Time For Prints

[R. Lawrence]

Hi everyone!

I've had my photography business on the side for a few years now, and I've recently gotten interested into shooting some fashion and glamour shots. I have secured four 19-20 year-olds to shoot to help me refine my fashion skills. I have offered them prints for their time. Question is, how many prints and what size prints is fair?

Here's a little more info. The first two models will be coming together (Kristen and Michelle). I have photographed Kristen in the past, most recently her H.S. Senior Portraits. She has no intentions of pursuing a modelling career, but is very attractive nonetheless. Michelle is very interested in getting into modelling, but doesn't have a portfolio created yet. I anticipate I'll spend 2-3 hours with them together.

The second two models are boyfriend/girlfriend (Ricky and Savanna). Savanna has done some modelling in the past; Ricky has not, and doesn't have any intentions of pursuing it. Again, I plan to spend 2-3 hours with them together on a separate date/time from Kristen and Michelle.

All shots will be done in my studio.

So, for 2-3 hours of their time, what quantity / size prints should I give them? Or, should I give them, say, $100 worth of photos, and let them choose the pose, quantity, and sizes? Also, is it normal for me to provide them with copies of all their proofs? And lastly, do I need any specific type of model release for these types of shots?

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

Bob

[bethany138]

I usually use the more contemporary version of tfp - TFCD. I give models a cd of a minimum of 5 fully retouched photos for use in portfolios or for printing. They really seem to like this because they can use the photos on websites, etc.

Just my opinion!
b

[ssim]

You and the models are both on equal footing. You want to refine your skills and get great shots for a portfolio. They want to have those same great prints for their personal or professional use.

I used to take the following approach to this type of stuff. If they were truly helping me out I would figure out what a model would normally charge for the time they were with me and give them an equivalent amount of prints. So it they stayed with me for a few hours I would give them 150.00 worth of prints. This price is based off of a discounted price from my normal retail price. In some cases, I would simply give them enough to fill a portfolio, normally around 20-24 8X10's. Printing is cheap in relative terms and you have to put a value on the learning experience that you got from the session as well. I approached each one that I did do a little differently depending on the needs of me and the model.

I've heard of guys cheaping out on models when doing this and then they wonder why they had trouble getting anyone to come back.

[Longwatcher]

I usually only offer 12 edited images or prints (although I frequently provide more).

I consider this to be fair trade usually because while it is both of our time (which could be valuable) the model has a more limited career duration then the photographer does, so the extra time I put into the 12 edited shots I think is fair. I factor my equipment into being balanced by the model's need to maintain good looks.

I stopped providing prints (except occasional one or two on site) because most of the models did not need prints, they needed digital images for the web. It sounds like in this case though providing prints would be fair as it sounds as if the models are not persuing a career.

Just my opinion and what I do,

[PhotosGuy]

I give models a cd of a minimum of 5 fully retouched photos for use in portfolios or for printing. They really seem to like this because they can use the photos on websites, etc. Easy to do, but keep in mind that, if they take it to the local drugstore & get a crappy print, it's YOUR crappy work they'll be showing their friends! ;)
Maybe you should optimise them for an online service & let them order from there.

In my area, Costco makes great 12X18" prints for only $3, so you can provide 2 9X12" prints for $1.50 each.

I'd prefer to provide the prints & give a CD with web images.