TFP (Trade For Print/Portfolio) shoots have been the backbone of my work for a while now. They're fantastic for collaboration, expanding portfolios, and meeting some truly talented models. I genuinely love the creative energy of a good TFP session.
However, anyone who's done TFP knows the struggle is real. The biggest challenge? Reliability. I can't tell you how many times I've booked and paid for studios, only for models to cancel at the last minute or just ghost entirely. It's incredibly frustrating when you've invested time and money into a shoot that never happens. My list of dependable TFP models is unfortunately much shorter than my list of no-shows.
So, while TFP has been great for growth, its unpredictable nature has become unsustainable. That's why I'm exploring a new strategy: scheduling test shoots with modeling agencies. My hope is that working with agencies will bring a higher level of professionalism and commitment, ensuring a smoother process for everyone involved.
I'm currently putting this new approach to the test and will share all the insights with you soon – including a handy email template to get you started. Stay tuned!