Time for Prints or CD (TFP/CD)

Time for Prints (or CD) is basically co-operation for mutual benefit between a model and photographer. The model puts in her/his time, resources and effort. The photographer does the same. No fee changes hands. Both the model and the photographer cover their own expenses and benefit from each other's skills and talents. As the name suggests the model's fee consists of photographic prints or digital images.

TFP/CD is meant to be a low budget affair. More often than not, the model will be required to do her (his) own hair and make-up and supply her (his) own clothes.

Approach a prints for time shoot with professionalism. You should of course have fun but a good photographer is not going to want to waste his time. In my case I could be using several thousand pounds worth of equipment exclusively on your shoot.

There has to be a shared balance of responsibilities. Don't expect the photographer to do all the work and do not expect the photographer to treat the shoot simply as a free portfolio shoot for you.

You should not have to pay any money to the photographer! The only exception to this rule is when you want to buy additional prints or digital images, but you should always receive some free photographs. Although how much post shoot processing is included will be open to discussion.

The model should have no expenses other than travel (I am only two hours by train outside London) and the normal expenses involved in 'looking good'. You should bring a pre-agreed selection of your own clothes and bring your own make-up kit.

I welcome models who want to explore their own ideas with me and who want to contribute their own ideas. If you believe that modeling is simply standing around and having your photograph taken then you have not understood what it is about!

If you haven't had much experience, it is not a bad idea to learn from your mirror image. Watch how you move, turn, sit and read your own facial expressions. Learn how different moods affect your body language. You should have a range of poses ready, poses that can be developed, as the basis for some truly exciting photographs.

It is also important that you feel relaxed and comfortable at a shoot. A photographer should always work and behave in a most professional manner. He should respect you and your profession, if you are unused to the studio he should explain why he is doing something - such as holding a light meter close to your face. Under no circumstances should he touch you (without asking your permission for example to move a stray hair) or make suggestive comments about you. If you encounter behaviour of this nature or in any way feel uncomfortable - make your excuses and leave! That said there does need to be a certain level of rapport between a model and photographer but remember you are just acting to the camera. I always recommend that models bring a friend to a first shoot (this is particularly helpful if they can assist with makeup etc.). If you have any queries just ask me.

The following page of advice about safety etc. is from the web site of a model I know. She has kindly allowed me to include it here.

If you want some more information click here to download a useful pdf on starting modeling.

© 2008 John Burton- All Rights Reserved