TFP Request

Please read the information below to learn more about “TF” with René. A link to his “TF Request Form” is at the bottom of this page.

What is “TFP”

“TFP” is an acronym for “Time for Print” or “Trade for Photos”. TFP is an arrangement between a model and a photographer whereby the photographer agrees to provide the model with photographs from their photo shoot at no charge in exchange for the model’s time on the shoot. You may also see the term “TF” used, which simply refers to “Trade For”, and includes a provision of digital files (typically JPGs) instead of printed photos.

A TF shoot may also include a trade of services by other industry professionals who participate in a shoot such as Makeup Artists, Hair Stylists, Designers, Artistic/Creative Directors, etc. No one collects money for their work and time on a TF shoot, it’s simply a trading of services by all parties involved.

Why do a TF Shoot?

There are many benefits to doing TF shoots. Primarily, TF shoots allow all involved to build or expand upon their body of work and get photos for use in their own portfolios.

You’ll see a lot of amateur photographers and models “shooting TF” because they need the experience and they need to build their portfolios. The only drawback to working with less experienced photographers or models is you may not always get the quality of photos you expect. But hey, they didn’t cost you anything but your time!

Most professional photographers and experienced models only work on paid shoots. Some will shoot TF on occasion just to keep their professional portfolios fresh, add a new look or style to their book, or gain experience using new equipment.

René believes that it doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a photographer or model, you can always learn something new and benefit from a TF experience. Because René is a full-time professional photographer, he will occasionally schedule TF shoots with select models as time allows.

The TF Shoot Process

Before the Shoot – If you are selected, René will want to get to know you a bit. He will set up a Planning Meeting to talk about your interests and talk through ideas you have for your shoot. Knowing a little about you in advance will help break the ice and “set the stage” for a fun and professional photo shoot. René will provide artistic direction, creative advice and discuss shoot logistics as well as answer any additional questions you have during this meeting. Please be sure to share your ideas and let him know about any specific needs you have so you can both be better prepared.

During the Shoot – Unless otherwise agreed to in advance, you and René will drive separate vehicles and meet at the agreed upon shoot location at the agreed upon time. Once there, he will review your wardrobe, hair and makeup and make any needed. René will go over some technical details with you and spend the first 10-15 minutes taking a few shots to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Experienced models typically do not need this time and can get started right away. René likes to move around a lot while on location to take advantage of available light, interesting backgrounds or special features, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes to walk around in between shots. He will also help you with posing suggestions during the shoot if needed.

After the Shoot – René will go to work on post-production of the photos, choosing the “keepers” from your shoot. Once done (usually within a week), René will contact you to setup your proofing session. During the proofing session, you and René will look through your shots and together identify your “best-of” shots from the shoot. René will then complete the post-production work on those favorites, including fixing blemishes, making any necessary color and exposure adjustments and adding artistic elements or special effects to the photos. Once complete, René will email you a link where you can download your finished shots. If you’d like to buy professional quality prints of your finished photos, René offers TF models 70% OFF of print products purchased through his storefront.

TF Shoot FAQs

Q: Where will the photos be taken?
A: Locations vary by shoot. All photos are taken on location(s) agreed upon during your planning meeting.

Q: How many photos will I get in exchange for my time?
A: The number of “finished” photos provided depends on the amount of time spent on the shoot and the creative or artistic objectives of each shoot. René has provided as few as 20, and as many as 300. You can expect about 100 finished shots from a typical TF shoot!

Q: What is a “Finished” photo?
A: “Finished” photos are described as those photos identified by model and photographer as the favorites from the shoot. Finished photos do include touchups done in post processing. Finished photos are digital files (JPGs) sent to you in links to zip files in an email.      

Q: When will I get my finished photos?
A: This varies by shoot, but usually within 2 weeks of the shoot date. René will give you a better idea of timelines at your pre-shoot planning meeting.

Q: Can I bring an escort or chaperone with me on the shoot?
A: Yes, having an escort or chaperone with you can make you feel more comfortable. Please understand that having more people on a shoot can also be a distraction and lead to wasted time. If you decide you’d like to bring someone along, please limit to one extra person.

