TFCD / TFP part I

TFCD / TFP, Time For CD or Time for Print means that it's a collaboration between the model and the photographer. The job is usually unpaid for both parties and the model will receive a CD or print of some or all of the shots taken during the shoot in exchange for her time.

So, how and where do you get your first TFCD?

You can either approach photography hobbyist friends or join social networking sites like multiply.com, clubsnap.com or other photography related websites. But first, you will need to have a decent photo to "promote" yourself. You can either set up a multiply account and post recent photos of yourself or post your photos on clubsnap forum to request for a TFCD shoot.

Do not post funny, casual pictures of yourself half drunk clubbing, taking photos in toilet and expect people to respond to your casting. To gather the best response, post your most smashing (in a pretty way) photo.

In your TFCD request, you can identify the theme that you will like to be photographed. The most general term for a normal shoot can be, casual, fashion etc. Very often, TFCD photographers like to shoot theme like sexy, sensual, bikini, lingerie, artistic which means implied nude or even nude. You know, the stuffs we see on magazines, the FHM, hot steaming stuffs...

Do be careful of suspicious requests that requires you to be in bikini, lingerie or nude. Unless you want photos of that genre, it will always be best to avoid such theme in the beginning.

Always communicate! Communication is the best tool to detect scam photographers. Make sure that you get on emails, msn or any type of communication tool to gather more details of the shoot. If you sense anything suspicious, find excuses to drop off from the shoot or request the photographer to sign model releases form before heading down for the shoot. If you are really uncomfortable, request to bring a friend along.

Best of luck!