You should realize due to contract agreements I can not use or post most of my work on my portfolio web page. If I work for a model or company I follow their contract requirements, which usually limit and or restrict any use of those photographs.
Everything listed below is when a model is working with or for me. When I am paid to photograph a model, I follow their requirements.
Originally "TFP's" meant a photographer would do a photo shoot with a Model, and instead of paying you to model for them, they would agree to provide you with some or all prints of the pictures taken. This was and continues to be a great source for Models and Photographers to build up their portfolios without spending large sums of money. Models do need to be cautious of people who call themselves a Photographer. Anyone can buy a camera and say they know what they are doing, but do they really? Or are they just out to scam you? Be cautious about any contract you sign while working with a photographer.
I personally do some free "TFCD" offers with Female Models when time and business permits. I copy all pictures onto a "cd" and mail the "cd" to the Model usually within a couple of days. Within the "Model Release Form" that Models I work with read, understand and sign before I work with them, I agree to give the Model "Right of Use" of all the photographs taken on the day of the photo shoot. In some cases some photographers will provide you with only a few of the pictures taken or they may be downsized, and or cropped and such. And by no means am I saying other photographers are not as good as I am with my contract between a Model and myself. That is a condition/requirement other photographers have and if you want to work with them you need to follow their rules. So please make sure you read and understand any contract you sign or agree to while working with a photographer.
Some people call or refer to a TFP/TFCD offer as a "TEST SHOOT".
For numerous years I have worked as a Stock Car Race Track Photographer. My pictures have and do continue to appear in newspapers, Auto Magazines, "Inside Track" and on Stock Car Race Track web pages. I have worked with Stock Cars, Girls Rugby Team, Quarter Horse Shows, Wedding, Insurance Verification pictures, pet pictures, family portrait, Female Models, and various other private work. Past experience has proven, I can always get great pictures of Models I work with. Of course it is always better if the Model has the spirit to make a pose work. In the years I have been working with models, every year I offer some new models a TFCD offer. This is my way of helping them into this business. Of those models I have offered some of them even a 2nd Free TFCD offer. Also in all these years I think I have only been asked by a couple of models if I would be interested in working with them for a TFCD. More models should be asking photographers if they do TFCD, the worst thing a photographer should be saying to you is, sorry either they don't TFCD's or they are busy. If a model asks me to work with them, I will look at their portfolio pictures, variety, facial expressions, poses, outfits, then I will read their introduction, if those items catch my attention, I may go out of my way to accommodate a TFCD with them. Were as if they don't ask, I usually don't bother. What I have just said to you is, if you are serious about being a model show me (and others) you are not doing this for fun. Show interest.
If a Model just stands there, with no facial expression, then not likely do they really want great pictures. Whether the Model is a beginner or a seasoned Model they do need to have some creative side to themselves. I always ask Models I work with to be creative with the outfits they bring with them to a photo shoot. I almost always suggest outfits like blouse, skirt, shorts, swim wear, hats, boots and such. Then I try and mix things up somewhat. A Model needs to be creative, in one pose alone wear things like a bikini, winter coat, winter or summer hat, mitts, winter boots even if in the middle of the Summer. As I do not supply the outfits the Models wear, they need to bring their outfits with them they feel great wearing and also look great wearing. That's back to the facial expression, if a Model feels great wearing a certain skirt (example) then that would be reflected in her facial expression. Whereas think of a Model wearing the same skirt that she hates wearing, even though she has been told she looks great wearing it. Which scenario for a photo shoot would be better? As a rule I will tell Models to stand in front of a mirror (no one else around) and make different poses, especially facial expressions. Modeling is acting in a large degree. Stand in front of the mirror, and tell yourself, you just won 10 million dollars. Now just watch how your face will glow. Another example the opposite way, think of yourself waiting for a bus at a bus stop and as that bus approaches you can tell it will not be able to stop in time, and you have no place to run! Watch yourself in the mirror how that worried look takes shape in your facial expression. Another key suggestion I would say, is try to wear different clothes and even little to no clothes while doing these exercises. Prime example is my Bus scenario above, watch how your body would get very tense, likely your neck will swell, arms and hands will likely tense right up. A very. very important issue is, use the mirror to practice your smile. Again smile and keeping moving your head in different directions, different angles and such. Learn to do the big and little grin with no teeth showing, and also depending learn to do the great big smile showing teeth. When I work with models I will direct them as to how I want their eyes directed and such. Usually I will position a model, and then I will work around them to capture different angles, different lighting and such. I will capture lots of head shots of you, as I believe this is one of the most important pictures you can have in your portfolio. I also will do 1/2 and full shots.
