Lesson
Test, TFP or paid job?
Three shoots can look almost identical on set and still have three different economic purposes.
A test shoot is generally there to build or update portfolio material. FFAM uses “test” for an agency-organised shoot around a model’s book, and Models.com still categorises current editorial work as Test Shoot.
TFP. TFP exchanges time for images rather than a modelling fee. That does not remove the need to agree who is involved, what images are delivered, when they arrive and what each party can do with them. Current TFP listings on ModelManagement often spell out image counts, no-payment terms and releases as part of the agreement.
If a brand is commissioning material to sell a product, campaign or commercial content, you have moved beyond the simple “we both need portfolio work” logic. Client, usage and pay need to be treated as commercial-booking questions.
Before you agree: Ask what everybody gets. For a test: team, purpose and expected images. For TFP: deliverables and use. For paid work: fee, working terms and usage rights. If nobody can explain who will use the images, where and why, the vagueness is already useful information.
Sources: FFAM — Professional glossary · Models.com — Test Shoot · ModelManagement — TFP test shoot listing