As with any other skill or trade, the best way to improve your photography skills is to keep taking pictures. While the paid work that you get will certainly give you plenty of practice, you will also need to get used to taking test shots between jobs. Not only will test shots allow you to hone your photography skills, but they can let you experiment and get more creative than you otherwise would if you were fulfilling a specific paid request. You might even get some great shots that you can add to your portfolio and show to potential clients.
So there are obviously some very good reasons to take some photos when you’re not getting paid to do so, but what about getting models to pose for you? That can be tricky, especially if you take photos of models who expect to be paid for their time. It’s not fair to expect models to work for free just because you are, but you might find that there are modeling agencies who offer lower rates for photographers who want to take test shots. You probably won’t have much luck calling a larger or more well-known agency, but smaller agencies will almost certainly be able to help you. You can even use this opportunity to form relationships with models who will work with you again when you need them for a paid job.
If you’re really at a loss and cannot find a model for your test shots, you can also try asking some of your friends to pose for you. Depending on who your friends are, this could be a very good idea or a mistake. On one hand, you are more likely to find a model who will pose for you without pay or for very little pay. After all, these are your friends, and friends help each other out when they need it. It will also give you the much-needed practice and chance to experiment that you will need for your career. On the other hand, your portfolio should have at least a few shots of professional models if you want to have a professional photography career. It shows that you have the kind of experience and connections that a professional photographer is expected to have.
No matter who or what you choose to photograph for your test shots, there is no denying that they are important. Every shot you take matters, even if nobody sees them. They give you some excellent chances to practice your skills and flex your creative muscles, so don’t worry about not getting paid for them. The paid jobs will come to you in time.