TF (Trade – For) Photography Sessions

 

Here’s some information that I hope will answer some of your questions about our upcoming photoshoot.  The idea behind TF is simple, we both will donate our time and effort for free to build and enhance our portfolios.  With this in mind, here are answers to questions I'm often asked:

 

• How long will the photography session take?

It varies depending on how much time we both have at the time.  However, a typical session is 2-4 hours, depending on whether or not you arrive with your make-up and hair done.
 

• Really?

Yes, 2-4 hours.  However, if you arrive ready to photograph our session may take only an hour or two depending on our photography goals.

Time will fly and, time permitting, we can photograph longer to explore additional ideas.   Sometimes your make-up and hair can take around 2 hours before we even begin photographing.  The MUAs (Makeup Artists) I work with are fantastic and among the best in all of Taiwan.  If you want an MUA their rates are very reasonable.

 

• What do I need to bring?

I’ve also put together a document called “Key Points To Know Before Modeling.”  It’s here.  Please read it and feel free to ask any questions.

You should also bring music on your phone or other Bluetooth device.  Bring three types of music:  1.  Music you listen to when you’re excited, for example, the music you’d listen to before going out on a big night with your friends, 2.  Music you like that you love to dance to and simply can’t stop moving to, and 3.  Music you like to relax and chill out to.

 

• May I come with a friend?

Of course!  You may bring anyone you’d like, however, they may have to wait outside in the waiting room while we’re photographing.

I’ve photographed many models, so feel free to ask me for references and to contact them, too.

Please be on time.  If you’re running late please call or text me as early as possible.  My telephone number is 0931-404-211.  Please keep in mind that by doing a TF photoshoot I’m giving up a day of paid work and I’ll be setting up my equipment and lights, for you.  Once again, please let me know if you’ll be late so that I’m not left just hanging around.  I’ll wait 15 minutes if I don’t hear from you and then leave to get other work done.

 

• I’ve never modeled before, will you help me pose?

Of course.  Part of my job is to give some direction and to help you look your best.  Before our photo session, practicing poses in front of a mirror is extremely beneficial and helpful.  I’ve included some helpful posing points on the “Key Points to Know Before Modeling” document. It's here.

 

• What happens at the end of our photoshoot?

After we’re done photographing we’ll sit down and review the photos we’ve created, if we have time. If we don't have time, you will have to trust me to select the very best of the photos. I’ll professionally edit and retouch the photos.  Usually, this is one (1) or two (2) photos per look / background / clothing change.  It’ll take me a couple of weeks to edit and work on the photos and when I’m done I’ll upload them for your review.  Once the photos are finished you’ll receive an e-mail from me telling you where you can download the photos from.  You’ll receive two sets of the photos:  one low-res set for posting on the Internet and one high-res jpg set that you can have printed, if you’d like.

 

• How many photos do I get?

As I mentioned above, usually, you’ll get one (1) or two (2) photos per look / background / clothing change.  This is often between 6 and 12 photos in total depending on how many looks / clothing changes / lighting changes we do. If we photograph one look you'll get the best 1 or 2 photos. Please understand that it can take hours for a photograph to be professionally retouched to magazine cover quality.

 

• What can I do with the photos?

Pretty much anything except sell or license them for money, or give them to a publication or company to publish for free.  The law states that the copyright of the photos remains with the photographer unless we have another agreement in writing.  You may be required to sign a model release.  This is important for me to protect both of our rights.  If I am asked by a magazine or company to use a photo I will ask you first for your approval and there will be profit-sharing.  Fair is fair and it’s about mutual respect.

 

• May I post the photos on my Instagram page, Facebook page, and / or on other social media or networking sites?

Absolutely!  Please, however, you may not edit and / or alter the photos in any way.  If you alter the photos they no longer represent my work.  Each of the photos you post on social networking sites needs to have my watermark in the corner of the photo.  If I post the photos on any of my social networking sites I will include your contact information (for example I’ll tag you on Facebook), so that if someone likes the photos they can contact you for a modeling opportunity.  If you don’t want to be tagged just let me know and you’ll remain anonymous.

 

• What is a model release?

At the beginning of our photo session, you may need to sign a model release, depending on our photography goals. This is industry standard paperwork to protect you and me.  There are times when magazines, books and / or companies may want to license a photo, or a magazine may want to use a photo as their cover photo.  A model release is often necessary for them to do this.  If I get paid I’ll pay you 20% of the total fee, within one year of our photographing session. View the Model Release here: (English) or (Chinese) or (Japanese) or (Korean) or (Malay) or (Russian) or (Tagalog) or (Thai) or (Vietnamese). If you need another language let me know.

 

This sounds great and I think I understand everything.  What’s the next step?

1.  Send me a recent photo (or a few photos) of yourself.  A face photo, a ½ length photo, and a full-length photo are most beneficial and helpful.  This is important for me in order to know what equipment I’ll need and how to set up the lighting to help make you look your best.

2.  Send me some photos that you like (or links to photos) to give me an idea of the theme and style that you’d like to photograph.  Only send me photos that you have the clothing and accessories for and that you’re comfortable modeling for.  In other words, don’t send me a photo of a model in an evening dress if you will come to photograph wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  Don’t send me Victoria’s Secret types of photos if you won’t be comfortable modeling in lingerie.   Don’t send me a photo of a model wearing a winter coat with a fur-lined hood if you don’t have such a coat. Don't send me photos that have a background that we don't have here in Taichung, for example, a nice beach (we do have private swimming pools, though). Find photos (magazines, online, wherever) that you like in which you could 'trade places' with the model in the photograph.

3.  Let me know a few choices of days and times that you’re available to photograph.

4.  Do you have any tattoos and/or piercings?  Please let me know, and how big they are.  Some themes work regardless of tattoos and/or piercings, some don’t.

5.  Let me know your comfort level and if you have any special photography issues.  For example, if you want photographs of you in sexy lingerie, but I can’t post them on my website or on social media sites due to your work (i.e. if you’re a teacher) then we won’t photograph anything that may be in any conflict with your work or personal life.  Fair is fair and any photographs that I can’t use in my portfolio, on my website, or post on social media sites we will not do on a trade-for basis.

• Anything else?
   

I can’t think of anything else.  If you have any questions please just ask.  

Let’s get started.  I look forward to a fun and successful time creating beautiful pictures with you.

Cheers,

Henry