Not sure where to put this...

[Jessica Rabbit]

I am not really sure where to put this but I was just wondering how I would go about searching photographers in my area. I don't know I am of model "quality" but I am not sure if some photographers would exchange all the poses and time I could give them for some nice photos of myself? I would want to make sure they are a safe person to go to and wouldn't even mind paying some money for copies as I have always wanted professional photographs of myself. If anyone can maybe give me some insight and tips (hopefully I am making sense on what I am looking for...) I live in BC, Canada and don't know where I would go about looking for someone.
Thank you! Hopefully I don't sound a bit silly.

[DVS_WiNdz]

I think this would go under the Classifieds: Services Needed forum http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...play.php?f=106

[Chet]

I'm sure you'll find someone to help.

[Jessica Rabbit]

BTW- This wasn't meant to sound rude it was more a matter of now knowing if photographers do things where they exchange someones time and all they can "try" to "model" for them for a copy or two of their work just for personal use.

[squashed]

No rudeness interpreted here. I would love to help you If I were in the area.

[Chet]

Unless they were digital images only, I would really hope you would cover the cost of prints. Much goes into setting up and lighting for a portfolio as well as time. The photog shouldn't also be required to pay for your print processing.

[BillsBayou]

Search for "British Columbia" here on POTN. Some of us post pictures and say "This is a shot I did here in (city name)..." You get to look at their galleries before you even contact them.

The service you seek is called "Time For Pictures" (TFP) (also known as "Time for CD" TFCD). Aspiring photographers want to get experience with aspiring models without actually paying for their time. Professional models tend to shy away from GWCs (Guys with cameras). Some want to see their portfolio before beginning. Thus, a photographer wanting to get some experience, or just wanting to keep busy, will look for models who are willing to get paid with copies of their shots.

What you want to look for is a photographer who will give you unlimited reproduction rights to the photos. You don't need to be able to sell the photos, you're just looking to print them for a physical or on-line portfolio. However, most photographers are going to want to keep ownership. Get all the rights spelled out in advance in a signed contract.

Also get the type of photography spelled out. You're an attractive young woman. Someone out there is going to want you to do something you're not comfortable with doing.

Having said that, make sure to bring a friend with you. Insist on this. If you're doing nude photography, don't bring a relative or boyfriend/girlfriend. They get weird when someone is applying make-up to the model. But bring someone you can trust just the same.

[Jessica Rabbit]

Thank you that is very helpful advice. I wasn't trying to sound cheap more so wondering if I pay some cost if some photographers ever look for people to try and "model" for them, type deal as I don't have a huge amount of money but am very interested and wanting of some nice photos of myself and would pay just cannot afford a huge amount. I am ok not getting photos just wanted to know whether some photographers when starting do this type of work set up.

Thanks again!

[Jessica Rabbit]

I would only want a cd of the photos even a few I don't need them printed as I have a very nice printer.

[Mark_Cohran]

I applaud your sense in wanting to check out the photographers first. If you do find some willing to shoot with you, do ask him or her for referrals so you can talk to other people who have posed for him or her.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Jessica, there's a three letter term for the exchange you want to do, but for the life of me I can;'t recall the letters,. something like Time For Prints, or some such thing. (actually I don't think I'm even close,. )

Budding models and photographers make this arrangement all the time, and each does it to further there own portfolios and experience at a time when neither is in a position financially or experience wise to actually charge for the services in good conscious.

Eventually someone will come along with the correct term for this exchange, at which point we'll be able to search for more information (hard to search when I don't know the darn name! )

[CyberDyneSystems]

Found it, TFP or TFCD

TFP = Time for Prints
TFCD = Time for CD

So you would want to post a thread in the services forum in marketplace, with TFCD and your location in the title, and make your offer there.

[Mark_Cohran]

Originally Posted by CyberDyneSystems

Eventually someone will come along with the correct term for this exchange, at which point we'll be able to search for more information (hard to search when I don't know the darn name! )

Like in Post #7 above.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Man I must be on glue today!

[Jessica Rabbit]

Thank you I will do that. I just didn't know if I was being a bit conceited hoping people would exchange photos as I am not a model so... but I will most definatly see if I can write something up in hopes to find someone that also sounds appropriate. I would bring a friend however if the person was reputable I would be comfortable with many types of photography so I will have to write up this in a way that doesn't come off.. wrong.

Thank you so much!