I care about the Model looking good in the picture, not a flower bed behind the model. Common sense prevails, why draw attention away from the Model to peruse the scenery in a picture. I can also work with Models to help them build their own portfolio web page. I do most of my pictures in locations such as large parks. This way the Model I am working with, would feel safer knowing other people are around. I also do not like to work in bright sunlight. Last thing I want is you closing your eyes as the sun is too bright. I prefer to work in areas, that have things such as large trees, to provide shade, as this way there are not shadows (unless wanted), and true facial colors will show in the picture.
Unless agreed upon prior to a photo shoot, I will be shooting implied, lingerie, swimwear, and casual pictures of Models I work with. I am always open to suggestions from Models. I always ask a Model what kind of pictures they want, that way we know which direction to work towards mostly. I suggest a Model should bring with her, several different outfits, such as a blouse, t-shirts, skirt, dress, jeans are not always a good choice, you need to look professional. If you wear torn and worn jeans, I can take pictures of them, but it will not do your picture any justice. I do not provide or pay for a M.U.A.. Please read the "Model Release" form you will be required to sign before I can work with you. It is very simple to read and understand. I like no one else I know, gives you the "right" to do what you want with the pictures I have taken of you with only one stipulation, you are required to give me credit for having taken the picture. If you want to use or sell the pictures, you can do so without my additional permission. And "FYI", I do not post any topless, or nude pictures on any of my portfolio web pages. I may post an implied picture only if I have seen that the model has posted the same picture on her portfolio web page.
I do NOT sell or swap or trade pictures of Models I work with.
Some
Suggestions to
each Model:
Different outfits could/should include blouse, shorts, hats, dress, lingerie, skirt, and or swimwear (2 piece). Should have at least 4 to 6 different full outfits for a photo shoot. You need to wear clothes that are comfortable wearing, the clothes you feel best wearing should be worn. There are a few colors that you may like to avoid wearing on a photo shoot. These are usually colors such as black, bright red, and sometimes dark brown. These colors can be unflattering in pictures. Of course that choice is always your choice.
In my opinion (and most many other photographers) it is best to bring along someone with you to any photo session/shoot if you don't know the photographer you will be working with. Keep in mind the person you bring with you shall not interfere or tell the photographer how to take a shot. Another suggestion can also be, likely the photographer has worked with someone you know, ask your friends if the photographer was good to work with or not!
Shoes or footwear to match some different outfits. If you have your favorite dress, then you would want to have the proper foot wear to match. It is not needed to have different shoes for every outfit (unless you want). Keep in mind I work in locations like Parks and such and sometimes it is tough to wear heels while standing on grass.
In your portfolio you should always have a variety of different pictures (and even different photographers work), different outfits, different poses, different back grounds, and so on.
Some things you may want to bring along could include a towel, mirror, hairbrush, sun screen, umbrella (plain color), skin moisturizer, rubber bands, sunglasses, clothes pegs, a silk scarf, jacket, food snacks, and or bottled water.
DO NOT bring any alcoholic beverages.
My Personal Requests and or Suggestions
Make-up should be kept to a minimum, you need to look as close to natural as possible.
Do not wear shirts/hats and such that have writing or advertisements on them.
Please do NOT wear jeans or such that have patches on and or are torn.
I photograph implied, swimwear and casual dressed pictures of models I work with.
Don't be afraid to use your imagination, be creative. You want your pictures to be unique. If that means wearing an old dress, from the 19th Century then do so. Be creative!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask me.
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