| At this time I am doing very little work for my own portfolio, most of my current shoots are shoots for hire or existing clients but I still occasionally (about once a month) do the following shoots with exceptional models:
TFC - Trade for content shoots
If you qualify and are interested I do limited TFC shoots with the following goals:
1 - A sexy, fun content set ** (more on this below)
2 - Modeling portfolio shots for the model
3 - Shots for potential magazine/book publication
4 - Images I might use for fine art prints for gallery or my current book project (generally nude or semi-nude)
My goal for these sessions is a highly productive "All-in-One" shoot where we produce images we might be able to use for some or all of the categories listed above.
I'm interested in producing moving, erotic art with a high fashion feel. If content trade or nudity is not of interest or outside of your comfort zone my rates are very reasonable. I am experienced at helping models develop their portfolios/comp cards and coaching on the process/posing/styling as needed. If you prefer to hire me instead of trade I can give you a more specific estimate if you send me more information on your project.
SO WHAT DOES ALL OF THAT MEAN? Can you explain in more detail?
Sure, I'm glad you asked...
1 - CONTENT SET**
It means we get a sexy content set that I (and you if you have a pay site or plan to make one later) might use for member content. The sets I shoot for Zivity.com fall into this category. These sets usually flow from dressed to tastefully nude in "Playboy
" pin-up style. If nudity is outside of your comfort zone please consider hiring me for a shoot that you can design and direct. Here are some samples from a recent content set with Lalo. My content sets usually contain between 25-60 images.
2 - MODELING PORTFOLIO SHOTS
When shooting content I always try to get strong non-nude shots at the start of the set that are suitable for portfolio like this bondage ninja photo I shot with apnea. This was one of the non-nude shots from a "clothed-to-nude" content shoot for her site. It has been shown in many of my gallery shows and appeared in Juxtapoz magazine. Hello Kitty is another shot from a content set that ended up being great for both of our portfolios. It was used by the corset designer for advertising, her web site, and a feature in the LA weekly.
3 -PUBLICATION
If I think some of our shots are suitable for magazine submission and have publications in mind I will discuss it with you before submitting. I usually won't know for sure til I see the final images but we may shoot with a specific submission in mind. Many of the models I shoot come to me with a cover or feature gig already arranged. I don't spend a lot of time looking for new magazines to submit to and the pay is usually low if any for either of us. It is a great vehicle for publicity and portfolio - the more you can do on your end the more likely it is for me to help seal the deal and focus on great images. If the styling and concept is suitable or your TFC shoot features clothing from a known designer we may opt to send it in with my regular magazine submissions or the designer's promotional use. I am planning a DVD and a book project, shots may be used in these if they fit my content needs.
4 - PRINTS
I usually like to shoot some artistic, more abstract shots during our shoot that I might also use for fine art gallery, prints or publication. If we get a commercial interest like a book cover or CD insert I share the profits with the model.
These are my goals for Test/TFP/TFC-type shoots... if I'm not paid I need to get strong images we can both USE. I don't want to waste the time doing light tests or shooting on boring backgrounds, I want to plan something interesting and create amazing images.
More answers to frequently asked questions:
An acronym for "Time for Prints" or "Trade for Prints". The photographer and model both agree to waive standard fees in the interest of producing some good portfolio work for both parties.
I am not shooting TFP at this time, but I still occasionally shoot TFC with select models.
TFC means "trade for content" and basically works the same way as TFP but an underlying goals for the shoot are the ones listed 1-4 above.is to produce photo sets that either of us might later use on our personal member-based sites. This does not include the model selling the use of images to 3rd party sites, using them on your own site(s) is fine. I often do TFC shoots for doing "tests" of new lighting, location scouting, or exploring new styling concepts and sets. Most of the work in my photography portfolio was pulled from these content sets. I may choose to use them on my sites.
I usually produce between 3-5 “best of shoot” portfolio images, depending on the amount of looks, location, and how things turn out. Exactly how many images I use depends on how well the shoot goes. I reserve the right to not release images that reflect poorly on the model, myself, or the team involved. This rarely happens, if it does I normally plan a reshoot. I'd rather schedule a reshoot than release marginal images or spend 20 hours in photoshop doing damage control. Even players fuck up - I occaisionally have an off day or an off shoot. Sometimes the garments, setting, or styling just aren't working out as expected.
Portfolio images are edited, retouched and optimized for web at 900x600 at 72dpi. While you may have shot with photographers that give you hundreds of images on a CD at the end of the shoot, but I have a "quality over quantity" philosophy and feel that a few showcase quality images from a single shoot is enough for any portfolio. Industry standard for professional photographers varies but many of my peers average 1 processed photo per hour of shooting or 2-3 images per look. If the shots are amazing and usable of course I will use more of them. If you need more portfolio images than this please discuss it with me in advance. I reserve the right to not release images that do not meet my standards..
