5 Terrific Test Shoots Every Good Photographer Should Take Time to Do

Practice makes perfect – or so the saying goes. 

Photographers are a passionate bunch. We’re always falling in love with composition or searching high and low for the perfect light. So, it won’t surprise you to hear that one of the things that keeps professional photographers totally smitten with the day-job is when we get some serious time to take things up a notch creatively. 

Say ‘hello’ to the test shoot! It’s what every photographer’s dreams are made of. There’s nothing better than letting loose with your lens and a *new* idea or concept you’ve been desperate to try. Whether it’s experimenting with new backdrops or putting a creative twist on photography for social media, trying the kind of exciting stuff that gives us the photo goose bumps, matters.
Test shoots without a doubt, help keep photography fresh. So, no matter how busy or booked up I am I always take some time out to play. It’s my 100% dedicated me-and-my-camera time to flex some photo freedom and to push my creative comfort zone. 

Here are my 5 favourite reasons for taking time out to test shoot. 

1. Time to Take on Board What’s Trending 

Making sure you have the right equipment and shoot experience to deliver the photography trends your clients are asking for is a test-shoot no-brainer. Whether you’re a food photographer or fashion’s your thing, raising your photo game means knowing what’s hot and being able to create your own take on the trend. This takes practice, experience, and confidence in your own style. Whatever the subject matter, test shoots give you breathing space to capture it in your own unique way. It guarantees fresh finger-on-the-pulse photography everyone will want to see more of. 

2. Time to Learn New Techniques 

Test shoots allow you some one-on-one time with your inner geek to experiment with new techniques that you might not get the chance to try otherwise. Photography, like any other industry is constantly changing, and award-winning photographers are the ones that take the time to keep up with the new stuff. No-one wants to offer out-of-style photography or stale postproduction techniques when the most sought-after snaps are expertly upskilled to the max. Shaking up your own status quo means challenging and expanding your photo skills constantly. It’s like giving yourself a creative leg-up when you need it most. And every great photographer knows you’ve got to know the rules to break them, right? 

3. Time to Power-Up a Portfolio 

Yes, it’s me, but like you’ve never seen me before. One of the best reasons to whip out a test shoot is to build up a punchy portfolio. Especially when moving into new genres or showcasing alternative styles. Having visual variety is crucial for keeping a fresh vibe and helps avoid potential clients thinking you only ‘do’ one sort of photography style. Test shoots give a fantastic freedom (and luxury) to go all out in the best sort of way. Not only is it perfect to plug portfolio gaps, showcase new styles and incorporate ideas into the mix, but it adds extra oomph to your Instagram! 

4. Time to Experiment 

Whether it’s lighting, backdrops, props or styling, having the chance to experiment with every aspect of a shoot is one of the best ways to make sure you’re staying ahead of the curve. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to try the new stuff you’ve always wanted to and see the real results. It not only expands your bandwidth but makes you put aside the client’s objectives for a minute and focus on getting fully into the zone of what you’re trying to nail. If the outcome sucks, so be it. That’s the point. Being able to see what works and what doesn’t is the aim. It makes you a better photographer overall. From switching up overused styles of your genre or trying tricky techniques - experimenting is photo fun with a capital P. 

5. Time to Create Collaborations and Build Connections 

You know I love a good collab and I love it even more so in a test shoot! Getting together with new talent guarantees exciting new ideas emerge! Working with people that I admire – such as the awesome videographer Sean at The Published Image and fab food stylist Daisy Hogg, is one of the ways I love to add freshness to my work in the most enjoyable, sociable way. As a Manchester based photographer, I’m lucky to be immersed in a city full-to-the-brim with top talent. Working with other multitalented folk not only helps raise my A game, but it keeps me connected. If there’s a photography trend I’m keen to try, if there’s an influencer or food stylist I think is rocking it, then reaching out to collab is one of my fave ways to creatively connect. 

Test shoots can often lead to your best shoots by pushing your passion and creativity to new places. So, if you’re looking for a photography near you, then ask to see their test shoot work…it’s where brilliant photography begins.
Georgie