London Fog
Posts: 5,003
London, England, United Kingdom
Share your experiences, good, bad, amazing, whatever! I'd really like to know just how successful these shoots are, especially when an MUA and studio time etc is involved?
London Fog wrote: Share your experiences, good, bad, amazing, whatever! I'd really like to know just how successful these shoots are, especially when an MUA and studio time etc is involved?
Go...!
I put a lot of work into my TFP shoots. Personally, I don't like to shoot just for the sake of shooting, I like to put a lot of effort into my shoots whether they are for clients or for TFP shoots...doesn't matter. While it's true that the longer you shoot, the more good, bad, indifferent types of experiences you will have, I'm happy to say that the majority of my TFP shoots have been outstanding. Much of the results of those labors have gotten me published in magazines around the world, have gotten me on lectures circuits speaking on photography, and have gotten me more paid assignments than I can count.
I'm very selective on how I do my TFP shoots but when I do them, I make them very much worth it for all involved.
A lot of work in my portfolio now is from TF/barter shoots.
I've had success provided all parties are in agreement over priority of the shoot (i.e. if a paid job comes up, we are both fine with the other asking to reschedule, or whether it is the same priority as a paid job, etc).
I find that scheduling paid work in advance and then scheduling TF shoots a week-a few days in advance works best for me.
JLC Images
Posts: 11,511
Phillipsburg, New Jersey, US
I'm not sure what your definition of successful is. This is a hobby for me and I only do TFP. I have shot a lot of models and have acquired a ton of great images, good friends and some great stories. For me they have been incredibly successful.
They've always been successful, in that I've always shown up, they've always shown up, and we've always shot and I've always had the pictures returned to me on a timely basis.
The key is good communication and planning, making sure all expectations are discussed and agreed upon before shooting.
I've been happier with some images more than others. Sometimes it was me, sometimes it was them. Some of the images I've hated the most were the photographer's favorites, and vice-versa.
I've never had any complaints, and I have no-one to complain of.
I haven't invested money in TF shoots, only my time and THAT only sparingly as I haven't set up an entire day for TF, I add it to a day of paid shoots. Going by that, very beneficial to me and the models. Great experience!
All of the images in my portfolio are from TF shoots apart from one.
I too put quite a lot of hard work in to them. The MM models I've worked with have all been absolutely fantastic and totally professional. Several of them I consider to be friends now and we stay in regular contact and will probably shoot again next year.
London Fog wrote: Share your experiences, good, bad, amazing, whatever! I'd really like to know just how successful these shoots are, especially when an MUA and studio time etc is involved?
Go...!
Well, I can say that I have had four TFP projects published in the years I have done TFP work. ANd that's all well and good!
However, in some TFP work, I have come across a lack in judgment (or memory?) concerning location, limits, demands, and editing choice.
It depends on WHO you work with, not always WHAT form in which you work (TFP or paid).
For me I stopped doing much TFP. It seems half the models did not show up
and many were so new to modeling that I spent a lot of time posing and
trying to keep them in the light. Not that it was all bad, some were very good
to work with and in my early years helped to fill a port.
With my studio time being important for the most part I will hire a model
for a flat one time payment for any personal work I need to do. I have found
that I get better results working with a more pro model.
As they say you get what you pay for sometimes!
And when I can not afford the modeling fees I shoot pets and only have
to give up a few milk bones.
Jhono Bashian wrote: their great if the talent shows up!
+1
Expectations are (and should be) low on all sides.
These are creativity workshops without commercial or monetary interests. No one should be thinking of making money, unless they don't expect to reap the artistic rewards,
BUT...
If one participant plans to make money, then all should.
Translation: Don't plan TFP, if you have selfish interests, and could care less about what others bring to the table.
Not all artists with bad reputations amongst photographer or model circles are flakes.
Divas and greedy bastards (i.e., "help me build my port") are good examples of people that grind an enthusiastic session into a halt.
Every image in my portfolio is the result of a TFCD shoot. But there at least twice as many "no shows" and don't even get me started on the "no response is a response" ones. All in all, it has been very good for me.
In all honesty, my TFP shoots are always the better. For some strange reason when i'm paying someone, the photos don't turn out very well. Even with well known, professional models. TFPs are perfect for me- no complaints!
I have never had a problem with a no call no show, and the only people that have cancelled have been people I expected it from.
Natural Means
Posts: 287
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Very useful. Its all I've ever shot. Prob all i ever Will.
Ironically the shoots with MUA etc been less good. I think perhaps expectations were higher and a little less rapport/synergy with third person there. But im aimed squarely at the enthusiast, curious and hobbies class.
I've had a few disappointing experiences but only a couple that resulted in no usable images.
As to whether the rest of them were successful... my entire portfolio was shot on a trade basis, either with individual models or via agency tests.
In the interest of full disclosure though, I should mention that on one occasion I did pay $$$ for a location! The rest of the shoot was still on a trade basis though.
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