How have TF shoots worked for you?

[Modeling]

Okay so like I understand what a TF is more or less, but really what does it mean for me as a model? And what do I do to protect myself and pictures from being manipulated. So I hope that makes sense. Please HELP :) trying to get more of a base on my portfolio and I have photographers who say they will do TF with me. Just really want to know what exactly it means on all aspects. 

Thanks 

Ginger 

[Cory Sinklier]

Unless you have it in writing in the model release, you do not have any power over the images being manipulated.  But honestly, I am not sure what you expect.  Anytime you model, you are offering yourself to be manipulated for one purpose or many.  If you are getting images out of the deal, I do not see the problem.  Perhaps you are worried that your likeness will be used for something obscene?  If that's the case, make sure that is specifically in writing.  As a photographer, it is sometimes frustrating to give so much to models for their time.  You have to consider there is a lot more time spent behind the computer after a shoot than behind the camera.  TF models are getting a great deal in my opinion.  That's why I use paying models much more often.

[Kustomkarma]

For me TF is the only way I can do things right now. After buying all the equipment, coming up with the concepts (I take model input too), scouting the locations, borrowing the vehicles, helping find the clothes, scheduling the models, assisting with muah, finding helpers, taking the pics, editing and reviewing all pics, burning you a CD of all the photos, and then promoting you to the best of my abilities afterwards, it leaves me fairly broke. This isn't my day job, so I can't devote all my time to it, but I try to provide the best quality product I can within the scope of my resources - and I don't ask for a dime. Eventually, it would be nice to be paid, but I do it because I want to contribute to the industry and American culture. As a footnote, I always fully discuss concepts with models before we shoot. If you come across someone that makes you feel uncomfortable or can't come to agreement with you in regard to your release forms, don't work with them - don't worry you'll have lots of other chances to be photographed.

[East Coast Pinups]

If you're spending more time behind the computer than with the camera, then you might want to investigate your workflow efficiency. Using this as an excuse to say your time is more valuable than the time a model puts in, is simply outrageous.

Cory Sinklier said:

Unless you have it in writing in the model release, you do not have any power over the images being manipulated.  But honestly, I am not sure what you expect.  Anytime you model, you are offering yourself to be manipulated for one purpose or many.  If you are getting images out of the deal, I do not see the problem.  Perhaps you are worried that your likeness will be used for something obscene?  If that's the case, make sure that is specifically in writing.  As a photographer, it is sometimes frustrating to give so much to models for their time.  You have to consider there is a lot more time spent behind the computer after a shoot than behind the camera.  TF models are getting a great deal in my opinion.  That's why I use paying models much more often.

[newimage]

A TF, TFP, TFD  Time for Prints   Its a trade where no one pays any money for services. The photographer maybe needs something for their portfolio and the model is getting a free session and will have something hopefully they can add to their portfolio. That is simply it.

I tell girls always take a friend or relative with you to a session if you do not know the photographer. Protect yourself because there are alot of creepy people out there that just want to see if they can get someone naked.

Always know the details of the session.  Read over your model release. Your model release should have in it that your character can not be defamed or misrepresented.  A model release normally is something the photographer can use legally so they can use your images or even sell your images privately or through a stock agency. They might simply want to only use your images for their website or promotions. No matter what, the model release gives the photographer the rights to do that and is a legal contract.  Most photographers will not do a session with a model without one. It is necessary. You can even carry along with you to a shoot your own model release for both of you to sign.

It is always important to read what you are signing.

[Eddie Kiplinger-Photographer]

Thanks for sharing your model release Lawrence!! Mine is very similar and I think I'll add that line.
Lawrence W Larsen said:

The photographer always has the right to use your photo for what they want, my release allows me to use your image a stock and only allows you to use the images for any thing except sale and I also put this line in each"the Photographer will use reasonable commercial efforts to ensure that the Images will not be used for any pornographic, obscene, defamatory or libelous purpose".

What are you afraid of someone doing with your photo? If you don't want nudes of you keep your clothes on! :) Have them send you a copy of the release so you can see what they want to use your photos for.

http://lwlarsen.com/doc/ModelRelease09022008.pdf

 

PS: Look at their port it will tell you what they like to shoot

Warmly,

Lawrence

[Poisoned Apple Photography]

Alot of great advice going on here. Models, don't shoot with someone who will not provide you with references, period. As far as releases go there are model releases (several different types), print releases, photographer releases... So please don't assume because there is a release it is going to "protect" you. TFP shoots are to build portfolios and those are usually for public view. If there is a real worry about how your images are used, just ask. If you get a weird feeling from them but still want to work with them (I would reconsider it though, if you are uncomfortable it may show in your photos) ask for some sort of written agreement, a contract or a release. Good luck! 

