WHAT IS TFP?
About TFP should be known to everyone who is somehow connected with photography. TFP (Time for Prints) is a form of transaction in the world of photography, where neither side takes money for their work from the other side. That is, the model gives the photographer his time, and the photographer provides the model with pictures for the fact that she worked with him.
TFP – Time for printing or Time for photos. It is a side effect of the current situation: there are an exceptionally large number of camera owners around, thanks to their relatively affordable prices. More cameras, more photographers and in direct correlation – more models.
Experienced photographers have a different attitude to such a boom; I welcome some, while others, on the contrary, do not find good words. However, we can say for sure that TFP does not mean “no rules”, and these very unwritten rules will be discussed later in this article. It is logical that novice photographers and the same novice models join forces for cooperation. They help each other, and, accordingly, gain mutual valuable experience.
Those who do not like this kind of exchanges argue that this behavior of their colleagues robs them of their business. But this is only an illusion. Most people involved in TFP take advantage of these conditions for fun – for the joy and pleasure of the photography process. Because of this, they will always work at an amateur level, never having the need or any ambitions to rise higher. However, one cannot expect that if shooting is done on a professional level, then the results (in any direction) will be stunning … but there are exceptions, of course.
Because of all this, an ordinary photographer, for whom his job is a hobby, will not get to attractive commercial orders, because he will not even look for them. The same applies to models. Or they will still eventually end up on a professional level over time.
Although this photo was taken as part of the TFP deal, the photographer created quality work
And another possible option is when an experienced (although not necessarily professional) photographer works with an inexperienced and young model. The photographer sees the potential. If the model is really as good as the photographer believes, then it is only a matter of time before she reaches a professional level. And high-quality images will only shorten this journey. (To better understand this situation, watch the movie Desert Flower.)
TFP and professional photography
From time to time, even a professional photographer or model should take pictures of a topic that is not in their portfolio – perhaps because without it they will miss some new client. This is absolutely nothing unusual. In this situation, space, props, etc. – the responsibility of the photographer himself. He also chooses the models, they, in turn, accept or do not accept the offer to participate in such a project, even if the shooting does not involve payment. Here again, we are talking about mutual assistance. In principle, professional TFP surveys are indistinguishable from commercial surveys. Both the photographer and the model must maintain a high bar. None of them can afford bad photos, even if they are “TFP only”.
One of these photos was taken as part of TFP, and the other for commercial purposes.
TFP is not free
Many people think that TFP photography is a free photo. But this is not true. Quality photos have a cost. (This is not about investing in the camera itself, cosmetics, education, hair, etc.) Each partner should contribute to the shooting. A photographer with the help of his experience, a model with his charm, a stylist with makeup – all this has its commercial value. And all partners will be rewarded with excellent pictures.
Each worthwhile shot requires investment … even if they are not financial
What belongs to TFP? What’s wrong?
There are people who think that they can ask for TFP surveys because they are not interested in continuing to take photographs or gaining some other new experience in this field, they do not want to study or expand their portfolio. There are even cases when the purpose of shooting is to photograph a building or even get a family portrait. TFP doesn’t work like that!
Go out and take pictures of TFP, but never forget that TFP is joining forces to take a step forward. No matter which side of the lens you are on. All that matters is you want to grow! That is the whole point.