Q: Do I Need to Submit “Professional” Photos to Model Agencies?
A: No. Actually in most cases, agencies will request that you NOT send professional photos. They want simple snapshots that show your natural beauty without all the makeup, perfect hair, fancy lights and post-processing.

Q: So Why Should I Get Professional Photos Taken?
A: To Gain experience! The more experience you have working in front of a camera and interacting with different professionals, the better. Experience with professionals builds confidence, confidence gets you noticed, and getting noticed can lead to paid work!

Q: My Model Agency said I should go get a “Test Shoot” done, is “TF” the Same Thing?
A: No. A “Test Shoot” is NOT the same as a TF shoot. The term “Testing” is used by model/talent agencies when they send a new model to a photographer for a short photo shoot. The agency may outline specifics to capture a certain look or style from a test shoot they request. Photos from a test shoot are used in the agency’s book. Licensing terms for these photos may be different due to usage. Usually the model is responsible for paying for a test shoot, however; the cost is typically paid for in advance by the agency and the money deducted from the model’s earnings later.

Q: What’s the difference between “Commercial” and “Editorial” style fashion photos?
A: “Commercial” style fashion photography is usually shot in a studio environment and highlights the fashion product(s) with perfect lighting and no shadows. “Editorial” style fashion photography is usually shot in various non-studio locations and tends to be more artistic in nature allowing for more creative freedom. Rene’s fashion photography style is “Editorial”.

Q: Where can I find more information about becoming a fashion model?
A: newmodels.com is a great information resource for new models.

Q: Do I Own the Photos from the Shoot?
A: No. Copyrights to the photos are owned by the photographer. René will provide you with a usage license with terms that allow you to use the photos for personal purposes and self-promotion only. Read the section on copyrights and licensing below for more info.

Q: Can I Edit or Modify the Photos to My Liking?
A: No. Per copyright law, the photos are the property of the photographer who took them. Licensing forbids modification of images without written approval. Read the section on copyrights and licensing below for more info.

Other Things You Should Know

Copyright Law

The bottom line on copyright is this; whoever depresses the shutter of a camera and takes a picture with it automatically owns the copyright to that image. Detailed info on U.S. copyright law can be found on the U.S. Copyright Office website.

Photo Licensing and Usage

The copyright owner specifies how a photo can be used. While the model and photographer may agree to certain kinds of uses, the model does NOT have unlimited rights to the photographs unless a transfer of copyright has been issued in writing by the copyright holder. Most professional photographers will retain their copyright and grant the model a license to use the photos for personal purposes and self-promotion only. Licensing terms may outline more specific uses, but in most cases the photos may never be modified, sold or relicensed by the model. Unless otherwise modified, Rene’s standard licensing terms include the following statement:

ANY MODIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION, REPRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL USE OF THESE IMAGES WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL IS CONSIDERED A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW AND PUNISHABLE IN COURT.

Model Release

Legal requirements for a model release vary greatly from place to place and from situation to situation. René always requires this model release be signed by his model and senior photo clients prior to the photo shoot. His intentions are to be clear about expectations up front so there are no surprises later. The terms in his model release are basic and the most commonly used by professional photographers.

TF Shoot Model Selection

Please note that you don’t necessarily need to be an experienced model to be selected for a TF shoot with René. As a matter of fact, most models he has chosen for TF shoots in the past had little or no experience.

Basic requirements:

• Attractive, confident and physically fit female
• Must be between the ages of 18-34
• Height: 5’8″-5’11″
• Healthy Weight: A “normal” BMI (Body Mass Index) range between 18.5–24.9 – Calculate your BMI.

Please be prepared to submit the following (clothed) photos with your TF request:

• Headshot (close-up)
• Full-body shot
• Full-body swimsuit shot

Request a TF Shoot with René

If you meet the above requirements and you’d like to be considered for a TF shoot with René, please fill out the TF Request Form here.