Tag: models

Learning The Photography Business

photographers on TFP shoots
It's not unheard of to have 10 to 12 photographers sharing TFP models

Photography is one of those fields that requires a certain amount of study, whether that comes out of books, online, or in a classroom, combined with practical exercises in order to grow in the field.

There are lots of ways to get that experience. You can strike out on your own with the equipment you can cobble together and slowly build your portfolio. Another approach is to partner up with other photographers in the area and pool your resources.

TFP Shoots

TFP stands for Time For Prints and it’s how poor photographers starting out get to work with poor models just starting out. The basic arrangement is an exchange of the model’s time for your pictures.

When it comes to a commercial release, some TFP models will sign them, but many will not. Usually a commercial release comes with a price tag. Some photographers will insist on a commercial release for a TFP contract, and more than a few get them. To me it seems a little unfair. If you’re going to sell the photos, the model should get something, even if it’s on a contingency basis. That’s my philosophy anyway, not everyone agrees.  You don’t need a commercial release to use TFP photos in your personal portfolio, you may when using them on a commercial web site or for promoting your business.

It’s not unusual for two, three or more photographers to team up for a large shoot involving several models. When I say “models” most people are picturing women in the 18-24 demographic, but don’t get tunnel vision when it comes to picking talent. There is a big call for older and middle age models and don’t pick all women, either. Mix it up. The more diversity in your model selection the bigger chance you have of making a sale.

tfp model
Make diverse choices when selecting TFP models and don't forget to consider men as well

Studio Rentals

I know successful photographers who do not have their own studio. They rent studio space when they need it, sometimes scheduling several portraits on one day. It makes sense in many instances. You can rent fully equipped studios with high end lights by companies like Paul C. Buff and Bowens that even include the radio triggers and backgrounds. In some cases you’re just renting lights, space and supplying your own backgrounds.

Until you have the business to justify your own studio and equipment, this may be your only option for getting started.

This is another area where partnering up with other photographers can save money. Two photographers splitting a studio rental may be able to work with high end lighting equipment for as little as $20 an hour.

You can find other photographers in your area on Flickr, through professional associations like PPA, or just running an ad in Craigslist. Obviously, you’ll want to spend some time checking out potential partners and agreeing on the ground rules of shoots beforehand.

By looking around and working with other photographers, you’ll be able to encourage one another, learn from one another, and cast a longer shadow than either of you could alone.

Working With Models

Jennifer
Jennifer - One of our local models building her portfolio

Working with models and talent is one of the hardest facets of photography, outside of strictly technical aspects, and one of the most necessary for being successful in the business. You not only have to be skilled at navigating the technical aspects of photography like framing, lighting, and exposure, you have to be able to connect with another person to bring out real emotion rather than simply poses.

Basic Posing

That’s a huge topic for a single article. The best way is to get as many different fashion magazines as you can lay your hands on and analyze the photos, don’t just look at them. Figure out the lighting and body positioning in detail. Study books like Doug Box’s Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers and 500 Poses for Photographing Women by Michelle Perkins.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The only way to get good at it is experience. Fortunately, when models are starting out, they too need the practice and need to build their portfolio. Sometimes you can work out a deal based on mutual need. Those are called “TFP” shoots or Time For Prints: Their time, your photos. It’s a great way to build a portfolio when you’re starting out.

That’s how I met the girl pictured above, at a TFP shoot sponsored by a local gallery.  Keep building those relationships and you’ll be successful.

Collective Action

Another thing you’ll discover getting involved in the business is that professional photographers practice even when they’re not working. Remember this article on Do You Have What It Takes?  Pro photographers are working at their craft constantly.

Frequently groups of local photographers will partner up for a TFP shoot or pool together to hire paid talent. If you’re new to the business, absolutely get involved. You’ll learn a lot about posing just working around other photographers.

While you’re at it, get a box of business cards and get your name out there. Maybe you can pick up some work as a second photographer at weddings or event coverage while you’re gaining experience and models remember the photographers who make them look good and some have the clout to recommend photographers.

TFP Shoot
It's not unusual to have 20 pro photographers at a TFP shoot

Branch Out

Everyone likes working with pretty girls and that’s where the biggest money in the modeling industry can be found, but don’t ignore men and more mature models. As our population ages there are a lot of jobs out there for older subjects. Not focusing exclusively on glamour shots for younger women is one of the ways you can set your work apart from others.

So remember, you can get a Canon 5D or a Nikon D700 and the best glass and studio flash units on the planet, but if you don’t know how to work with your subjects to get the best look possible, you’ll never grow in the craft.