Want to Collaborate?
How to get a TFP or Test shoot
Collaboration is the new term for unpaid testing or Time-for-Print, commonly known as TFP. There is no money exchanged—the model gets images in exchange for his/her time. This means photographers will be selective on who they choose to offer TFP shoots.
These shoots take considerable time for a photographer to shoot, edit, and deliver images to the model. There is also the opportunity cost in that the time could have been used for a paid client or their time off. But, sometimes a photographer wants to try something new or add a concept to their portfolio. So a TFP can be worth it for the model and photographer.
So how do I select the models for a test shoot?
My first option is going to be a model whom I’ve worked with before. These models are usually agency represented and have demonstrated the ability to pose. If I have to coach a model through poses, then the shoot isn’t worth my time, and that “model” should be a client.
My second option is to ask an agency for a list of new talent. I simply provide the call sheet, and the agency provides a model.I will have to develop a rapport and working relationship with the model. But, because they have some experience this happens quickly. These models also rarely cancel.
My third option is to do a model call on my website and social media. I will do this when I’m at a conceptual stage, and don’t have a specific date in mind yet. I also might be looking for new faces and undiscovered talent. Often, a model I have worked with before responds, and I’m back to my first choice.
Ugh, I’m not an agency model, but I want to collaborate!
Good news—you don’t have to be an agency model. I get these requests frequently and I have to make some choices. Here are some tips to stand out and get selected:
Have social media accounts, specifically Instagram public. Make sure you have images in your social media that show you have some knowledge of posing. High school graduation photos don’t count. Bonus points if you have done some photoshoots before, and have tagged the photographer.
Don’t use the C-word unless you are really going to collaborate. When you send a DM or email, have a concept and outfits in mind. If an aspiring model reaches out to me with a brilliant concept that will enhance my portfolio and has prepared a mood board, I’m likely to agree to a test shoot. It shows the model has taken time and given the shoot some thought—and is going to appreciate my limited time. This set’s you apart from the many messages I receive like, “I would love to work with you.”
If you are replying to a model call, put some effort into the response. Replies with “interested” or a ❤️ 🙋♀️ tells me that aspiring model is looking for a free photoshoot. This is confirmed when I look at their social media and see photoshoots with awkward posing, poor lighting, and ill-conceived concepts. I get dozens of these every model call, so set yourself apart. Competition is fierce, and this is usually when I go back to options one, two, or four.
Be willing to invest in the photoshoot. Offer to book locations and take care of those expenses. Offer to provide unique wardrobe or props. Last year a model who had a great look contact me. She wanted a studio shoot with snow, stuffed animals, and balloons. The problem was the concept was inconsistent with my portfolio, did not enhance my work, and she was unwilling to pay for studio fees and props. She found someone to shoot her Only Fans content for free—but it wasn’t me.
After one of my sailboat photoshoots, an independent model made me the offer, “Hello! If you ever want to do a boat shoot with a natural redhead let me know ☺️” These shoots are expensive and availability is limited. I was willing to shoot with her, but not give her one of my most premium shoots. So I asked her if she had a sailboat or even a pool with a floaty, but she did not and unfollowed me. She clearly did not respect my time and wanted a free photoshoot.
I understand rejection hurts and fear of rejection is a paralytic. I applaud anyone for reaching out. Just because me or another photographer isn’t interested now doesn't mean we will never be interested. Try again with a different concept at a different time. I fill my shoots quickly, and you might have just been too late.
Summary
You’re competing for slots with established talent. You might be the next Sydney Sweeney, but you haven’t demonstrated it yet. You will have to put in more effort up front to set yourself apart.
Show the photographer you understand the time, expense, and effort involved in a test shoot and offer to help. Make yourself available. If the only time a photographer has is a weekday at 10:00am, you might need to get someone to cover your shift at the coffee shop. Like the prophet said, “If you had one shot or one opportunity; To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment; Would you capture it or just let it slip?” What if that photoshoot gets you discovered and signed with an agency launching your international modeling career? I’ve seen it happen more than once.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Rejection and unanswered messages are common. You might not be selected this time, but that’s a moment in the past. Try and try again.
Why Models Need a Book
A model’s book, is a portfolio of work that serves as a resume’. I think every aspiring model should create a book to submit to agencies. While a book is not required to submit to agencies, I believe it greatly increases an aspiring model’s chances of getting signed by an agency.Imagine trying to apply for a job without a resume’.
You can certainly find a job that doesn’t require work experience, but it is not likely that job will be well compensated. Companies want to see a work history, skills, and accomplishments. Your resume’ should highlight those skills and accomplishments to set you apart from the other applicants. A model’s book should highlight your look, your ability to pose and express emotion, and previous work. This will set you apart from the other aspiring models submitting selfies and high school senior portraits. Established models will constantly update their books with new photos, highlighting work for clients with Tear Sheets.
The term “Tear Sheet” comes from the practice of models tearing the published advertisement they were featured in from a magazine. That tear sheet would then be placed in a model’s printed portfolio, or book. But, what if you don’t have any experience or photos?
Fortunately, experience can be had quickly and easily for aspiring models. Here are some ways:
Time for Print (TFP) photoshoots
Time for Print, or TFP, is the industry term for a model posing for a photographer who is developing their own portfolio. A model exchanges their time for photos, and it is mutually beneficial for the model and photographer. The term has been adapted to mean “Time for Photos” in an age that favors digital portfolios instead of printed books. The term “collaboration” is commonly used instead of TFP.
