There has been a long-standing debate on if photographers should give all of their images to a client. In most cases, the debate had leaned toward “No.” But what if you agree to trade a model your photography experience for their modeling? Here is my personal point of view when both parties agree to exchange their skills and collaborate on a shoot.
Benefits of trading
Trading your skills — known as a TF or Trade For shoot — is designed to help both the model and photographer build their portfolios.
Photographer’s benefits:
- Shooting experience
- Creative projects
- Experiment with lighting
- A chance for future paid shoots
- No out-of-pocket expense for a model
Model’s benefits:
- Images for a portfolio
- Getting comfortable in front of the camera
- Work on posing and expressions
- A chance to be creative
- Social media promotion
- A chance for future paid shoots
- No out-of-pocket expense for a photographer
As you can see, there are many benefits from a collaborative TF shoot. The key word I used is collaborative. The TF shoot has to benefit both parties for it to be effective — check out “How to Decide to Take It or Leave It.” So, when a photographer only gives a model some images, how is that fair? Can you see which side I’m leaning toward?
Why a photographer SHOULD give access to ALL images
I know this will ruffle a lot of feathers among some photographers. Before you shut me out, keep an open mind then comment with your thoughts.
Imagine at the end of the shoot, the model takes the memory card and said they will send you a few images to review in a couple of weeks. How is that fair? As a photographer, you want to review all the images so you can select your favorites and you want to analyze them to learn from your mistakes. This doesn’t sound like a collaborative shoot, does it? How do you think models feel when photographers do that to them!
Why photographers don’t give access to all images
The common reason I hear why most photographers don’t give access to all images is because they don’t have time to edit every image. This is a valid reason, but who is asking for you to edit every image? The answer — again, I’m going to ruffle some feathers — your ego. Let the model have access to all the images and agree not to post unedited images. If you fear they will post the images, place a watermark on the image stating they are proofs or unedited. Besides, why would a model post an unflattering image of themselves? Before you say “what if they think the image is good” but you see photography errors — unfocused eyes or bad composition — remind them unedited images are not to be posted as per your agreement before the shoot.
What if a model edits my image?
This is a tough one, and one I had to deal with. I photographed a model just starting out. She was so excited after seeing the unedited images that she thought she would help me edit the image by using an Instagram skin softening filter. You know the one that makes the skin look waxy and totally fake. She posted it on Instagram and tagged me. At the time, I was developing presets for Perfectly Clear — an image-editing software for portraits. They weren’t impressed. I assured them she edited the image, not me. To solve the problem, I explained to her I have a certain style I’m known for and it conflicts with what she did. I asked her to change the post slightly to add me as the photographer and her as the retoucher. Problem solved, plus I learned a lesson on how to communicate better.
Still not convinced?
If you’re still not convinced to share access to all the images (minus out of focused or flash misfired images), a simple solution is to pay the model. The shoot now becomes a work for hire photo shoot. You have full control over all the images and, depending on how much you paid the model, you are under no obligation to give them any images. This solution defeats the TF concept, but in some cases — shooting stock photography, learning a new concept or a personal project — it may be worth it.
What are your thoughts?
If you made it this far, thank you for keeping an open mind — especially if you don’t agree. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree or disagree about giving access to all images from a TF shoot?
While I understand the point you are making; you must be working with a whole different type of TF model than I have. TF models are notorious for not listening. Everything from when to show up, what to wear, how to pose is often difficult. To ask them to not post o edit a bad image is way more than I am willing to accept. If my name is anywhere on it including in the metadata, I want it to be a good image that reflects my talents and my editing style.
Thanks for your input!
This is where you need to develop a better rapport with models. If they want to continue to work with you, they will communicate better and vice versus. BTW…How do you handle a model asking you not to post an image you like? I had that happen and I just took it down. It wasn’t worth the trouble. Again this is a TF shoot.
Hey Vanelli, First I hope all is well with you and thanks for the article! I did participate in the questions a few months back. I think what is missing here is whether one or both are professionals in their craft. I think that sets a different scenario. As a professional photographer, I think it is mandatory to have a pre-shoot meeting, which with some models it is almost impossible and that usually negates working with them same as a client. “No consultation no shoot.” At that meeting I try and find out what the model would charge me if… Read more »
Thanks for the feedback!!!!
This is great form a different perspective.
I work on both sides of the camera, both commercially and with tf, and when I shoot, I expect to have some control and say over the quality of my work and the result. When I pose for photographers, I expect them to have the same. Never put out a photo that makes you or the model look bad. Most models and clients appreciate the expertise of the photographer they trust, and they don’t want to weed through eyes closed and other images that make them look bad. This isn’t about ego, but having some kind of standards and pride… Read more »
I should append the article… blurry photos, eyes closed and just bad shots should be deleted. As long as the watermark doesn’t compete with the image, in my opinion, it’s good. Thanks for your feedback
Read the whole thing. But, feathers are ruffled yes. This is the silliest thing I have ever read.
Nikki.. why is this silly? This is a TF (FREE) shoot, it’s a collaborative venture. BOTH Model and Photographer should have equal rights and say to the images. If you want 100% control, then pay the model and it becomes a work for hire. If the model wants 100% control, then they pay you the photographer.
What part do you feel is not fair?