Collaboration shoots: when unpaid work makes sense

A collaboration shoot, often called TFP, is an arrangement where a photographer, the talent and sometimes a make-up artist work without a fee, and everyone gets images for their portfolio in return. It is a common way to build a portfolio early on.

When it is a good idea

• When you are starting out and need a variety of images.
• When the photographer has strong work and trustworthy reviews.
• When you want to try a new style your portfolio is missing.

When to say no

• If the images will be used commercially for a brand.
• If the number of images you will receive and the delivery date have not been agreed.
• If you are not comfortable with the location or the outfits.

Even for collaboration shoots, put the agreement in writing on ModelGo: the number of images, the delivery date and what each side may use them for.

If an image from a collaboration shoot ends up in a paid ad, it is no longer a collaboration, and you are entitled to ask for a proper fee.