Dress Me Blog Me » So you want to ‘Test’ Shoot….?

Migs, the photographer calls them ‘creatives’, I call them ‘tests’ – but either way they are what fuels the fashion industry and pushes the its fashionable lines of black and white far past grey and into a rainbow where anything goes!

‘Test Shoots’ are fashion shoots devoid any money and no money means no boundaries and no boundaries mean absolute creativity at it’s highest!

TIP’S for pulling together a ‘TEST SHOOT’:

* Firstly you need a team:
Make-Up Artist (MUA)
Hairdresser
Photographer
Fashion Stylist
Model
Garments via a designer or showroom…
This is where your net-working skills count for EVERYTHING!
Think about who you know, who they might know, and via the many strings that keep people connected find other creatively inclined freelancers who are interested in adding to their portfolio.

TOP ADVICE: Always try and work with a team that is BETTER than YOU! That way they will pull you up to their level!

* Second thing to do is brainstorm! Talk to your team and bring to life fantasies and visions! Make sure everyone has the chance to express themselves as ‘tests’ are team efforts.

* Third thing – Maintain clear communication.
If you initiated the test then make sure you lead your group well by making sure everyone knows the details of the shoot:
Date
Detailed rundown of the day
Directions to the studio/location

REMEMBER: The little things count: Does the studio have a steamer for the fashion stylist, are the electric-sockets for the hairdryer?

*Ohhhhh and Fourth thing – PARTICIPATE! While the photographer is snapping away make sure you hang out in the studio ready with powder puff, lipstick, brush in hand ready to adjust the model OR the clothes, hair, props when needed! Keep an eye on the photographers computer screen as the images pop up and assess how things look – if anything needs changing, make the changes then and there (saves regrets later!) and then keep on shooting. Be active, be present, be professional!

* Finally – Enjoy the day!
You’re all putting your time in for free, so make sure you have a freaking amazing time – and that post shoot – EVERYONE involved get copies of the images produced!