Do you know what TFP is in photography?
Maybe you’ve seen posts with this term in photography groups or heard heated discussions by photographers who are pro and against this practice. If you don’t know what they’re talking about, don’t worry – I have your back.
In this article, you’ll find all the information about what TFP is and how it works.
Then, I’ll discuss some things you should consider to work out whether it’s right for you. If it is, I’ll give you some tips on how to do it successfully.
Let’s get started.
What Does TFP Mean in Photography?
Credit: Ekaterina Bolovtsova
The term TFP typically stands for Trade for Prints or Time for Prints. Be careful not to confuse it with “Test for Prints,” which is usually used by modeling agencies and doesn’t apply to us here.
In this article, I’ll discuss Trade for Prints – AKA TFP shoot, TFP photography, Time for Pics, and Time for Print.
On a TFP photoshoot, both the photographer and the model agree to work together without payment. It’s not that they’re working for nothing, though. Instead, they exchange their time and skills to create a compelling portfolio.
Please don’t confuse this with working for free, which I would never advise you to do. TFP photoshoots simply work with a different currency. That’s why they’re called time for prints—the model’s time in exchange for the prints, or in the digital age, the final images.
Of course, it’s not just time; there’s also know-how involved, creative collaboration, etc. So, while there isn’t any money involved, it’s a professional relationship that can benefit both parties.
Why Do a TFP Photo Shoot?
There are plenty of reasons why photographers can benefit from TFP work. Here are some of the most important – plus, they also apply to models and stylists.
Credit: Nino Sanger
Skill Development
As you know, you can learn all the theory you want, but without practice, you can’t improve.
You need a model to practice your portrait photography skills if you’re a photographer. You need a photographer to practice your modeling skills if you’re a model. So, a TFP shoot serves both of you.
Even if you’re more advanced in your photography career, you might want to try new techniques. So, why not find TFP models to practice and develop a new skill?
Networking and Community Building
Getting your foot in the door in this industry is one of the hardest things to do. TFP photography can help you network and build a community, which will help you advance your photography career.
Putting together a TFP shoot involves working with models and often hair and makeup artists. If they’re happy with your photos, they might recommend you when they know someone looking for a photographer.
They will also use your photos to promote their own work. If your photos are good, people who see their portfolios will ask who took them and may contact you.
The same goes for TFP models and other professionals involved. Plus, you can agree to promote each other on your social media, increasing your work’s visibility.
Portfolio Diversity
Photographers, models, and makeup artists are judged by their portfolios. Any potential clients will see this even before speaking with you, so it needs to be good and updated constantly.
If you’re paying for a portfolio photo shoot, you’ll have that one session covering one or two locations and just a few outfits. Plus, you may not be able to afford them often.
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Participating in TFP shoots helps you to renew the images in your portfolio and add diversity because you can do them as often as you want and with different people.
Inspiration and teamwork
Working as a team is completely different from working alone. You can draw inspiration from each other, share and build upon creative ideas, and produce a professional and compelling final product.
Plus, you’ll gain experience in collaborative work – which is how you’ll work when you’re with real, paying clients.
Practicing this in a low-pressure environment will better prepare you for your professional work.
How to Find a TFP Model
Usually, people interested in participating in TFP shoots join dedicated social media groups.
These groups are location-based, so you’ll have to find the ones in your area. If you’re in (or close to) a big city, you’ll have no problem finding them. For example, there’s a Facebook group called “TFP London – for models and photographers to organize TFP shoots” with over two million members.
You can also search Instagram using TFP-related hashtags, as models often include these on their profiles and posts if they’re interested in working on a TFP basis.
Try #tfp, #tfpshooting, #tfpmodel, or #tfp, plus the city you’re in.
Professional websites also work for this. Model Mayhem is well known for finding models for paid and TFP projects. You can also reach out to agencies as they may be interested in sending their new models to a TFP shoot to create their starting portfolios.
What to Consider Before Agreeing to a TFP Photo Shoot
1. Concept
Before agreeing to do TFP photoshoots, you need to make sure the model or photographer proposing the agreement has a concept that enhances your portfolio.
For example, if you’re aiming to break into high-fashion photography, a TFP lifestyle shoot might not be the best fit.
You can also collaborate on the concept together, as a strong partnership often stems from mutual inspiration. However, it’s essential that the idea suits your style and adds meaningful variety to your portfolio.
