Hi I wonder if anyone can help me please. I had an email this weekend asking if I am looking for any models for TFCD or TFP. A quick google looks tells me that the letters TFCD and TFP basicallymeans trade for cd or prints and is something some models and photographers do where no money changes hands but you help each other out sort of. Has anyone had any experience of this and any advice about it. I only received the email yesterday so would like to reply today. Is it something worth doing and what should I look for/offer?
I have not done too much TFCD and TFP but it is beneficial for building up a portfolio of your work for a website and such. The model gets to use your photos as headshots for their purposes, so it is a win win for all.
I've done some. I do, however, ensure that I get to control the shoot. That doesn't mean I won't shoot a couple of specific shots just for the model, but it does mean that I expect to get my planned shots done. I have found that the models always end up wanting the ones I created anyway, and have dropped their own ideas once they see what I'm doing. It has worked very well.
If they want to control the shoot, they pay me - I won't trade if I'm not creating what it is I need for my site.
i've done a few but as a rule dont do many. I see it as a collaboration and while I'm happy to shoot some of the ideas the model has, i make sure that I also make it clear that theres some ideas that I want to shoot too. That is of course unless I absolutely love the ideas that the model has.
I should probably add here that some models dont really have many ideas.. most usually have an idea like... lingerie, lads mag. Only a few of them have specific ideas / example images - these are the ones that I like working with since they've put some thought into it. I also make sure I get the model's email address and shoot them sample ideas of what i'd like to shoot.
As a warning, starting models shooting TF can have a higher tendency to flake out on you and leave you sitting there holding the bill for a studio booking (unless you have your own). This is also part of the reason that I like working with models that have an idea of what they want - generally they're less likely to flake :)
Generally both of you maintain IP and can use the images for what you want... although you'd have to check the specific legality in your country.
Thank you for all the feedback Charlotte, Jinx and Weng (@charsurmeli @jinximages@toast).
I suppose the thing I have to do first is see where she is located and what types of photos she is interested in etc. I have another question which may be a silly one but is this something I'm likely to be able to do in my own home? I have a backdrop stand and some fabrics and also a reflector kit. Part of me is thinking that it could be good to do to add something extra to my portfolio and to gain some experience... plus I think two certain young little men I use are maybe getting a bit fed up of the camera. lol.
Peter ( @pete21 ) I had no idea myself when I got the email and had to resort to googling. lol.
@coolgirlsar I've used my own studio (in my house) for these shoots. And for client shoots, for that matter. It doesn't have to be an assigned room - you can just clear a room and set it up before they arrive. Living room is a good choice.
@coolgirlsar it could be fine to do it in your own home, just be conscious that the model may not know you and as such may be more uncomfortable coming to your house as opposed to a studio. This is probably more of an issue with male photographer / female model. On the plus side, you've got access to the kitchen, so you can make the model a nice lunch ;)
if you're using a plain coloured fabric for a backdrop, careful of the wrinkles. Ive seen some where its really obvious and the backdrop of wrinkly - it just spoils the image. If you're using fabric then steam it first and dont pose the model close to it. Pull her away to get separation and this should cause enough light drop off to remove the wrinkles. Alternatively, use a white sheet, and a high key background, that'll kill the wrinkles.
@coolgirlsar just a thought but if you're doing it at yours, do you have space to set up a couple of areas? Have one just as your standard white / black background but pick a nice naturally lit area near a window to get more of a lifestyle type pic?
Set it up early and you can cut down on messing around time between sets :)
Also see if you can get a make-up, hair and fashion people interested... we have a large group where we get to try out things... nice to 100+ local photogs, models, MUA, hair and other people who are trying out things together...
but yes look of for flakes... nothing worse than having a whole set built up only to have no models show... but you learn who flakes really quick...
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If they want to control the shoot, they pay me - I won't trade if I'm not creating what it is I need for my site.
I should probably add here that some models dont really have many ideas.. most usually have an idea like... lingerie, lads mag. Only a few of them have specific ideas / example images - these are the ones that I like working with since they've put some thought into it. I also make sure I get the model's email address and shoot them sample ideas of what i'd like to shoot.
As a warning, starting models shooting TF can have a higher tendency to flake out on you and leave you sitting there holding the bill for a studio booking (unless you have your own). This is also part of the reason that I like working with models that have an idea of what they want - generally they're less likely to flake :)
Generally both of you maintain IP and can use the images for what you want... although you'd have to check the specific legality in your country.
Between me writing my post and hitting enter a few replies got there first lol.
I suppose the thing I have to do first is see where she is located and what types of photos she is interested in etc. I have another question which may be a silly one but is this something I'm likely to be able to do in my own home? I have a backdrop stand and some fabrics and also a reflector kit. Part of me is thinking that it could be good to do to add something extra to my portfolio and to gain some experience... plus I think two certain young little men I use are maybe getting a bit fed up of the camera. lol.
Peter ( @pete21 ) I had no idea myself when I got the email and had to resort to googling. lol.
if you're using a plain coloured fabric for a backdrop, careful of the wrinkles. Ive seen some where its really obvious and the backdrop of wrinkly - it just spoils the image. If you're using fabric then steam it first and dont pose the model close to it. Pull her away to get separation and this should cause enough light drop off to remove the wrinkles. Alternatively, use a white sheet, and a high key background, that'll kill the wrinkles.
Good luck!
Set it up early and you can cut down on messing around time between sets :)
but yes look of for flakes... nothing worse than having a whole set built up only to have no models show... but you learn who flakes really quick...