While no money is exchanged in a TFP, that is not an indication of quality. Supermodels still do TFP shoots withs a photographers they know will produce great images for them. I occasionally see a model call by famous photographers looking for a model. Of course, these are the best models and photographers choosing to work with each other. Aspiring models will likely need to work with inexperienced photographers until they develop their book. Everyone has to start somewhere.
A model simply needs to reach out to a photographer and ask if the photographer needs a model for any personal projects. Having a concept and inspiration photos will help you, and offering to cover any costs such as location fees will set you apart from other aspiring models. Remember you are applying for an opportunity!
I can almost guarantee there is a photographer willing to photograph you. Be selective in who you reach out to and make sure the quality of the photographer’s work is consistent with your goals. Don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers because you fear rejection. Reach out to good photographers because you might just be what they are looking for at that moment.
Here are some images I created during TFP shoots for my portfolio:
Last year I was contacted by a stunning aspiring model who only had bathroom selfies on her social media. She asked me how to get started I’m modeling and I gave her the same advice I’m giving you. She needed to develop a portfolio and show she had experience posing and emoting. I could tell she didn’t know how to pose and I simply couldn’t offer her a TFP shoot where she was in her journey.
She said she couldn’t afford my rates and found some photographers for TFP shoots. But, these were inexperienced photographers and the results worked against her. I truly believe if she invested in herself and dream, she could certainly be signed with an agency today.
Hire a Photographer
The photographer you love isn’t accepting any TFP or never responded?
Established photographers will always prioritize a paying client over a TFP shoot. So ask the photographer their rates and book a photoshoot. The photographer will deliver the same great images that attracted you to them and you can use those in your book. While you still might not have much experience, you will have something.
With your new book, you can see if other photographers for TFP opportunities and begin shooting with increasingly better photographers. You can even submit these images to modeling agencies. But, never rely solely on TFP shoots to develop your book. Sometimes to access talented photographers, you will need to pay for the service. It is also possible the photographer sees potential in you, they might consider you for their personal projects in the future.
If you want to develop your modeling book, please contact me at alan@alansouthard.com
How to Become an Agency Signed Model
A Detroit Photographer’s Perspective
If you’re wondering how to become a model or how to get signed with a modeling agency, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with hundreds of aspiring models over the years, and many top agencies feature my work in their portfolios.
When I was 16, a friend asked me to take a few portraits to help her break into modeling. Those images helped her get signed with Elite Model Management. Since then, I’ve photographed talent with the same goal: creating images that open doors.
Here are some examples showing just how powerful the right portfolio image can be:
🔹 Sonny — Signed Within Days & Featured by Nike
Sonny at a bus stop near my house in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. This image got him signed with multiple agencies the next day. Nike featured Sonny in a billboard campaign when the Nike Store was opened in Detroit.
This is the second shot from the Bus Stop series with Sonny. The addition of the bag and negative space shows potential for product and logo placement.
🔹 Anisa at the Marina
Anisa was photographed at a marina in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Within days, she was signed by multiple agencies, and has since appeared in magazines such as Vogue, Elle and campaigns for Tom Ford and Tiffany & Co.
💼 Why a Strong Portfolio Is Non-Negotiable
A polished modeling portfolio isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. It’s your calling card to the fashion and commercial world. A well-curated portfolio can take you from “just another submission” to “we need to meet them.”
Waiting to be scouted isn’t a plan. Scouts are rare, and social media is oversaturated. Even if a scout does discover you, you’ll still need to show that you can pose, express emotion, and take direction. Don’t rely on being discovered. Instead, prove you’re ready.
🎯 Be Proactive: Research & Apply
Start by researching modeling agencies in your area. For example, in Detroit, most agencies focus on commercial modeling — for brands and consumer advertising. It’s often more accessible than fashion modeling and can offer steady work.
Many models I work with later sign with agencies in Chicago or New York, where demand is higher for luxury fashion campaigns.
🚫 Skip the Selfies — Apply Professionally
Every reputable agency accepts submissions through their website. But don’t send selfies or casual shots — even if you’re photogenic, they don’t show skill or commitment. Agencies review hundreds of submissions every week. Your goal is to stand out with quality, professional materials.
📷 What You Need: Digitals + Portfolio
Digitals (also known as polaroids) are basic, makeup-free, unretouched photos taken in natural light against a plain wall — usually white. These show the real you, not your potential. Update them at least twice a year — ideally monthly.
Your portfolio is where you showcase your modeling potential. These are editorial-quality photos that display your range, expression, and presence. Work with a photographer whose work matches what you see on top agency websites. If you're new, choose someone who can coach you through posing and emotion.
🔹 Marisa — Shoot With a Specific Goal
Marisa wanted to model lingerie and swimwear. We planned a lingerie portfolio session to target specific agencies that specialize in that genre.
Marisa wanted to model swimwear and lingerie. A few days after our shoot tailored to highlight lingerie, BMG Models, Chicago had signed her and this was on their website.
🚀 Submit and Show Up
Once you have both digitals and a strong portfolio, start applying. Every agency has an online application, and many hold open casting calls. Attend them with your printed portfolio book and digitals in hand.
Getting signed is about more than good looks. It’s about professionalism, persistence, and being prepared. When you present yourself with intention, agencies take notice.
Ready to Begin?
If you're serious about modeling and need professional portfolio images that can help you get signed, contact me here to schedule a shoot.
✅ Quick Checklist to Get Started:
Research local and national agencies
Prepare clean, updated digitals (no filters!)
Build a strong, agency-style portfolio
Submit through official agency websites
Attend casting calls with your portfolio and comp card