2. Experience
Make sure the people you collaborate with have the same experience as you. If you’re both starting, that’s fine, but if the model has no experience and you do, you might not be getting anything out of this deal. You wouldn’t be collaborating – you would be working for free.
On the other hand, you may be approached by businesses or influencers who are well-established and clearly ahead in their career because they have thousands of followers.
They may propose a “TFP photoshoot” in exchange for exposure. Consider that their followers aren’t necessarily going to translate into your clients – so, again, you won’t be profiting from this deal.
So, always analyze the offer you’re getting and seriously consider if it’s the right opportunity for you.
3. Expectations
You should also pay special attention to expectations. Before agreeing to or passing on a TFP shoot, communicate clearly and honestly with the others.
Make sure you’re on the same page about who has creative control, whether one is allowed to sell the photos later, whether they can add filters to your fully edited pictures, etc.
Only if you’re comfortable with all these terms should you agree to a TFP shoot.
How to Set Up a TFP Photoshoot
Now, let’s get to the practical things – how do you set up a successful TFP shoot?
Credit: Cord Allman
1. Develop a concept
The best way to get the right people involved in your TFP photoshoot is by having a clear idea to pitch them.
As you know, time for print arrangements need to be beneficial for all parties. Since there’s no money exchange, the benefit comes from having usable images for their portfolio.
If they don’t know whether the pictures will enhance their portfolio, they might turn you down or not reply at all.
2. Calculate a budget
While photographers, models, and stylists might be okay without charging a fee, TFP shoots can cost money. You might need to buy props or a wardrobe or rent a location or equipment. Make sure you take all these into consideration.
3. Find a model
Now, you need to find a model interested in collaborating with you. Reach out to the ones you’re interested in, and be sure to have clear communications when you set expectations, discuss shared costs, etc.
4. Find a makeup and hair stylist
Having a professional take care of the hair and make-up will level up the quality of your photographs.
Since your goal is to have professional-looking shots for your portfolio, you need to organize a professional photoshoot, which involves a stylist.
You may propose a time for print collaboration or hire them.
5. Negotiate the terms
For TFP collaborations to work, you need to set clear expectations. You need to agree on who is paying what, how long the photoshoot will last, the turnaround time, the number of shots you’ll deliver, whether they’ll be digital files or prints, and so on.
6. Sign an agreement
Once you agree on the terms, put them in writing. A contract is the most effective communication because having things in black and white prevents misunderstandings and helps you remember what you agreed upon.
It’s also the best way to protect yourself legally if there are any problems.
What You Should Include in a TFP Agreement
While I advise you to seek legal counseling before drafting or signing a contract, here are some ideas about what you should include to ensure clear communication with everyone involved.
Collaborators and their contact information
Copyright and license of use
Turn around time
The number of pictures
Costs
Location and duration of the shoot
Release of liabilities
Many sample contracts are free online, like the one from Patrick Fore Photography. You can also ask ChatGPT or Copilot to write one for you like I did, which you can download HERE.
You can make the necessary adjustments to fit your situation using those sample templates. However, talking to a lawyer is the safest way to draft a solid contract.
FAQs About TFP Photography
What does “no TFP” mean in photography?
In TFP photoshoots, there’s no money exchange. The professionals involved get paid with the best images—it’s sort of an exchange of time and skills from everyone. When someone says “No TFP” in photography, it means that they’re only available for paid work.
What is TFP compensation?
TFP compensation means you won’t be paid a fee for working on this project. Instead, you’ll get paid with the best shots you can use in your portfolio.
How many images should I agree to in a TFP photo shoot?
The number of images of such an arrangement is discussed when signing the agreement, and it should benefit all parties. Only you can know how much you’re investing in the project and how much you’re getting out of it. However, it’s common to agree on 5 to 10 images per TFP photoshoot.
Should I be compensated if my model sells the photos?
You should always make a contract before agreeing to a TFP work. In this contract, you must stipulate whether one person can sell the photos and whether this entitles the other participants to compensation.
Usually, TFP shoots are for portfolio only; therefore, no one can sell them. If you agree to the model selling them, I think it’s fair that you get compensated, but that’s for you to decide and agree upon in advance.
Do I really need a makeup artist and hair stylist for my TFP shoot?
It’s best to involve a hair and makeup stylist in your TFP shoot. Otherwise, the results won’t be as professional as you’d want for a portfolio.
How do I find a makeup artist and hair stylist for my TFP shoot?
Social media is the most common place to find a makeup artist and hair stylist who are interested in participating in a TFP photoshoot.
