Often, models and potential customers ask me about the difference between being a paid model, a trade photo shoot, and hiring me to photograph you. This posting will hopefully help clarify the differences.
Modeling
When someone pays me to produce images, I will hire a model. I also hire models for personal projects where I hope to make money (dream on…). In this case, I pay the model for her/his time, and I might also hire a hair and makeup artist.
I will ask the model to sign a standard model release allowing me full use of the photos with no further compensation due her/him. Also, while I might send a few photos to the model, she/he was paid, so I am not obligated to I do so. In other words, the model trades her/his time for money (as in any other work situation).
I process photos from a paid shoot whenever I get to it, even if that is never (i.e., I paid for but never used the photos). If I am delivering the photos to a customer, then, obviously, I do process them quickly.
Some of the photos in this blog and at my web site sexyabq.com feature paid models.
Trade photo shoot
I do a few trade photo shoots per month. These usually are for personal projects or to increase my skills in one way or another. For a trade, the model gives her/his time modeling and I give the model a selection of edited photos from the photo shoot. She/he can use these photos for promotion (e.g., showing to potential clients, posting on a modeling web site, using as headshots for movie work, etc). Personal use (e.g., giving to family) is also fine.
The model release I use states that I can also use the images for promotional uses. Not all photographers have a specific trade model release; some expect the model to sign a full release, the same as for paid work. If you are a model, please read the release carefully; you might ask for it ahead of time.
However, either of us making money other than by the self-promotion requires that we work out additional details of sharing the profits. This has come up a few times.
I process the trade photos get processed as I have time; You might have to wait a few months to get the processed photos. Paid work takes priority. This is not the route to take if you are in a hurry to get your photos.
Many of the photos in this blog and at my web site sexyabq.com feature trade shoots, especially the more artistic photos.
Paid photo shoot
When you hire me, I give you priority in scheduling. Whereas I do a few trades per month, I will do any paid shoots that I can fit into my schedule. Also, I promise a turnaround of photo processing in under two weeks, and I aim for delivering the photos in under one week.
Additionally, when you hire me, you can have the photos be private. If you want, nobody will see the photos other than me, you, and whoever you share them with. Unsurprisingly, none of the photos on this blog or my web site are from paid shoots.
Summary
So, different ways of working with me have different results in terms of scheduling, privacy, photo turnaround time, and who gets paid (if anybody). Pick the right one for your needs, and everybody is happy.
Modeling
Trade
Paid
You get paid
Yes
In photos
No
You pay
No
In time
Yes
Photo turnaround time
Whenever; possibly never
As I have time
Under two weeks
Privacy of photos
No
Promotional use by me
Yes
Scheduling
On my schedule
A few a month, worked out cooperatively
On your schedule
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