Time for print

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Time for Print or Trade for Print is a term used in online modeling communities for a pro bono arrangement between a model and a photographer; it is often abbriviated TFP. Instead of paying for each other's services, the photographer agrees to provide the model a certain number of prints of the best photographs from the session and a limited license to use those prints in return for a broad model release.

TFP arrangements are most common between models and photographers who are both working to build or fill gaps in a portfolio. It is less common for full-time professional models and photographers to agree to this arrangement, as they can obtain portfolio shots from paid work (see tear sheet). However, established models and photographers may also consider shooting with one another in this fashion just to have the opportunity to work with one another, or to collaborate on artistic projects that have no client paying for their time.

A variant of this arrangement is Time for CD or Trade for CD (TFCD). With TFCD, the selection of images is provided on a CD in a format and resolution that is suitable for printing, in lieu of actual prints. Some photographers may choose to release only a selection of final, retouched digital images, others release low-resolution copies of all shots taken during the session, and still others release the original digital files from the camera, unretouched.

There are no firm rules regarding payment of expenses for a TFP shoot. The model and photographer usually agree beforehand who will pay for or provide travel, printing, rented equipment, permits, make-up artist and stylist fees, and wardrobe. In some cases, the makeup artist, stylist, art director, or others may agree to work in trade for print or CD copies as well.