PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

This question is for any fellow Hoggers who have worked with models in a "trade for print" scenario.

I understand the concept but how is TFP actually accomplished? Do you provide a flash drive of pics the model has chosen or do you actually hand the model a set of prints?

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you
Paul

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

It would depend on the agreement. I would assume most transactions of this sort would be a direct transfer of files without prints. This would allow the model to apply retouching and enhancements as they so-like after review. However if you the photographer want your byline attached, you may want to do the processing yourself to ensure artistic integrity. But without copyright protection and a written agreement (including a model release allowing you to use the files as you choose) the end user could do anything they want to alter your images. If that is your concern I would recommend giving the model finished prints with your watermark applied.

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Tom, thanks for your response, very helpful. I'll give you some specific details of what i'm hoping to accomplish;

I just joined Model Mayhem. I'm looking to build a portfolio, specifically aimed at ballet dancers ( i've always had a desire to do this but would usually talk myself out of it) and thought that this would be a good way to start.

Your first option sounds more along the lines of what would be favorable to me, although your second scenario also makes sense as it would control the usage of my images.

thanks again

Paul

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Bump! Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks
Paul

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Depends your purpose for shooting but for me now no longer doing this for profit, out of business, retired. Just read interested in ballet, may be hard to find on Model Mayhem, but here is what I do. Other model areas still good for experience and build a portfolio while searching for ballerinas.

1> I shoot the model, often at a pre-arranged event*.
2> Have them sign a shorten release that gives me full rights but also for them to have full use. I am no longer interested in selling.
3> Delete photos I don't like, duplicates, etc.
4> PP the rest. I often text them a shot or two to tease, especially if delayed in processing all. In reassures my honesty.
5> Send them a flash drive if we did a full session, or email if just a dozen or so.
6> Keep your promise and they will tell their friends. I now occasionally get contacted if I am going to a certain event or would I like to shoot with them, mentioning their friend's name.

I find digital files are all models want today, most are going to be shared on social media. They can have a favorite or two printed cheaply at Walgreens if they wish.

* Great place to find amateur models are car shows, festivals especially that have a theme (Renaissance Faires, etc), outdoor bars in unique settings, etc. Have business cards (can do on your printer) with email & text info. A FB or website with your work helps too.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I gave the models a disc of the images I felt were good enough to post along with a copy of the model release they had signed,
Which stated how the images could be used.

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Stardust: Very helpful, thank you. I too am not interested in doing this for profit. I'm semi retired, soon to turn 69. I'm pursuing this for 2 reasons; I've always loved the idea of shooting dancers but usually talked myself out of it and most importantly, this will get me out of my comfort zone and give me more self confidence.

I already have 2 dancers that expressed interest (they are relatives of a close friend) I never would've considered a model release but it makes perfect sense now, especially since these 2 potential dancers are tweens! I'm sure I can find a standard model release online.

Thank you again!
Paul

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Manglesphoto:

Thank you for your contribution, also very helpful.

best,
Paul

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

I’ve used Model Mayhem before. These are mostly amateur model wanabe’s. You may find some talent there but be sure to have them sign a legal model release. You never know, you could be photographing an upcoming super model that will make your photos worth something in the future. Or you could be sued for improper use. With a release you could sell them to the highest bidder and be protected leagaly.

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Tom; all good points. Thank you

Paul

david vt Loc: Vermont

Hi

Directly, I have no experience in this area as I only shoot public spaces, but two comments

A) not a lawyer, but if you are shooting minors (and tweens were mentioned), I would think you many need a parent/guardian signature as well. I would also make sure at least one other adult is present when you are with the minor (sorry - I have a lot of youth protection training so am probably over cautious in this area)

B). We have several fantastic professionals in the forum whom shoot athletes (and dancers are athletes) and models, whom can also provide additional options for you (though Stardust did a great job already). There is a pro sub-forum. You might post you your question there as well

Good luck

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

Hi David,

I totally agree with your sentiments, and you're not being overly cautious. Thanks to the people who have participated so far, I found a model release and printed it out. I told my friend that if her goddaughter wants to shoot with me, i'd be happy to meet her parents before hand. And I will also suggest having a parent/guardian accompany us if/when we shoot.

I'm thinking that we can possibly shoot in her studio where she studies or I can rent a dance studio for a very reasonable price. BUT......I know me, I tend to overthink things and get overwhelmed so I will take things slowly, one step at a time. I just need to find things out before the shoot so i'm prepared. Such as is the studio well lit? Should I bring my flash unit/umbrella? Does the studio have fluorescent lights overhead; need to check and adjust my white balance; all valid questions (i think, which can be simply answered by checking the space out beforehand!

Thank you all again, this is very helpful.

best,
Paul

david vt Loc: Vermont

Glad you are finding a path

Your dancer may be more comfortable in her home studio. You might contact the studio owner to see if you can come over early, check the space, and maybe shoot some test shots (maybe a release from the studio as well?). Figure out what works best

Sounds like a fun journey. Practice and enjoy

PaulW128 Loc: Long Island, NY

David

Great suggestion, didn't even think to ask if she might have a home studio. And again, these are tweens, so I need to be super cautious.

I have a technical question as well. Assuming I shoot in a dance studio that's lit with fluorescents; I'll be using a Lumopro LP 180 (discontinued but new, never been used but that's another story) which comes with cc gels and my Nikon Z50 is capable of allowing me to set auto white balance/fluorescent. So my question is do I use the proper gel AND set the camera as described or just chose one?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Ah, you mean human models.