{"id":70928,"date":"2021-06-09T16:00:19","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T20:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=70928"},"modified":"2021-06-09T12:09:43","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T16:09:43","slug":"tfp-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/tfp-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"TFP Photography | 8 Tips for Maximizing Free Shoots"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s not uncommon for new photographers to work for little to no income while simultaneously building their skills and portfolios. Some call it paying one\u2019s dues. Others argue that low-budget or free shoots do more harm than good for the photography industry. Obviously, you want to get paid for your time and effort, but there are circumstances in which working for free can prove worthwhile for everyone involved, including models, makeup artists, stylists, venues, and of course, photographers. Those in the industry know these helpful, collaborative circumstances as TFP sessions.<\/p>\n

What Is TFP?<\/h2>\n

In photography, TFP stands for \u201cTime For Prints\u201d or \u201cTrade For Prints\u201d (or \u201cPictures\u201d). Unlike regular photo sessions in which you would shoot for a client and get paid, TFPs involve collaborating with others to produce original content that benefits all parties involved. For example, if you are a wedding photographer (or plan to break into wedding photography), you might coordinate with other wedding industry vendors (makeup artists, hairdressers, wardrobe stylists, florists, etc.) and organize a TFP that will allow you to showcase their products & services while also building your photography portfolio. These collaborations are sometimes referred to as a styled shoot in this context.<\/p>\n

Of course, TFPs include small productions as well. For instance, you might plan a one-on-one model portfolio shoot that allows you to build portfolios for both you and the model. You can find a great, in-depth series of articles on shooting model portfolios<\/a>\u00a0here on Adorama\u2019s blog.<\/p>\n

Now that you know what a TFP is and when to use it, here are 8 tips for maximizing free shoots.<\/p>\n

TFP Tips for Maximizing Free Shoots<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Shoot with Purpose<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Create a TFP Mood Board<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Assemble Your Team in Advance<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Put It in Writing<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Map Out the Details<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Keep It Professional<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Cull and Edit with Consistency<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Get Published and Then Share<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Tip #1: Shoot with Purpose<\/h2>\n

    Before committing to a TFP, you should develop a clear understanding as to why you are doing it. In other words, make sure you\u2019re shooting with purpose. Afterall, if you\u2019re committing your time and resources to a project, not to mention the time and resources of everyone else who\u2019s involved, you want to ensure it\u2019s worthwhile.<\/p>\n

    Are you trying to connect with vendors, perhaps to get published or else create mutual marketing content? Or, are you trying out new techniques or gear to expand the look showcased in your existing portfolio? Once you\u2019ve answered those questions, you\u2019ll need to consider whether or not the details of the TFP will allow you to meet those goals.<\/p>\n

    \"couple
    Photo courtesy of Lin & Jirsa Photography<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Also, even though you\u2019re collaborating with others and may have to remain flexible in order to realize everyone\u2019s vision of the finished product, you should still make every effort to create imagery that aligns with the style you want to be associated with. Communication is key for making sure everyone is on the same page for the TFP. If your vision for the shoot differs too much from what your collaborators are after, this may not be the TFP for you. If that happens, it\u2019s okay to say no thank you. You\u2019ll have other opportunities. In my opinion, it\u2019s not worth taking on a free shoot that has nothing to do with the kind of photography you want to create.<\/p>\n

    Tip #2: Create a TFP Mood Board<\/h2>\n
    \"TFP
    Photo courtesy of SLR Lounge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    If you initiate a TFP session, it\u2019s likely that you have an idea in mind for the shoot. As I mentioned previously, you may want to try new gear, such as lighting<\/a> or light modifiers, and that can influence the direction of the shoot. Whether you reached out first or were invited by a model or another vendor, I recommend putting together a mood board to flesh out details like color schemes, lighting style, posing style (editorial vs. whimsical and so on), and more. The mood board offers a tangible starting point for everyone to collaborate and begin crafting the look of the TFP.<\/p>\n

    If you have a clear direction ahead of time, then you\u2019ll have a better chance of creating a consistent set of images that can be used in a variety of campaigns, look books, or whatever your needs may be. The collection of images do not need to serve as a shot list, mind you, but you might find inspiration in the images and incorporate that into your shoot somehow.<\/p>\n

    Tip #3: Assemble Your TFP Team in Advance<\/h2>\n

    For those working in a particular genre, such as wedding photography, it makes sense to reach out to and partner with vendors working in that industry. Typical vendors include hairstylists, makeup artists, florists, party\/decor rentals, planners and coordinators, and hotels\/venues, among others. For a fashion-oriented TFP, you\u2019ll likely focus more on working with models. It\u2019s important to put your team together well before the shoot so that everyone has time to prepare and adequately do their part. You also need to make sure your collaborators are available to participate.<\/p>\n

    The Experience Factor<\/h3>\n

    In a perfect world, you\u2019ll meet other vendors while working on paid gigs and establish a rapport (and oftentimes friendship), making it easier to reach out about a possible TFP collaboration. If you have absolutely no connection with vendors, however, and nothing to show to establish your credibility, your pitch is going to be harder (although not impossible) to sell. When that happens, you may want to try working with less established vendors who will appreciate the benefits of partnering with you for a TFP. Here are a couple other ways to increase your chances of landing a collaboration.<\/p>\n