Why do TFP?




Photographers shoot TFP for various reasons. Sometimes they do this to "test" a new idea, new lighting, new equipment, or new techniques. Other times it is done to determine the value of a model for future paid projects. In my case, I do it for those reasons as well as to help out models, and for the enjoyment of creating with photography. True artists, after all, are more interested in their art than then are in financial gains obtained by it. Each photographer doing TFP has his or her own needs and reasons, and each reason or need should be respected.



Models shoot TFP to gain photos and experience. A model without images in her "book" (portfolio) will likely have a difficult time finding paying model work. Also, without experience, it is unlikely that a model will be hired for paying work. Nothing is more disturbing than receiving an email from a model that states that they have no photos, have never modeled, but is only interested in paying jobs. Just like a model or other client does not want to hire a photographers who is just learning, models who are just learning need to work pro-bono for a while in order to hone their skills.



Photographers generally select models to offer TFP to for their own reasons. They seek models that fit the physical description of their current needs or interests. Models, on the other hand, have different criteria they should use when selecting photographers to perform TFP for them.



1. Who is the photographer, their experience and quality of their work? Look at the photographer's portfolio and determine if the quality of their work is going to be of value to you in your portfolio. Run a simple search on the photographer using a search engine (such as www.google.com). What types of information do you find on them? Are there complaints about them? Do they deal in mainstream photography or does the search reveal adult sites?



2. What is the deal you are being offered? If digital, will you be receiving scaled down, low resolution shots that are only good for use online, or will you be provided high resolution images on a CD that you can later take to a printer and have photos printed from? How many images are they offering? All? Some? Just a couple? If they are shooting in film, do not expect to receive copies of everything photo printing can be expensive. You may expect to review proofs (a proof sheet, or 4x6" prints) and then a few enlargements printed from the shots you pick.



3. Are you expected to sign a full model release? If you're not being paid, why would you want to sign away the full rights to your images so that the photographer can sell them anywhere, to anyone, for any purpose? If anything, make sure the release you sign (IF ANY AT ALL!) is very limited and don't be afraid to tell the photographer that you won't sign a full release on TFP work.



4. Will the photographer allow you to bring someone along on the shoot? While some photographers will argue that professional models do not bring escorts on photo shoots, the fact is that you are not necessarily professional. You're not being sent by an agency that has fully checked the photographer/client out, and any photographer who will not allow an escort to attend is someone you may not need to be shooting with. If you bring someone along, make sure your escort stays far enough away, and quiet, so as not to interfere with the photography. Anyone under 18 should bring someone along who will be present at all times not waiting downstairs in the lobby of a hotel, for instance.



5. Agree in advance what the objective for the shoot is. The model may have things he or she needs shot specific to filling gaps in their portfolio while the photographer may have specific things they are seeking to shoot - often times the whole reason they are doing the TFP in the first place.



TFP has values that if handled properly can benefit both the model and photographer. Remember that it is a barter system and both the model and photographer are contributing 50/50 on the shoot. At the same time, keep in mind that the photographer, if professional, adds more value than a beginning model so do your best, as a model, to provide respect and cooperation within your limits to what the photographer is shooting. Be patient for your images, as it can take up to several weeks to receive your photos or digital CD due to a variety of reasons, including processing time for film and any digital rework that the photographer may do on your digital shots.



The last point to make here is that poorly shot photos for a model have little value and are quite simply a waste of time. Select your photographer based upon their skill level if you want to use TFP to benefit you in the end.