Start with the readable portrait
Establish a natural expression and simple framing before adding movement. This gives the set a grounded opening.
New York City · Model portfolios
Commercial Model Test Shoot NYC
A useful test adds something your book cannot show yet. Plan a relaxed commercial portrait, a believable everyday scene or a movement sequence that makes your range easier to understand.
$650–$1,000
2 hrs, 20 edited images, 1–2 locations
Start with your idea and rough date. We’ll work out the details.
Give your portfolio a new reason to be opened.
For models building commercial or lifestyle work, returning to the industry, or responding to a specific portfolio note. Beginners can start here when they need portfolio development rather than application digitals.
This is a paid creative session for your professional self-promotion. It is not a casting, agency placement, brand campaign or promise of paid work. We agree on the photographer and look before booking.
The photographs have a job to do
A plan built around your brief.
Build one believable scene
Use an actual task and vary distance, posture and interaction. A working scene should look plausible rather than like a person randomly holding a laptop.
Select for range
Choose images with different functions in the book. Several nearly identical favorites are less useful than a concise set with clear variation.
Three things that help us plan.
- One clear portfolio gap
- Bring your existing book and explain what is missing: an approachable smile, credible workplace energy, full-length movement or a softer outdoor story.
- Two related looks
- Choose wardrobe that changes the role without changing the entire production. Fit, grooming and clean footwear can matter more than a bag of elaborate outfits.
- An intended audience
- Share representation notes or the kind of work you want to demonstrate. References should explain expression, light or action rather than imitate another model.
Scope before surprises.
Test Shoot package. Talent, styling, rentals, additional retouching and client advertising rights are scoped separately.
Choose a compact NYC route with a workable change location and weather backup. Café interiors, offices and private courtyards need permission; buying a coffee is not an access agreement. Confirm whether hair and makeup, collaborators or a separate indoor rental are part of your estimate.
Build a commercial test shot list that shows rangeBefore you book.
Is this a free TFP collaboration?
No. This page describes a paid session. A separate collaboration would need its own explicit agreement.
Can I use these in a brand's advertisement?
Professional self-promotion and third-party advertising are different uses. Describe any brand use before booking so rights can be agreed.
Should I book digitals first?
Only if your application or agent needs them. A commercial test is not a substitute for simple submission images.
The optional $100 priority deposit after intake is credited toward the session but does not reserve a date by itself. A date is secured only after availability, scope, the booking agreement, and the required booking retainer are confirmed in writing.
Consumer packages include personal use, while headshot and model packages include professional self-promotion. Business packages can include website, organic social, recruiting, sales, press, and internal use. Paid advertising, outdoor campaigns, resale, and third-party use are licensed separately.
Review the agency's application before buying portfolio work
Tell us what you’re planning.
We’ll clarify the brief, check photographer fit and availability, and confirm a written scope before you book.