[Erich B]

I don't really do TF really since it becomes a hunt to make them happy.  Their ideas of what images they want may change, so I have to send out to the lab to get do-overs.  The quality of the shoot an also vary..

 

But, TF shoots has also enabled me to try new things, and meet some great people.  It is important to get some original images, and TF is an enabler for that..

[BlueHairMedia]

I'm a photographer and I always outline the arrangement with the model before the shoot and respect the model's wishes... I find most photographers are the same way.  If you don't want your photos manipulated, then share that with the photographer.  Of course it's always best to get something in writing.  I copied the following off of yahoo answers and find it to be pretty accurate...  TFP MEANS TIME FOR PRINTS....IN OTHER WORDS YOU GET A MODELS TIME IN RETURN FOR A SET NUMBER OF PRINTS...TFCD IS JUST A CD IN LIEU OF PRINTS AND TF IS EITHER ONE OR ANOTHER ,OR A MIX

[BlueHairMedia]

Oh!  ...One more thing... The general rule or copyright law is as follows... If you are paying the photographer, you own the copyright to the images... if you are being paid by the photographer, they own the right to the images and can manipulate them any way they see fit.  When it comes to a trade its a bit more foggy... This situation really needs to be outlined by both parties on what their intentions are regarding the photos.

-Cory, BlueHair Media

[Photography by Christian Aragon]

No. Copyrights and who pays for the images are two exceptionally different things. No matter who pays the photos are the intellectual property of the photographer, and this grants automatic copyright to him/her according to US law. A client may negotiate to purchase "User Rights" or even "Exclusive Rights" with or without the photographer still being able to use the images for his/her own portfolio, marketing, etc. Copyrights are something to be negotiated, just like price, and this is how the two things often become one point of negotiation. But just because someone pays for the photos does NOT automatically mean they own the copyrights or have a say in any manipulations or future usages.

BlueHairMedia said:

Oh!  ...One more thing... The general rule or copyright law is as follows... If you are paying the photographer, you own the copyright to the images... if you are being paid by the photographer, they own the right to the images and can manipulate them any way they see fit.  When it comes to a trade its a bit more foggy... This situation really needs to be outlined by both parties on what their intentions are regarding the photos.

-Cory, BlueHair Media

[b_martini]

Thanks for the helpful information!  It certainly answered the the question I was wondering about too.  I'm trying to find out about all the terms used and information as I can before my very first photo shoot coming up.  Super nervous and excited at the same time.  Just didn't realize there is some much to learn before hand.  Being new to this it has been somewhat confusing.  The more info I have the better and more relaxed I will be.  :-)

Roxy Tart {Madam/Community Mgr} said:

As a new model starting out TF is a good way to build your portfolio without breaking the bank. As an experienced model it is a good way to work with people that can enhance your portfolio and you theirs. Whether you are doing TF or paying, you should sign a release. It is what protects both you and the photog. But as for protecting your photos from being manipulated, what do you mean by that? The photog almost always has the right to use your photo for what they want.

 

There are a lot of great threads in this forum that talk about how to get started, http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/how-do-i-get-photographe..., http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/2346862:Topic:98444, http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/how-important-are-pinup, http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/forum/topics/getting-started-in-pinupin are just a few.

 

Good luck!

[Cory Sinklier]

Ouch!  I am open for suggestions.  I use lightroom primarily.  What workflow have you found that delivers finished images faster than the photographing?  I need that!  Thanks.  Take a look at my stuff if you get a chance.  I appreciate comments and critiques.

East Coast Pinups said:

If you're spending more time behind the computer than with the camera, then you might want to investigate your workflow efficiency. Using this as an excuse to say your time is more valuable than the time a model puts in, is simply outrageous.

Cory Sinklier said:

Unless you have it in writing in the model release, you do not have any power over the images being manipulated.  But honestly, I am not sure what you expect.  Anytime you model, you are offering yourself to be manipulated for one purpose or many.  If you are getting images out of the deal, I do not see the problem.  Perhaps you are worried that your likeness will be used for something obscene?  If that's the case, make sure that is specifically in writing.  As a photographer, it is sometimes frustrating to give so much to models for their time.  You have to consider there is a lot more time spent behind the computer after a shoot than behind the camera.  TF models are getting a great deal in my opinion.  That's why I use paying models much more often.