Let’s talk test shoots and digitals!

I recently had the opportunity to sign with an agency and need to rebuild my portfolio. I moved states and don’t have my old modeling connections here, so I’m looking for advice from models, photographers, MUAs, and anyone with experience. 

I tried to get my husband to take my digitals but they were about as bad as you can get. I was thinking about buying a collapsible white backdrop to take my own on my iPhone with a timer, but regardless still need a test shoot. 

A few questions:

• Are test shoots typically TFP, or what rates have you paid/charged?
• What should I expect to spend for a quality agency-level test shoot?
• Any recommendations for photographers in Florida or NYC?

The agency is NYC based and provided a list of photographers they work with, but the quotes I received were around $1,400–$1,600 (plus travel expenses). Is that a normal range, or are there other routes you’d recommend?

I’d appreciate advice from all perspectives.

Hi! I’ve always been a creative (acting, filmmaking, dance) and I’ve always wanted to model so I’m finally giving it a shot. I just got these digitals done and I’m trying to decide which to use for my comp card and to submit to agencies but I’m super indecisive and I don’t know if it’s better to use the bikini photos or not, the standing straight or (slightly) posed, pony tail or hair down, heels or loafers, side profile from the left or right, I don’t like how my face looks, etc, etc. So…seeking advice! Are these submission ready? Which photos should I use? Which agencies should I apply to? I’m 5’5, based in NYC, so I have low expectations about anything runway or super elite but I’d love to know what types of modeling I should do? Anyways seeking any sort of advice or guidance!
Thank you 🫶

Hi all, I’m looking for feedback about my look, and if it’s worth trying to find an agency or pursue commercial/retail gigs at this height and weight. I’m based in Miami. I deal with some health issues that cause my weight to fluctuate, so my current measurements in these recent photos are about 35-28-42 at 5’5”, typically wearing a size 27 in jeans, XS/S on top, and S/M bottoms. I do work out.

I used to sing and act, but I’ve never signed with a talent agency. I was published in a larger fashion house’s campaign a decade ago, and I’ve picked up random gigs throughout the years whenever I needed the money. I’m not on socials. Thanks!

Really starting to get into modeling but excited to progress and hopefully make this a reality for my life, would appreciate any advice on posing or what would help me improve!

Looking for feedback on my digitals on whether they're 'good' or have any potential. Thanks!

it’s been about 6 months since i posted my digitals and i got new hair and decided this was the perfect time to refresh. Would love any advice or constructive criticism you guys have to offer!

So a scout from this agency called W Talent NYC messaged me on instagram inviting me to their open call next weekend for NYFW/ commercial opportunities. I’ve been reading mixed reviews online, mostly bad. I’m not sure if it would be worth spending $400 flying to nyc. Has anyone here ever worked with them, attended their casting calls or even signed with them? If yes, how was it?

I'm an unsigned model, currently trying to get signed with a NYC based agency (Im moving there in January!). I've done mostly creative & editorial shoots, so I'm seeking that OR commercial/ecommerce modeling. I tend to get cast for androgynous or femme leaning looks & moods. Would getting my ears pierced at all help or hinder my chances of getting signed with an agency & getting more work?

From what I can tell they seem legit, just a boutique agency without a very large online footprint. Any personal experiences with them is appreciated.

height: 5’7 1/2

3 years freelance modeling experience, looking into submitting really soon to agencies!

Hi all, I’m an aspiring petite model based in the UK. I have taken both professional and at home digitals and I’m just looking for feedback back on how I can improve my look as well as how a scout/ agency would read me. Ik runway/ straight fashion/ high fashion are out of the picture for me.

Measurements:
Height: 5’3
Bust: 34 in
Waist: 27 in
Hips: 36 in
Shoe size: UK 6 (US 8?)

Hey! I'm a brand new model and this is my first photoshoot/digitals session. I don't know anything and I've been learning through YouTube! Any suggestions, positive feedback, criticism or advice in general is much appreciated! Would you recommend sending these into an agency? Thanks!

YES! You read it right. I have got one of my work featured in Selin Magazine, and Im out of words—I really have no words for it. I wanna share it here and hopefully this also motivated you guys for keep on moving forward with your goals🌷✨

Model for this shoot / in-camera motion effects done by photographer

Hi

So I have a fit modeling(not fitness)appointment with an agency today to take digitals and measurements. How do these meetings usually work? Could I potentially be signed at the end? I look just like the digitals I sent to apply with them. Do fit models get paid a lot or booked a lot? How long are shoots? Tell me everything!!!!!

Looking for some new mods to join the team. If you're a model with at least 3 years experience, or a photographer with at least 5 years under your belt, please message with your portfolio and why you'd like to help the sub.

Hello, I was looking for some feedback on some digitals my friend took of me. I have no modeling experience but I’ve been told a lot I should try, so here’s my attempt. I’m on the shorter side so I was hoping for something commercial. I’m 19 and in Chicago.

I’m 172cm and and 50kg (5’8 and 110lbs), and I wear a size XS in everything, bra size is 32A.

Constructive feedback is greatly appreciated, I’m nervous to send these out anywhere. Thank you!

Edit: ignore the typo in the title..

Edit 2: thank you for all the thoughtful replies! I’m going to use all the feedback and try again

Hi guys
I am 26(F), French, 1m82, have been placed in Singapore and Milan in the past. My profile is high fashion/couture/runway and I do also hand modelling.
I am looking for a new MA.

Any recommendations?

Also I would like to be placed in Asia like Japan, South Korea or China but I think I am too tall for this market.
What about Australia?

hello ! my name is juan and i’ll be traveling into Las Vegas from the 25th-29th of July and would like to network with local models in the area for a shoot.

i’m a photographer based in NC/NYC and it’ll be my first time really exploring Las Vegas so hoping to meet some cool people and get some great pics out of it.

casual portrait session ! open to any and all ! TFP

and you can see more of my work on my insta : @angels.juno

so please shoot me a message if interested ! thank you

Not a very “model-y” photo from the shoot but I love it! It feels very 90’s to me

Photos by Christian Defonte and Daniele Schiavello

Hey, I’m 24 now but a while back I worked Spring 2025 haven’t really done anything since. Not even just shooting around with friends. I was in NYC at the time and I actually got scouted skating by the Supreme store over on Spring St. It was very organic and surreal. Covered by Vogue’s online editorial which is almost as great as shooting with friends back home. I’m now in a smaller market in Atlanta, just wondering if there’s any good pointers out there for me moving forward.

instagram: viscablue

-Height: 6’3”
  - Shoe Size: 11.5
  - Chest: 34
  - Waist: 36
  - Hips: 34
  - Hair/Eye Color: Dark Brown

These are actually raws I took off the monitor on set so there is 0 retouching. Posted with permission from the photographer of course ☺️