Testing, Trades or Paid Work
Also know as Time for Prints or TFP/TFCD
General
I occasionally do trades with models with previous modeling experience and use them to test new techniques, lighting, films, hardware and so on. I rarely do more than one a month. Since I look at it as a trade, models must have a look or characteristic that I need for my portfolio, or fit a project that I am working on at the time. Most of these projects are in the fine-art realm. Signing a full release is required as well as paying 1/2 of any makeup, hair or other stylist (required unless model had proven the ability to do their own hair and makeup). If your look isn't something I need nor fits my needs at the moment, but you are local and there may be opportunity for you to fit something I'm doing in the future; I will do a Trade. Contact me for current needs.
I do not do trades anymore with first-time models or models with little experience, so please don't ask. The reason is: I have found I spend all the time teaching the person how to model and rarely get anything for my use from the session. It has just proven to be a waste of my time and resources. For first time models, I have reasonable portfolio rates, please look at them here. Models who have done paid shoots, or previous trades with me, are given first choice at any paid or trade opportunities I have come up in the future. Usually, I can fill me needs there and rarely have to look outside that talent pool.
Again, trades are dependant on having something for both of us, so please don't be offended if your look, style or restrictions don't meet my criteria at the time. This is business and for me it's a business decision, it doesn't mean you aren't a good model or anything like that, you just don't fit what I need - that's all.
For paid work, as stated, I give first priority to those who have done paid shoots and trades with me in the past, then I will branch out my search. Generally though, I will find what I need in that pool. However, things happen and if I should search from someone for a job, I will EMail with the specifics of the job, the potential use of the images and the compensation. For the most part, compensation is the only negotiable part of the deal - sometimes.
I will not contact models who have failed to show or have backed out after committing to a previous shoot for any excuse. If I'm hiring a model they must be someone I'm absolutely sure will be there. Sorry if you find that harsh, but that's the way I have to be - it's my reputation on the line, not yours.
Content
Shoot content on paid shoots is not negotiable - it is the demands of the client, not me. I am generally filling a specific need and there is generally nothing I can do. I will not hold it against anybody if they decline a shoot, I make the offer, if it isn't for you, that is fine.
Shoot content for TFCD or TFP is entirely negotiable within reason. I look at trades as just that, a trade. You are trading your modeling, I'm trading my photography. I make all efforts to the session to be a 50-50 split of what you and I want. I will work with you as hard on your requirements as I work on mine. Unless you are skilled at doing your own makeup, I highly recommend booking a makeup artist/hair stylist (I will split the cost). I strive to be as specific and upfront about what I expect as possible, I don't like surprises and expect most models don't either.
Scheduling
On paid shoots, the schedule generally is the schedule, usually at the client's timeframe. As a result, there is little or no room for rescheduling. For my personal work, there is some flexibility.
Trades, I schedule on one of the first two weekends of the month, depending on my schedule. I occasionally have weekdays or an weeknights available for local models.
Compensation
Compensation on paid shoots may be somewhat negotiable, but it isn't if I'm booking the model for the client, it is on my personal projects. I will be detailed on this in the job offer when we discuss it.
For trades or TFCD, you will get at least 30 high (printable) and web resolution scans of the images I retouch and edit. Some of what I shoot may be on film, but most will be digital. Film images will be processed in Digital Format.
Deposit
For paid work, I will require a shoot agreement to be signed by the model. This will spell out the nature of the shoot, what is expected of the model and the compensation in great detail. It will also make the model liable for certain expenses if she fails to show.
I require a $35 deposit to book a trade, no exceptions. This is solely to confirm your attendance and pay the makeup artist a kill fee if you don't show. The deposit must be received within one week from the date we book the shoot. A date is not booked and makeup artists are not hired until the deposit is received. You will receive the deposit back as soon as you walk in the door, as its sole use is guarantee of your attendance. I will cash your check upon receipt and return your deposit via check. I will hold the deposit as partial payment on trades if you desire. If something comes up, I will reschedule once if cancellation is received 5 days prior the shoot date, or on shoot day for weather related issues from Nov. 1 - April 30, after that, deposit is forfeited. Rescheduling must be done at cancellation or deposit will be forfeited.
Release
A signed, full release is required for all shoots, no exceptions. I retain the copyright, original chromes and negatives for all images. You receive the rights to use the products for your own self-promotion, use on comp. card, agency book, contest, webpage and any other self-promotion venue as long as no income is derived from the viewing of the prints (i.e. pay site or sales to a publication)
If you are interested, please fill out the Model Information Form or EMail me for more information
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Updated 12/21/2009