Applying for a TFP Photo Shoot

Do you want to apply as a TFP model?(I know there’s a lot of text here! But please read it carefully and all the way through.) Like almost every photographer in the industry, we are always on the lookout for models (for simplicity’s sake, we’ll just use the term “model” throughout) or new faces for free or test photo shoots. Here you’ll find out how to apply for one with us – and how not to.By the way, from talking to many of my photographer colleagues, I know that they feel exactly the same way about TFP applications as I do.So, you can apply these tips not just with us.

What TFP is:The term TFP (“time for prints” or “time for pictures”) means “time for images.” In photography, it refers to an agreement between a model and a photographer where neither side is paid in money – instead, both are compensated with the resulting photos for their time and work.TFP sessions are usually for building each other’s portfolios, promoting the photographer and model, trying out new techniques, cameras, equipment, outfits, locations, or testing the chemistry before a paid collaboration.In short: TFP shoots are often portfolio-building sessions or experimental projects where both model and photographer can try things out.Almost all the images on our website or social media are created on a TFP basis.

What TFP is NOT:TFP is not a magic word for private individuals (or worse, companies) to get free, high-quality photos. In recent years, especially with the social media boom and the explosion of amateur photographers, TFP has somehow become widely known – and misunderstood.Many seem to think: “Ask a photographer for TFP and you get free pictures.” As in: “Wow, Lisa from next door has no modeling experience, but takes 20 selfies a day and heard that with the password ‘TFP’ you can get professional photos without paying anything!”No – that’s not how it works. A TFP shoot is not “free work” in that sense. It may not cost money, but it still requires motivation, effort, time, and patience from both sides to create great images.

Our expectations for TFP models:You don’t have to be a professional model or have loads of experience to do TFP with us. Your height, weight, body type, or gender don’t matter much. What matters is that you enjoy being in front of the camera, are punctual, reliable, able to stick to agreements, and patient when it takes a while to set up a scene.

That said, please realistically assess your abilities in front of the camera or in a studio. We’ve had people who thought they could pose well but turned out to be overconfident – and then the shoot was a flop and a waste of time.

Of course, we’re happy to help beginners with our experience – we’ve even discovered great talents among our customers, friends, and acquaintances.For TFP shoots, usage rights for both the photographer and the model are always agreed on in writing.

The TFP contract:A written photo shoot contract is always mandatory with us. The model can review it before the shoot, and it’s signed before we start.It outlines the usage rights for both sides. Specific points can be discussed in advance, but be aware: we usually want to use the images for self-promotion.

If you know in advance that you don’t want your pictures to be online at some point in the future, then TFP with us is not for you. I’m frankly tired of “models” coming back later asking me to delete TFP photos.If you want photos just for yourself, pay me from the start. Then you alone decide what happens with them – and we avoid long discussions later.

IMPORTANT – How to apply for a TFP shoot with us(And how not to.)

Messages like “Wanna shoot?” or “Hey, nice pics, I’d be interested in working together” – which I get constantly on social media – go straight to the virtual trash about 99.9% of the time. Why? Because it doesn’t sound like you’re genuinely interested in collaborating – more like you just want to quickly grab some free but high-quality pictures.

Also, I have no interest in clicking through your Facebook, Instagram, or other profiles to figure out who you are, what you look like, where you’re from, or what kind of shoots you’ve done before – especially since that information is often private.

Think of it like applying for a job (just less formal). We don’t need a full CV or cover letter, but we do want a few details about you. Put in some effort – it really increases your chances.

And yes, I’m happy to give beginners a chance if I feel we can create great images. But if you’re just starting out and want to build a strong portfolio, consider saving up or investing in a paid shoot with us or another experienced photographer. Then you’ll have great photos to use for future TFP applications.

Here’s how to do it (in our opinion):You can contact us by email or via Facebook/Instagram.

Include:

• Your name, age, and location

• Whether you have modeling experience or are a beginner (and which photographers you’ve worked with, if any)

• The types of shoots you’re open to (e.g., portrait, fashion, lifestyle, sports, swimwear, lingerie, implied nude, nude, etc.)

• Your availability (we can also discuss this later)

• Your contact details so we can reply

• Photos of yourself – not just links to social media (sometimes we can’t access them).

You’ll score extra points with Polas! “Polas” (short for Polaroids) are current photos showing you naturally – minimal or no makeup, no beauty filters, and preferably taken against a neutral background (like a white wall).

A couple of friendly headshots and a full-body shot in fitted clothing (jeans and a T-shirt are fine – no bikini required) in color is enough.You can take these yourself with your phone.

You can also send images from previous shoots, but choose ones that look natural and aren’t over-edited.

If you already have ideas for the shoot – tell us! TFP doesn’t mean it’s only our vision. We value collaboration.

We’ll discuss everything else once we’re in touch. Please be patient for our reply.All data, images, etc., you send will be treated confidentially and deleted if the shoot doesn’t happen (see our Privacy Policy).

Even with a great application – sometimes it’s a no.If you apply and get a rejection, don’t take it personally. It doesn’t mean you’re “not good enough.”

Our main business is selling photo shoots, so we can’t offer TFP to everyone. Also, tastes differ – maybe we’re looking for a short-haired blonde and you’re long-haired and brunette.

If it’s not a match now, try again later or with another photographer.

We’ve planned a shoot – and then…Sometimes things come up and either you or I need to cancel. That’s life. If you can’t make it, let me know – just don’t cancel 30 minutes before.

And please, no ridiculous excuses like “My hamster is sick” (yes, I’ve heard worse). Just be honest – whether you’re sick or simply lost interest.

What’s not okay: disappearing without notice or not showing up at all. That wastes time and money – studio rent, electricity, travel costs, maybe a makeup artist.

A model usually only invests their time and maybe travel costs. I invest prep time, the shoot itself, editing, creating an online gallery – plus the lost opportunity to do a paid shoot instead.

If you ghost me, don’t expect another TFP opportunity. Be professional and communicate – even if it’s “bad news.”

Phew!That was a lot of info. If you’re still interested in rocking a free project with us or want to know more about TFP, get in touch.

Best regards,Sasch & the SaWe Foto Team