TEST Shoots
A lot of people, especially new models, often assume that when you sign to an agency, the cost of things like your portfolio, comp cards, or test shoots will be fully covered by the agency. The reality is, though, that these are the exact things that a model may be expected to pay for out of pocket. The fact is the test shoot are huge helper to keep a your portfolio fresh and creative. The more content you have to more a client or employee has to pick from. Agencies in smaller markets often don’t have the budgets needed to cover model portfolio expenses, but sometimes larger and well-known agencies have models pay for their portfolios even though they could easily fund the shoot.
An average test shoot can range between $300-800 USD plus. When you're paying anywhere between that amount, you should at least be getting 5-15 prints (depending on the price), and a hair and makeup artist should be on set. Anything on the shy side of $300 USD should also include styling, and anything above $800 USD is slightly ridiculous. If you have the money then go for it, but there are plenty of good photographers charging lower rates that can help your book just as much.
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SHOOT
All models should arrive in loose clothing that does not leave marks on your body, no tight waistbands or tight socks that will leave seam lines on your body. Wear nude or no makeup, hair should be natural but neat. Bring your foundation and any unique hair or makeup products that may not be in a standard makeup artist’s kit. Women, if you are going to a casting, go-see or similar meeting where you're not shooting, when in doubt, wear something form fitting and all black, for example, black leggings, black tank top and black heels. This way they can see your form immediately and you'll look like you know what you're doing.
WARDROBE:
The more you can bring the better, try to bring everything on this list and then some, plus whatever your team instructs you to bring to each specific shoot. Most of this stuff will be worn under the featured clothes you’ll be modeling, so it needs to be discreet with no bold patterns, colors, labels, etc. that will take attention away from the clothes you’re modeling. Preferably everything on this list will be neutral colors with no graphics, logos, words of any kind. It’s okay to bring Calvins or Dior with the logos and labels, but you should also have options with no words or labels, especially in black and gray.
For undergarments, please bring smooth or seamless options when possible. Try to avoid thick fabrics, textures, patterns, or colors that will show through outer garments you are modeling.
ALL MODELS, MEN AND WOMEN
Bring the following basics in black, gray, white:
T shirts/crop tops/tank tops
Jackets (preferably denim or leather, more than one preferred)
Jeans (one light, one dark, one fitted, one loose)
WOMEN
Bring the following in black, gray, white, nude (nude is most important for undergarments):
Regular bra
Pushup bra
Strapless bra
Bralette
Bodysuit, with and without thong
Thong and non-thong underwear
Boy shorts
Stockings
Leggings
Socks
Heels (especially nude and black)
Flats/Sneakers
Something warm to cover up with (blanket, robe, or coat)
MEN
Bring the following in black, gray, white:
Boxers
Boxer briefs
Briefs
Athletic shorts
Button up shirts
Belts (black and brown)
Sneakers (black or solid darker colors, not too busy)
Boots/formal shoes (black, brown, gray)
More shoes, boat shoes, converse, timberlands, anything.