Thinking about building your photography portfolio but don’t have the budget to hire models? In this video, I’ll walk you through how to collaborate with models for TFP (Time for Photos) test shoots—for free. Whether you’re trying new lighting techniques, building your book, or just want to create fresh content, I’ll show you exactly how I reach out to models, what to say, how I structure my shoots, and how to keep things professional from start to finish.
I’ll also share how I find potential models on Instagram using local hashtags, how I plan to avoid last-minute no-shows, and how I handle image delivery, usage rights, and legal basics without getting into the weeds of giving legal advice. If you’ve ever felt unsure about test shoots or worried about doing it “wrong,” this video has the answers you need.
Want better shoots, sharper skills, and stronger work? It starts with practice—and this is how I do it.
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Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – 1. What is a TFP Shoot
02:47 – 2. Why I’m Upfront About It Being Unpaid
03:25 – 3. How I Find Models (and What to Look For)
04:06 – WPC
05:44 – 4. Slide into DMs
06:30 – 5. Scheduling
06:45 – 6. Wardrobe
07:37 – 7. Retouching
09:23 – 8. Model Releases
11:05 – 9. Modeling Agencies
11:55 – My Journey
14:21 – Final Thoughts
