there aren't scenarios where a test shoot can’t be a paid test shoot. A test shoot can be paid on occasion. In this instance, if you’re testing with someone who can offer you something but you can’t offer them an equivalent level of value in return, pay them! So if you’re a new model, hire a photographer who knows what they’re doing. Trust me when I say it’ll fuel your growth much more than working with someone who is also still learning. If you’re a photographer and at a level where you love a fashion stylist’s work but can’t offer them something that is of value to them; hire the fashion stylist. You’ll still get great images for your portfolio and who knows, they may want to collaborate later on down the track for free. As a creative, you can absolutely hire other creatives!