finding models

[ed_lepps]

I've been chatting with some models recently as I am going to build up my portfolio. Some of the models have offered to work TFP and TFCD. I don't want to look like a total Noob, but what do these terms mean?

[Driftwood]

TFP is time for prints and TFCD is time for CD (a CD of digital images)

Basically both parties work to create pictures for their portfolios rather than for commercial use. In exchange for modelling time you are required to provide the model with a selection of images suitable for use in their portfolios. No money needs to change hands.
Exact terms (number of images, prints or CD or both, extent of post-processing etc.) should be agreed before the shoot starts and it's entirely up to you and the model to determine what is a fair agreement.
I recommend you also agree a timescale within which you will complete and provide the images and that you document the terms as part of your model release.

[phototakeouter]

Follow up question for Kevin. Or anyone else. Is there any recommended timeframe for getting prints/cds to models before they start getting impatient or thinking that's too long to wait? I'm thinking 2-3 weeks would be the upper limit, but definitely wouldn't promise anything in less than 1.

[jfrancho]

The few times I've done TFP modeling, I had prints in about two weeks.

[Driftwood]

Originally Posted by phototakeouter

Follow up question for Kevin. Or anyone else. Is there any recommended timeframe for getting prints/cds to models before they start getting impatient or thinking that's too long to wait? I'm thinking 2-3 weeks would be the upper limit, but definitely wouldn't promise anything in less than 1.

I think 2 to 3 weeks sounds reasonable. I would say it is important not to promise anything you can't deliver.
If you agree within 3 weeks then deliver within 3 weeks. As I said earlier, the details of the agreement should be discussed before the shoot starts, and then you stick to them. Same thing with modelling levels. Is it fashion, is it glamour, is it clothed or nude etc. - agree beforehand and stick with it.

Of course the time it will take you to edit and supply the pictures will also depend on how many pictures you have agreed to provide.
Some models will also ask for all the unedited pictures from a shoot. Some photographers will do this but it is by no means the norm.

[kenn]

I would also specify ask for a photo release, at the minimum a promotional release from the party and you also give the model a promotional release.

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by kenn

I would also specify ask for a photo release, at the minimum a promotional release from the party and you also give the model a promotional release.

That is usually assumed in these deals. The model gets prints/image files, and the photographer gets a signed release.

[ed_lepps]

Thanks for the great input everyone. What is your opinion on the best resource to find models interested in TFP?

[OneEyedJack]

check out ModelMayhem.com

[swampthing1117]

Originally Posted by OneEyedJack

check out ModelMayhem.com

my experience with that site has been less than stellar. Alot of pretend wanna be models there. Your success rate in the amount of messages you send compared to how many models actually show up is probably something like 20:1.

A very common thing over there is also models with ZERO experience, the only pics in their ports are cell phone pics and they want paid jobs only.

You might get lucky, but overall, that site is a cesspool.

[tomrock]

Originally Posted by ed_lepps

Thanks for the great input everyone. What is your opinion on the best resource to find models interested in TFP?

Start with the ones you've been talking to.

[ed_lepps]

Swampthing, you are right on the money. The amateurs want to be pro's and the pro's want to be princesses.

[PGX]

I have had considerable more luck with Facebook and MySpace than OMP or MM.

[ed_lepps]

Facebook you say. I'm on there, but the search functionality sucks. How do you find-em?

[PGX]

B y using the marketplace section. There is a place where you can put ads into various networks for $1/ea. So, I was able to put "flyers" into various high schools and colleges and start getting inquiries. I did it to find a couple of senior reps, and it worked beautifully. Had several inquiries. Also, when I was looking for people to use as a muse, had inquiries about that, too.

It is true that I don't get hundreds of inquiries, but usually get enough to get started. I am getting ready to try it for paying jobs.

In MySpace, the best way to go about it is by using the Networking feature and finding people in your area interested in modeling that way. I also use MySpace to get clients, and it has worked to get a few, and then I have a referral program to get their friends as well. Mostly for seniors.

HTH