Moving away from TF shoots?

[inthedeck]

I'm no where near that but I'm just curious to hear from some of you seasoned pros out there that do make money from your glamour, nude, & modeling work...when do you know it's time?

Was it when you reached a point where you're working so hard for the models (men or women) and producing the results that you, or the model, desired that you decided to somehow start charging, and it worked?

Was it when you were published, that people started to take you seriously?

Was it when you worked for a model that became really famous, and she started to pay you to be her photographer, full-time?

Or, even through the years, you've never switched?

There's lots of questions that can fit here I suppose because each person would have their own scenario/life story...so...if there's not a question for you up there, feel free to share your story anyway.

Again, this is not something I am capable of doing yet, as I still have much to learn, but more of a question about when 'you,' the seasoned pro decided that enough TF was enough.

Please keep this to 'actual' experiences. Please refrain from snyde, one line remarks, and keep it professional. This is NOT high school. :rolleyes:

Thanks
M.

[Kagemaru]

LOL at your disclaimer.

[inthedeck]

And you would be the one to do exactly that...hehe. :lol:

Now, back on topic...since we've got that out of the way, nice and early. :lol:

[Kagemaru]

I think the problem with this thread is that there aren't many "seasoned pros" around here to answer your question.

[sapearl]

Give the thread a little time - I've seen some beautiful work posted in this area, from both amateurs and pro's.

I think the problem with this thread is that there aren't many "seasoned pros" around here to answer your question.

[inthedeck]

I figured it'd take some time. And there's a few...but, I have no idea which will bite the bullet, first. ;)

[Kagemaru]

You're better of PMing them or just posting this thread on Model Mayhem. There are far more seasoned and pro photographers posting there.

[bubbawillums]

I'm no seasoned pro but i only work TFP with models that i feel are exeptional and would enhance my portfolio. I used to willingly do TFP but its all too much work now for little gain for photographers so i now offer 2 options:
1) I offer a model shoot for 1-2 hours and 3 A4 prints for £150($225) and extra prints at £10 each.
2) models sign a full model release giving me full use of the images for any purpouse be it stock,advertising,editorial etc and then pay £10 each for prints but no sitting fee.

I only offer the second option if i feel the model would benefit me financially or for my portfolio. I'm lucky enough to of built up a good reputation locally as a good photographer even though i only do it part time alongsid my day job but i still manage to get 5-6 shoots of a month.

[inthedeck]

Thanks Dave. Will do.

Thanks bubbawilliams...makes total sense. Appreciate you takin' the time to offer up your experiences.

[M Powered]

I don't think any real pro will move from accepting TF jobs, their requirements usually is extremly strict.

[inthedeck]

their requirements usually is extremly strict.

Explain please?

[M Powered]

Explain please?

Unless someone has a book that they don't think anyone can be used to improve it, then TF will always exist on any level.

I know pro commercial photographers that will shoot TF depending on the model.

[inthedeck]

I guess another question I have, is once a photog. has worked with enough models, to build a pretty stable portfolio then how does one go about finding some more paid gigs?

It's one of those things, where if the photog. contacts the model, yeah, it should be TF. If the model contacts the photog., then, how/what should the photog. consider charging if anything at all? Especially if the model came from someone referred by a TF client?

I still do all TF work, because it helps me learn...so I'm just throwing these questions out there.

[M Powered]

I guess another question I have, is once a photog. has worked with enough models, to build a pretty stable portfolio then how does one go about finding some more paid gigs?

It's one of those things, where if the photog. contacts the model, yeah, it should be TF. If the model contacts the photog., then, how/what should the photog. consider charging if anything at all? Especially if the model came from someone referred by a TF client?

I still do all TF work, because it helps me learn...so I'm just throwing these questions out there.

I usually turn down my port developement gigs from new models. I'm more interested in TF shoots that I can add to my existing book and hopes of landing bigger fishes. I enjoy it a lot more to shoot a TF shoot with a model that I can enjoy, good pictures are easy to come by. Getting paid 3-500 bucks for 6 hrs of your time constantly directing and posing the model to get decent photos is not exactly fun. Mine as well shoot weddings if your into punishment for money LOL

[inthedeck]

Nah, it's not about the money for me, personally...otherwise, I'd have not worked with the people I have worked with. Eventually it'll get better for me, with more practice, and obviously more models that know what they are doing. Makes life so much easier to know that the model is a good one...especially when doing TF stuff.

It's the ones that have no idea what they are doing that I should start charging...hehe. Waste of time, sometimes...but, I don't mind helping them regardless. Just at certain times, it's frustrating, that's all.

[arnie12]

When you're getting more requests you can/want to handle.

[inthedeck]

When you're getting more requests you can/want to handle.

All a matter of time, I suppose. And while I understand wanting to 'handle' it, that's why I asked the questions.

How do some of the pros handle it. Maybe you could she some more light on your statement?

[Kagemaru]

when someone offers to pay, you're ready to go pro ;)

[inthedeck]

when someone offers to pay, you're ready to go pro ;)

Someone as in? Mag. Company? Etc?

Of course, I'm no where at that level...where as some of the posters in the forum may well be. I just like to ask lots of questions, in case you didn't notice. :lol:

[arnie12]

All a matter of time, I suppose.
Not only, don't forget your portfolio! The moment you take pictures where your average girl looks really great, all her girl friends will want their pictures taken too. And so on.

Unfortunately, I am not there yet, but I am working on it. :cool:

[inthedeck]

Hehe..I heay ya Arnie. I'm not either, and don't know if I'll ever be. There's lots of other people with way more talent than I...but, I aim to get better over time.

I've already had 2 people contact me because of their friends' pictures...so, who knows...for me it's just more practice, that's all. Well, aside from the fun of it all. ;)

[flipstyle72]

when someone offers to pay, you're ready to go pro ;)

ohh YIPPEEE!!! I'm ready to go pro?!!! LOL


I don't think I'll ever be a "Pro" if ones definition means being a photographer as your sole income and profession...but I don't think I'd ever stop doing tfp's as they serve me a great purpose of trying things out without feeling bad if I failed! lol.

I hate meeting a model who thinks they absolutely deserve to be paid when they aren't even some sorta famous or full time model.

[inthedeck]

I hate meeting a model who thinks they absolutely deserve to be paid when they aren't even some sorta famous or full time model.

I mean, really...:rolleyes:

That's just too funny...but, they do think the world of themselves, don't they? :lol:

[flipstyle72]

I mean, really...:rolleyes:

That's just too funny...but, they do think the world of themselves, don't they? :lol:

yeah, and it's usually the ones that aren't the prettiest or most suitable. Their portfolio's chocked full of really bad nudes/implieds with crappy photography work. lol.

[inthedeck]

I hear ya man...it's like, wtf? haha. One that is a dancer in Orlando tried to get me to pay her...I was like...um, I don't do nudes, why should I pay you? :lol: She's like, cause I'm hot...and you 'need' me in your portfolio. Ummmm...for what? was my next question. :lol:

Mind you, if I was allowed to do nudes, I would...but, since I'm not, there's no need.