TFCDs

i was around the metro, assisting in shoots and being part of some this weekend and one topic that was constantly brought up was "EX-DEALS". i guess a lot of people really do mistake it the term of TFCD which literally means TIME FOR CD's or photos.

Ex deals are actually transactions wherein a party -usually the model- gets some compensation out of a photoshoot or fashion show in a non monetary manner such as gift certificates or clothes after the job. TFCDs or TFPs are transactions wherein both parties do not compensate each other, and usually just give each other photos afterwards.

my friend was complaining that he was being asked to do free photo shoots a lot, and was already being called "suplado" for declining most of the time. declining -i feel- is an innate privilege to everyone, and shouldn't be held against a person. usually models and photographers turn down invites -honestly- because they simply have no use for the photos or the concept or -to be downright honest- the person, that the time and energy spent on the project would seem like a waste.

again. it's nothing personal. it's just that you were not the right person for the job. it happens to everyone. photographer, models, stylists, fashion directors and make-up artists a like. the sad part is, some do take it a bit personally and even spread rumors about apparent sexual favors being asked or just the other party being "too suplado" . it's a bit ridiculous at times and funny.

i have also been verbally attacked online for turning down stuff, and is sorta used to being declined so i might take it a bit lightly. i guess you do elarn to understand the industry a lot better after some time.

important notes to be considered:

• the best photographers would book the freshest faces with the most potential. usually ones which don't have their photos plastered all over the net in a weekly -sometimes daily- basis. when you come to think of it, it like disliking another person for having wearing the exact same shirt that you have on.
• even the best models would agree to free shoots. just as long there is food, a make up artist and if possible wardrobe and transportation.
• reputation is everything in the industry. so be polite and genuinely nice to everyone that you get to meet, and be gracious.
• as for photographers, if you have killer concepts and a massive portfolio, the good models will come to you. you don't even have to ask them.
  
• same goes with lending clothes from designers. if you have an awesome portfolio, word will get around and designers will be begging for you to come to events and shoot their work..
• NEVER EVER teach more experienced people on what to do if you don't have the bulk of immaculately good work to back you up. everyone has their own style, and if you're a newcomer with a sharp tongue or attitude, word will go around and you will stay as a newcomer/novice to their eyes in a veryyy longgg time.
• don't believe the "nice person" facade a lot of people give you. there's a lot of fake people with hidden agendas that would gladly love to talk trash behind you.
  
• if you wanna achieve something, do some research. you cannot be a photographer if you you do not know the basics of photography. being good at shooting portraits doesn't guarantee you'll do well in fashion, it takes a lot of reading and dept before you are able to master your own technique.
  
• if you wanna model, know actual models not actors or has beens like Tyra and the rest of the 90s supermodels. trends change. so do the people who create them so you have to constantly update yourself. you can't execute something that you do not understand.