If I feel some of the images are suitable for gallery, print, or publication I may choose to edit some of them for print in higher resolution, if I do I will provide the model a print of the image and the high resolution file. Models are allowed to sell these prints for noncommercial use and keep what they make. I may choose to list some on my online print store as well. When listing images online I promote the model with links to their site or model portfolio. If you need or desire prints of images that I don't plan to use for portfolio I can edit them for you at my standard rate.
If we succeed in shooting a strong content set during our shoot, I will produce a set of 25-50 images edited at 1200x800 72dpi. This will take a little longer to edit and all of these web images will be made available to the model in addition to the portfolio images. On average it takes about 4-6 hours to edit a content set well. I do not release unedited images and the model should not expect to receive or inspect all of the raw images unless specific arrangements are made in advance.
I usually try to review and sort through the images within a week of the shoot. I usually edit and post one or two of the best of set images during this time. I usually edit the rest of the selected images within 30 days of the shoot unless there is a prior arrangement or deadline looming. It may take longer depending on my work load. If you have a time dependency please let me know in advance.*** I am currently backlogged with work and turn around time is longer than usualy please let me know if this is a problem.
I retain ownership/copyright to the images and video I shoot unless other arrangements are negotiated in advance. I can use them to promote my site or portfolio and may use then in print or other mediums. I grant the model the rights to use the images and video in their portfolio or site and for promotional non-commercial use.
In short, you can do almost anything you like with them except sell them or modify them without permission. I allow the sale of single prints for non-commercial use unless we make discuss and make other arrangements. If you need to retain the copyrights and ownership and do not want the images used for any use other than your own, my rates are very reasonable and I can give you a quote.
No modification or manipulation, including but not limited to cropping, alteration of colors or contrast, removal of watermark(s), and/or addition or subtraction of visual elements is allowed without my express permission. Any other usage, commercial or otherwise, which includes but is not limited to, sale of prints, use as content for internet pay sites, publishing in print media or use as stock material, is prohibited without my express permission. If you need to have images to modify or to create derivative art with, please let me know in advance so we can negotiate a rate.
It will vary based on what we are shooting and where we are shooting. If we are not using a stylist and you are able to show up for the shoot with base styling done it can speed things up quite a bit. If we are doing a test shoot or first shoot sometimes the shoot can wrap in about an hour. If few are doing multiple changes of clothing and styling the shoots can take up to 4 hours.
I work with a core group of very talented models on a regular basis. When considering a new model for non paid shoots I evaluate based on how they might add to my existing body of work by way of experience modeling, popularity, their concepts for shoots, wardrobe the have access to, and location ideas/access they have. I already have a great group of girls to work with and strong body of portfolio work. I do this full-time and usually get paid for my work - if I am shooting TFC my goal is usually to test something new or to replace my current work with something better.
Please be prepared to style your own hair and makeup appropriately for the shoot or make arrangements (with me or on your own) to get a stylist. If we are working on a concept that requires makeup and hairstylist, I have resources and stylist that sometimes work with me for trade or discounted rates. If you plan to provide or arrange your own, please discuss this with me in advance.
I have a growing stash of shoes and boots, clothing and accessories. If you borrow or check something out from the Lithium Library for Models – we request that you contribute something you have that you dislike/hurts your feet/does not fit like you thought/you've shot in a million times/you do not wear/something that is broken/torn/damaged but still might be good for shoots. Everyone wins this way... we have some pretty cool stuff to mix and match and with everyone's help it keeps growing.
We prefer that you come to the shoot with a female friend or alone if you are comfortable. In our experience, a boyfriend or significant other on set often creates distraction or self-consciousness. I’m sure your situation is an exception, but we base this position on experience. If you want or need your significant other to attend the shoot my rates are very reasonable and you may hire me for that shoot. I need my model's undivided attention during shoots as it is a very collaborative process with a tight feedback loop. Most of the time you will be alone with me during your shoot - I have a female assistant that is usually on site but not on set unless requested. If you are uncomfortable with this you may want to consider shooting with another photographer.
No. Most of the models I work with have had no formal training and very little modeling experience. We will work closely with you and guide you (as needed/wanted)on posing and expression and the flow of the set as needed. We work with new models all the time. Shooting is a very collaborative process - I can help guide you but it is up to the model to take the feedback and make it their own. I will usually show you how they are coming as we shoot but you are free to experiment and make suggestions. Here's some feedback from models I've worked with in the past.
Most of my shoots are in downtown LA in my studio or on location.
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Philip /LP
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