TFP

Trade For Print (TFP) is a common photography industry standard where the model agrees to pose for a photographer in return for them both to use the images produced for portfolio only. The actual contract signed may allow other uses, such as commercial uses. Generally, that would require payment under a professional arrangement. The professional model agrees to pose for the images, and the photographer agrees to photograph the model for the images. Both receive fair value for the shoot.

Professional models first starting out will seek TFP shoots to avoid paying a professional photographer his normal rates. She may also agree to pose for TFP if she feels the photographer's talents are high quality to add to her portfolio.

Photographers who want to try a new idea or shoot with an unknown model might agree to a TFP shoot to avoid paying for a model that might not work out as well as hoped. If no agreement for prints was reached, a shoot would be called a test shoot to determine the model's appropriateness for a later shoot.

VW models wishing to retain their amateur status need to be careful when signing a model release form, even for a TFP shoot.

Trade for digital images is called a TFCD and means the same thing as TFP, but the agreement signed should spell out whether a paper print or a digital image will be provided, and in what quantities.