I’m a photographer in Washington, D.C. who is focused on developing creative, dynamic, and exciting portfolio shots for professional or aspiring models.
Some frequently asked questions:
What is TFP?
An acronym for "Time for Prints" or "Trade for Prints" that means the photographer and model both agree to waive standard fees in the interest of producing some good portfolio work for both parties.
Do I get a CD? What do I get from a TFP shoot with Shuvua.
I usually produce around 5-10 “best of shoot †images, depending on the amount of looks and location. These images are edited, retouched and optimized for web at 800x533 at 72dpi. While you may have shot with photographers that give you hundreds of images on a CD at the end of the I have a "quality over quantity" approach to my work 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 likely use more. If you need more portfolio images please discuss it with me in advance. I reserve the right to not release images that do not meet my standards and deem damaging to both our careers, if you are concerned about your ability to meet my criteria may I suggest that you hire me at my extremely reasonable rates so you will we be guaranteed the quantity of images you desire
How long does it take to get my images back?
I usually try to review and sort through the images within 48 hours - at this time I usually edit and post one or two of the best of set images. I usually edit the rest of the selected images within two weeks of the shoot unless there is a prior arrangement or deadline looming. It may take as long as a month depending on my work load. If you have a time dependency please let me know in advance.
Who owns the images? Can I use them on my site?
I retain ownership/copyright to the images I shoot unless other arrangements are negotiated in advance. I grant the model the rights to use the images their portfolio or site and for non-commercial use. In short, you can do almost anything you like with them except sell them or modify them without permission. I usually allow the sale of single prints but not commercial use unless we make 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.
How long does a shoot take?
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.
What types of work are you looking for? What do you look for in Models?
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, name recognition, concepts for shoots, wardrobe, and location ideas/access they have.
Do you provide a Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist?
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 or additional materials I usually cover 50% of the expense. Please discuss this with me in advance.
What should I wear? Do you provide wardrobe?
You should bring 7-8 changes of clothes which we can review before the shoot and select the best. While we have a growing stash of wardrobe accessories, we'd prefer to use these to comliment your attire.
Can my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband
Yes.
Do I need modeling experience?
Many of the models we work with are not professional models and many have had no modeling experience. We will work closely with you and guide you on posing and expression and the flow of the set. We work with new models all the time. Shooting is a very collaborative process - I will 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 (i shoot high end digital) but you are free to experiment and make suggestions.
Where are you located?
Most of our shoots are in Washington, DC at our studio or on location in the city. We do not pay travel expenses unless it is for a paid client project.NOTE: The majority of this content was liberated from Lithium Picnic's discussion of TFP on his site.
