Lets talk Test Shoots + Digitals

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.