dennislim said:
eh wats TFP / TFCD ? i read until blur ...
TFP = time for prints , TFCD = Time for CD
TFP, Time For Prints, pre-dates the Internet by many years. The original idea (back in the days of film, before there were digital images) was that a photographer would shoot photos of a model - the model would not charge for his or her time modeling nor would they pay the photographer - the photographer would not pay the model, but would not charge them either. A fair and equal exchange of time for photos. Of course printing photos can be expensive, so in the days of film the TFP agreement usually consisted of a set number of prints or enlargements that the photographer would owe the model after the photo session.
Photographers shooting film could shoot black and white negatives, color negative, or color positive transparencies (slides). Very few professional photographers shoot color prints (snapshots), so usually the sessions were either black and white, or slides that the model could have prints made from, or that could be duplicated as copy slides (preferred by many agents). Today with digital images, though digital equipment can be quite expensive, there is no cost of film so there are new opportunities to produce TFP shoots at a much reduced cost to photographers.
The whole idea of TFP is that no money changes hands. It is a fair and equal trade. Models have obvious reasons for shooting TFP; practice infront of the camera and images to build a portfolio with. Photographers have various reasons that range from hobby, to testing new equipment or techniques, learning photography, testing for future project use, or simply because they just enjoy photography or wish to shoot a specific look, style, concept, or person.
TFP shoots are generally intended for the creation of photos for the model or photographer's portfolio. This means the images are for "self promotional purposes only." The photographer should not be shooting TFP to later sell the photos somewhere, unless this has been specifically agreed upon with the model in advance. TFP shoots generally employ use of a Model Release. This release should be worded with that in mind and not an open release allowing the photographer to sell the photos somewhere later. If the photographer wants to sell the photos, he should be hiring and paying the model, or at least making arrangements for deferred pay if a sale is made.
Models often sign release forms without reading or understanding them fully. A subsequent article here will take some commonly used Model Release forms and break them down for analysis with description of what each clause really means in common terms. Most releases are pretty straight forward, however, so just read it carefully. Ask for a copy for your own records also! Never sign contracts (and that is what a Model Release is) without retaining a copy of it yourself.
A contract such as a Model Release is only valid when there is a fair exchange between two parties. Anotherwords, the release should not only describe what the photographer can do with the images he/she shoots, but should also specify what you, as the model, receive in return (quantity of prints, CD of images, etc.).
What is TFCD? This mostly Internet term used more frequently lately should be a potential indicator of a photographer just starting out. Time For CD is what it refers to, but seems like a silly thing to say. TFP is the term that has always been used regardless of the format of the images. In the days of strictly film, if a photographer was going to give the model copies of the slides, he would not call the shoot TFS (Time For Slides). TFP is TFP regardless of whether you get prints, slides, posters, 8x10's, digital images on a CD, digital images you can download or that are emailed to you, and so forth.
How many images should you receive? Make sure you have that agreed up and specified upfront. If shooting film it is understood that each print costs money. The quantity you receive must be limited to a set number. Digital, however, allows for a better situation and you should receive all the photos that are shot. An exception would be those few that might have issues (bad exposure, out of focus, etc.). If you're shooting with a good photographer, most the shots should be good enough for you to want. If you are shooting with a beginner, which is fine also as everyone needs to have their start and learn, then you may find more images not as desirable. A photographer recently told me that he does not give all images, just the good ones. Shouldn't a good photographer make all of his images good ones? To expect a CD with most the images shot in the session should not be an unreasonable expectation.
For digital, you will receive a CD in most cases. Then you will want to make prints for your portfolio. Make sure the photographer has provided YOU a release allowing you to reproduce the images. Many photo labs will not print from a CD without the photographer's permission. Also, you will need the full resolution shots, not just tiny scaled down shots for use on the Internet. Make sure that your TFP photographer understands your expectations and then make sure they are spelled out within the Model Release that you sign. Avoid shooting TFP with photographers who will then require you to purchase prints from them after, unless you don't mind paying (but then it is not really a TFP shoot, is it?!). Some photographers offer to print images for the models, at a fair and reasonable cost that may include some profit for the photographer for their time and effort... this is okay as long as it is not the only way you can obtain prints from your shoot.
Attached is a link to a TFP format Model Release I use, as a sample and example of what to expect in a release. This one is customized to my own use and needs, so releases like this will vary from photographer to photographer. The overall concept spelled out in this, however, is commonly the same.
http://www.austinmodelsandtalent.com/release.html (example of a TFP release)
TFP is a fair and equal exchange. It should recognize that a model and a photographer are both important. Many newer models will TFP with experienced photographers, so models should show respect because they are receiving something very valuable.
TFP shots are for your self promotion. Do not try to sell them unless you make an agreement to do so with the photographer. Do not alter the photos, remember that a photographer owns the copyright to any photos he/she takes. Just because you are in the photo does not change the fact that copyright is retained by the creator (photographer). Do not remove photographer's copyright notices attached to the images. If you display them on your website, portfolio, etc., provide credit to the photographer.
Models, if a photographer request you not use a specific image they shot, show them respect and do not do so. Photographers should likewise do the same in reverse. People succeed by working together. Models who start to succeed will be showing their portfolios to ad agencies, agents, and paying clients. This is good publicity for the photographer as well... so make sure his credit remains on your images so he or she can benefit as well.
Use TFP to your advantage and be fair so that it remains an equal exchange between model and photographer. If you're a photographer who doesn't want to shoot TFP, understand that models will request it and simply explain that you do not do TFP and then quote them your standard rates. Models, don't expect every photographer to be willing to shoot for free. Some do and some don't. It's a personal choice that should be respected.
From
http://www.onetalentsource.com/view_article/27/