Doing a Test Shoot
Now that we've made our acquaintance with a model, what's our next step in making a shoot happen with he or she? Well, 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, in order to create a striking image, then plan it accordingly.
I like to plan a shoot rather than simply jumping in the car, driving somewhere, and taking a ton of pictures and hope for the best. Though spontaneity has its place, when it comes to trying to do a shoot for a portfolio, well, I think it leaves us a bit lacking. So let's give some thought into what we're trying to achieve here first.
Both you and the model are hoping to get a picture worthy enough to take a place within your respective portfolios. So a modicum of attention to detail should take center stage. 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.
Look at this shoot like this, 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 travel, meals, wardrobe, makeup, etc., all costs that need to be taken into account. So by taking some time to do some planning, you're more likely to make your test a success more likely 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) are needed, etc. 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. If it is not, offer she/he an alternative idea that you might have. Once an 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, so on and so 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. Believe me, that is exactly how you will be perceived, even though in your mind you may think you're the next Herb Ritts. Most everyone else is going to see you as basically a snap-shooter. But if that's all you're wishing to be as a photographer, so be it. But I think most of us out there are striving for something more, for both ourselves and especially for 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. It will be rewarded with photographs that are far and away better than any you've ever done before.
With all your prep work done by both you and the model including all the elements gathered together for the concept, 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! Because should that happen, you're now faced with trying to grab anything you can since your perfect light has already come and gone. So don't be just on time, be 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 free, or some 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. Just as a side-note, studios tend to always remember a photographer's personality. So should you wish to try to impress them by sharing a little 'tude, well, they'll remember you alright, and I'm guessing your next deal with them will come with more than a few strings attached...
Once everything is set up and ready to go, make the shot happen. Be a pro, be courteous to the model, help she or he with poses should the model hit a snag, and NEVER get upset at a model no matter what!!! You are the glue that holds a shoot together and the model is looking at you for guidance and your skill to take the shot to the next level. Be there for them and for the photograph. 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 or not, it's all about you my friend. 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.
If you do everything you can to prepare yourself for a shoot, with good planning, gear, an idea, timing, etc., you'll be blessed with an image that more than likely will rival anything you've done to date. Remember, it will only get better with practice.