It’s always fun finding my images in use One of the delights of the stock business. It never gets old.  Back when I was mainly doing graphic design work, laying out ads and editorial spreads, I had a little bit of control over which images I used.  Now, I’m on the other end of the spectrum.  I sell hundreds of microstock images daily, and never know if they are simply laying around on a designer’s hard drive, or actually being used in marketing materials.  Once in a blue moon you will get a nice person that emails you and says, “hey check this out, I used your image in this ____”.  That rarely happens, though.  This advertisement, below, was spotted on the Metro North train by the model herself. Thanks to her, I got to see this cell phone pic.  Model Ellisse was used here in a montage of surprised faces for this poster by Mohegan Sun Casino located in Uncasville, Connecticut. I also noticed another photo belonging to my buddy Jason Stitt (keeweeboy) in the top row, fourth image.

The original photo is found here:

See how shooting a variety of different expressions and poses during a photoshoot can be useful in marketing?  Whenever I work with new models I always explain to them that because we are shooting for stock, their images will be in use and in action in a variety of different places, if they are in fact sold.  The thing is, you never know where they might appear.  We just have to keep our eyes open, and eventually they will show up somewhere.  I’m not sure how doubtful or sure they are that this will happen, but so far the majority of the models that I’ve worked with have been pleasantly surprised to find their photos in use for some incredible tear sheets to add to their modeling portfolios.

What Should I Shoot? That right there is the million dollar question.  Even seasoned stock contributors find themselves asking this at times.  The world of stock is a mindset, and even once you’re in it, it’s easy to get to the point where you wonder, “Okay, what should I try and shoot now”?  If you really struggle with coming up with ideas on what to shoot, then you need to start opening your eyes to the world around you.  I don’t care where you are, what you’re looking at right now – inspiration can be smack dab in the front of your fat head.  Sometimes it’s there and we don’t even realize it.  Open your eyes, and don’t just see, but try to truly observe.  Reflecting on the who what, when, where, why, and how of everything around you is an easy way to come up with stock concepts.  Try to write things down when you think of them.  This applies in the graphic design world, as well.  Rip out that cool magazine ad you saw in the latest issue of your wife’s Elle magazine (I wasn’t looking at it, I swear…I was just sitting next to her on the couch at the time).  Save that piece of junk mail with the interesting modeling pose.  I tend to note things a lot, but I forget to follow through.  Make a little notebook or scrapbook of the things you’d like to try, the things that look are cool, and the things you think would appeal to a buyer, especially.

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“What is a TFCD Shoot?”

Models that are new to the business often ask me what TFCD means.  TFCD is an acronym for “Time for CD”.  Basically it means an even trade.  My time, a free photoshoot for you worth $200/hr or more, plus all of the edited images on CD in exchange for your modeling.  TFCD sessions are beneficial to myself, the photographer, as well as to the model. I take the photographs, post-process and mail out to you a DVD with your final edited jpegs (high resolution copies that are un-watermarked) so you can make prints or post them in your portfolios online. Often I send the model some of the best shots from the shoot (low res) so they can immediate start posting them on their blog, Facebook, Myspace, or other social networking profiles.

The model signs a model release for me to use the photos for commercial purposes (the release tells the agency that you give us permission to use your photographs).  If I’m fortunate I might make a few bucks off the images we produce in the coming months.  Sometimes the images sell on the sites I upload them to, other times they don’t. It all depends on the model, the theme, the situation, etc. If in fact I do find any of the images of any of my models in use, I immediately forward the finds along to them.  What a great way to get modeling practice, exposure in the industry and to add to your tear sheets! I’m a very busy guy, but I like to do at least few new location shoots per month, if I can.  My schedule is pretty flexible. Contact me for rates.  I am shooting TFCD selectively at the moment; as long as the majority of the shoot is a stock photo concept or commercial lifestyle theme that I can market as stock imagery.

Portraiture is only about 25% of what I produce, as graphics, vector art and other miscellaneous images make up the rest of my portfolio.  I don’t have a need for professionals, although I have worked with many.  Stock photography works great with “real life” non-models, as well.  I have had great success even using family and friends to model for me, so don’t think you need to be a runway model to qualify.  If you live in the New England area of the US (preferably from New York, Connecticut, Massachussets, & Rhode Island) and are just starting out or looking to build your portfolio with some stock themes; by all means, contact me.  I will review your current head shots and let you know if I can be of assistance!  I also can offer huge discounts to my shooting rates when model releases are signed – this includes engagement sessions, senior portraits, family portraits, and more.

Most importantly, a photoshoot should be fun!  I will help you make the most of your time by getting you the most variety of angles, lighting, and themes that we can during the session.  For the most recent samples of our work click here.

I recently received a wall post on facebook from a fellow photographer:

“Your giving out free photo shoots in exchange for signed release forms is undermining the industry… it is a disgusting strike against the photographic community. Terrible business practice.  Do you really feel you have to give your work away in order to get a model release signed?  I seriously couldn’t believe my eyes when I read this… you really should reconsider.”
-Anonymous

Is this guy serious?  I couldn’t help but laugh after reading this.  The point of TFCD shoots (time for cd) is a trade off.  I get models for free, and they get the images for free.  In turn, I sell the images and make money off of them.  How is this undermining the industry?  Not everyone is a stock photographer, it’s not like this guy is going to lose portrait business.  Not everyone is going to want to sign a model release and have their photos sold all over the internet.  I am very clear with the models I work with prior to shoots.  As long as everything is understood, we move forward.

Sometimes there are cases where you may shoot and not get enough residual return back, for your efforts.  If you want to play it safe, there are also arrangements where photography rates are discounted when a model release is signed, but the client is still charged a fair rate.  This gives the model or people receiving the service incentive to sign a model release.  Depending on the difference in price you charge, some may be very willing to do this in order to save money.  You can’t under-sell or under-value your services, your time, your gear, and your efforts, but there are times where an even trade can still be of value for both parties.

You can learn more about TFCD shoots here.