Trade For Print (TFP) Photo Session Request

It’s a barter arrangement.

Time for prints (or trade for prints, time for pics, TFP) is a term many photography communities use to describe an arrangement between a model and a photographer whereby the photographer agrees to provide the model with a certain number of pictures of selected photographs from the session, and a release or license to use those pictures in return for the model’s time.

The word ‘Time’ refers a person’s time spent during the photo shoot. The Word “Prints” refers to a physically printed photo, usually on photo paper. The foundation of the concept of TFP being that both a photographer and a model get together and exchange their ‘time’, for free, and each receives the photos for their own usage.

Since photos can now be delivered by means other than ‘Prints,’ some variant wordings of this arrangement are: Time for CD or Trade for CD (TFCD). With TFCD, the photographer provides the selection of images on a CD instead of prints. Similarly, with the ease and convenience of digital high-resolution images, the generic term TF* has evolved, where it does not necessarily refer to a tangible CD or printed image since the same accepted rules apply.

There are benefits to both parties of such an arrangement. The model, you, can build a portfolio of photographs to show to prospective clients at little or no cost, while I, the photographer, gets a model for a particular project or their portfolio with little if any outlay of cash.

The session itself may not cost you or I any money as it is a barter arrangement, however it will cost us both our time, skill, and labor. Also, you or me may spend our own money on items outside the session such as props, wardrobe, hair and make-up, fuel, food, hotels, and other accommodations, to elevate the results of the free photo session.

If you’re wondering how much money you might be saving requesting a TFP session rather than hiring me straight out, to give you an idea: my rates begin at $150 an hour for just me and my camera.

It’s fun, and it helps keep my internal artist happy.

I am a commercial filmmaker and photographer, so my income is generated by businesses and corporations hiring me to create their branded content. Because I get hired to realize other peoples’ visions, I sometimes get a yearning in my soul to do something creative to reinvigorate my love for photography. I find that I enjoy artistic modeling photography for the sake of art, but I’ve never been able to make any money doing it. But, that’s okay. I’d rather do it for the art in deep collaboration with the other artist, the model. You.

In short: I do it for fun, and I do it for art. It also builds our mutual portfolios so we can each be hired later and make money doing what we love in the long run.

Each photo session arranged will be negotiated separately, and the terms may vary widely. The number of pictures which I deliver to you can range from a single photograph up to all shots taken. Speed of delivery can vary as well, from a few days up to several months. Unless such a time period has been specifically discussed and agreed prior to the shoot, finished pictures ideally should be delivered within two weeks of the session. Also, the photography can not be sold or exchanged for commercial purposes without written permission from both of us.

Only in the best possible way.

The photography is intended for use in our respective public portfolios, so we may both use them to represent our artistic and professional abilities via comp cards, prints, advertisements, social media posts, blogs, or websites. The photography itself may not be used commercially (meaning we mutually can’t sell the images for profit, or exchange them for anything) without written permission from each other, but we can certainly use them to self-promote upon our own websites, blogs, social media accounts, or public portfolios.

Depending on a number of factors (including levels of nudity, or possible trademark infringement), you and I might agree to limit or ‘not publicly use’ some of the photos from our session. Some of this work may only be made available for consumption on printed comp cards or photo books to limit public consumption or exposure. We may agree to only use specifically agreed upon photography (for example: only the very best photos), or we may agree to use certain photos only in printed publications but not the internet, for example. It just comes down to preference, and we can certainly discuss it before and during the session.

Absolutely.

You may certainly bring an escort, especially if he or she is well-mannered, supportive, non-combative, and professional. Even better if he or she is a creative like us (and actually wants to be there). A friend who is a hair stylist or makeup artist will prove far better company for you than, say, a jilted friend-zoned jealous wannabe lover.

Your children are also welcome to escort you, as long as they are well-behaved, respectful, and don’t ask me too many questions. However, kids are super useful for choosing cool music and bringing us bottles of cold water.

Also, I cannot guarantee that your escort will be allowed at all times in the same room we are working in, depending on your comfort levels. I also cannot guarantee that if the escort is in the same room we are working in, that I won’t put him or her to use as an assistant or ‘voice-activated light stand’.

In conclusion, your privacy and safety are my upmost concern. Wether you bring an escort or come alone, you will be treated at all times as respectfully and professionally as you are comfortable with.

Maybe.

I generally limit my TFP work to the area between Nashville and Sparta, TN. I can work pretty much anywhere in the USA, though I’m usually happiest working in and around my home studio in Sparta, TN.

If the concept of the shoot is awesome enough, I can be persuaded to work in places I’d usually rather not go unless it’s on a commercial gig, or to bring more of my equipment than I’d normally feel comfortable dealing with on smaller gigs.

If you have some great ideas in mind, let’s collaborate and discuss. Maybe I’ll say yes. It doesn’t hurt to ask.