Copyright is the exclusive right of the copyright holder (usually the creator of a work of art, e.g. a book, painting or photograph, etc.) to make or authorise reproductions.
From a TFCD (time for CD) or PFT (prints for time) shoot, you will receive a number of digital images or photographic prints.
How you, the model, are permitted to use the photographs depends on what you have agreed with the photographer beforehand.
You need to respect the photographer's copyright. Selling a photograph to the local newspaper would violate the copyright, as would scanning prints or using digital files for non-agreed uses.
If you want to send off lots of prints to a large number of agencies, you do not necessarily have to send original prints. Good quality photocopies are usually acceptable for a first submission. If they like your looks, they will invite you to show or drop off your portfolio (the one that contains quality prints). Get permission from the photographer first to make photocopies.
My policy for TFCD and PFT shoots:
- You may use the prints and digital images freely in connection with your own self-promotion.
- Prints may be published in magazines and other publications in connection with your own self-promotion. No fee is payable to the photographer for such publications but a credit is required.
- Digital images may be used on the model's own website and on other modelling sites only (credit required).
- You may not publish or otherwise use the photographs for any other purpose than your own self-promotion.
- Photographs may not be sold or traded.
