Okay Let's Talk about TFP (testing for prints) by Margina Dennis
TFP is a term that originated from the print days, meaning testing for prints; another variation is TFCD which is testing for CD. (I know, I'm showing my age)! I wanted to give some clarification to those who are confused when they see this term and shed some light on this very elusive subject! A test is basically a collaboration of people coming together working for the same thing, to get something for their book. It can also be an editorial spec, which is where you shoot a fashion or beauty story to be submitted to magazines and hopefully picked up by one of them.
1. The term TFP and JOB: the two should never cross - A test is something where the team is coming together to get images for their portfolio/reel/ etc. A Job is where a client is financially benefiting from the images/video/commercial/ etc. and is bringing together a team to execute their vision. Big difference! And the following or any variation on this sentence is NOT TFP "Designer is looking for a MUA for TFP for their lookbook shoot....." Sorry Boo Boo that is a job... and you can substitute the word "collaboration" for TFP and it is still a Job :-) And JOBS are things we get paid for :-)
2. TFP and kit fee are also two things that do not go together - A kit fee is a motion term. Motion is film, TV, video, etc. The term kit fee is for the rental of your kit, so it is the rental of the use of the items for a motion production (which is also different than the purchase of products for the production). If you aren't feeling the shoot, or it's not something you need, politely decline or let them you are available for a paid test. Using TFP and kit fee together in the same sentence unfortunately sends a message of "Hi, I'm really new and don't know what I am doing and I heard someone else does this."
3. Remember it is a collaboration - You shouldn't expect you to get a zillion pictures or even a CD of images. You should expect to get a few images for your book and the images that will you receive will be based on what is best (hopefully) for the team. Remember, it's not all about you! If it is a fashion shoot and you want more beauty images, be prepared to pay for those images to be retouched which can be $40-$300 plus depending on how much needs to be done to them and the level of expertise of the retoucher.
Okay, let's talk about some things you should look for when you looking to do TFP or are responding to someone who is asking you to do TFP!
1. Do you like their work? Is this something you can use at this time? If the answer is no to either of these, then you probably shouldn't do the test.
2. Are you all on the same page with the vision of the shoot. This is SO important and why it is imperative that you seen mood board/storyboards or a Pinterest giving you a direction where the shoot is going.
3. Who is the rest of the team on the shoot? What models are you looking to use? Remember, that you are only one element of the team and the team can make or break the shoot. Unfortunately, no one is going to single out your fantastic makeup or hair work when everything else just isn't working or just plain sucks.
4. Post production (photoshop) or lack thereof - This is also something that take a great test and make it not so great so you want to study this when you are looking at the photographer’s website. If you see images that are over the place ranging from no retouching to weird to something that looks plastic, this is probably not a person who is going to be the best person to test with because you don't know what you are going to get. And on the subject of plastic, if every picture looks the person was created by a computer, it is also not going to be a good representation of your work. Current trend is skin looking like skin, complete with pores!
Things you should do when you are working on a TFP:
(example of very light and appropriate retouching, photo: N. Ruechel )
1. Communicate! I have heard so many stories of people just showing up and not having any idea what they were doing or what was going on a test. Don't be so excited about doing a test that you neglect to have a conversation. Communication helps make sure it is the test for you or to help make it a great test! This also includes discussing how long you will be waiting for images.
2. Don't a B*tch! Yes, I said the "B" word!. Remember, it is a collaboration, not the "me" show. If you want the shoot to be all your concept with no regard for the other team members, then get your shoot budget together and hire EVERYONE to create your vision or find a team that is 100 percent on board with it.
3. Be professional! Treat a test like a job. If people see you conducting yourself in a professional manner, then they can see you conducting yourself in that same manner on a job :-) So that means showing up on time, having a clean and organized kit; being clean and not looking like you rolled out of bed :-)
Now get out there and get your TFP on!
About the author: When Margina isn’t working on set shooting an advertising campaign or teaching, she can be found exploring museums, interesting restaurants, and locations. For more information on Margina’s work and teaching/coaching. Please visit https://www.beautybeautebeauti.com and https://www.marginadennis.com .
