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Working for time (TFCD, etc.)
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What is working for time?
Working for time is a co-operation for mutual benefit: The model puts in her (his) time, resources and effort and the photographer does the same. No money changes hands. Both, the model and the photographer cover their own expenses and benefit from each other's skills and talents.
The model's fee consists of photographic images. Typically, the photographs are supplied as digital files, either on CD (time for CD or TFCD), for download from the photographer's website (TFDL, time for download) or, rarely nowadays, as prints (PFT or prints for time, sometimes also called TFP time for prints).
Other terms you may come across are test, testing, test shoot - but this is not the same, so check the details before agreeing to anything.
Working for time also means that nobody has commissioned the photographer to take the photographs. The photographer does what is termed personal work.
Working for time is meant to be a low budget affair. More often than not, the model will be required to do her own hair and make-up, and supply her own clothes.
Approach a working for time shoot with professionalism. It is not just a laugh. Treat it as work, not a bit of fun. Of course, you are allowed to have fun at work ...
Remember that you are a partner in the project. There has to be a fair balance of responsibilities. Don't expect the photographer to do all the work and do not expect the photographer to treat the shoot simply as a free portfolio shoot for you.
You, the model, do not only have the right to digital files (or prints) but also the responsibility to put your best efforts, imagination, creativity and heart into it. The photographer, too, must get something out of a working for time shoot.