time for prints (tfp)

TFP refers to 'time for prints' - this is when professionals contribute their time, without monetary charge, in exchange for license to use the "prints" (ie. digital images, these days) within their portfolio. It is a fantastic way for creatives to test out their ideas, collaborate, meet new people, produce stunning work and come away with professional images that can be used within their portfolios. Every contributor gets credited whenever the images are published.

Within the creative community there is a lot of passion around what is, and what isn't, TFP. Often start-up businesses will ask for photographic services without charge in exchange for exposure, advertising, networking or the prospect of future paid work. Some creatives will rightly point out that the same business will not ask the plumber to fix the tap in exchange for a glass of water at the end! They argue that all contributing professionals should be paid.

My view is that volunteering has a place within our community and unpaid work on commercial projects should be viewed as volunteering. The volunteer does gain exposure, experience and often an end product for their portfolio - it is up to them whether they are prepared to do commercial work free of monetary charge.

I am open to the prospect of contributing my photographic skills on a TFP basis for interesting projects. I am also supportive of models entering the industry who would consider modeling on a TFP basis, providing guidance, direction and experience.

If you would like to collaborate on a TFP basis, get in touch!