How to Get Professional Portraits Taken for FREE

Whether you’re an aspiring model in need of headshots or a professional seeking to update your LinkedIn profile picture, there’s a way to get your photos taken for free! Last year after overdosing on America’s Next Top Model, I had made up my mind! I was going to pursue a career in modeling. Despite the fact that I’m not very photogenic (my eyes are sensitive to the camera flash so I often blink or squint) and it takes at least 10 attempts to get a Facebook quality camera phone bathroom pic,I was determined to start my amateur modeling portfolio.

After researching my options online I was introduced to the term TFP which is also known as Trade For Print, Test For Print or Time For Print. I’m sure there are other variations of this term but for the most part they all mean the same thing. A photographer agrees to provide you, the model, with an agreed number of pictures in return for your time, simple as that. It’s quid pro quo at its best.

By now I’m sure you’re asking, “Well, Terri, where do I find these TFP photographers?” Good question! I’ve had a lot of success finding reputable photographers on Model Mayhem (MM). As stated on their website, MM “is the #1 portfolio website for professional models and photographers.” Don’t worry, it says “professional” but trust me there are a bunch of… uhhh… “aspiring” models  all over the site, including me. Below is a simple guide on how I linked up with some amazing photographers through MM.

1. Don’t be scurred, sign up!– If you’ve never modeled before signing up can be quite daunting due to the fact that there are some very experienced (and might I say, beautiful) models who use the site. So what, you do want those free pictures right? The signup process is pretty detailed on the MM site. Click the following link to create your profile. https://secure.modelmayhem.com/registration/join

TIP: Post a decent picture of yourself. It doesn’t need to be a professional photo but do choose a photo that’s flattering and also make sure that you’re by yourself. Below is a picture that I posted when I first created my account.

2. Browse around- Once you sign up, browse the site to see what other models include in their portfolios. Search for photographers and models in your area and add them. Make a note of the comments that photographers receive on their wall and look for a trend of positive feedback. This may give you some information about the reputation of the photographer.

TIP: Be patient. Depending on what you want to get out of MM it takes a little time to build connections, research photographers and learn to maneuver around the site. Below is a snapshot of Rob Cocozza’s page. I’ve worked with him on several occasions and he’s always been professional and kind.

3. Create your profile-Your profile consists of an “about me” section, your location, body measurements and details of the work you are interested in.

TIP: Don’t stress too much about your profile. Be honest, be concise and to the point. Your body measurements are used as a way for photographers to sift through models to find what they are looking for. Below is a snapshot of my profile.

4. Don’t wait around, start networking. You may be contacted by a photographer or promoter who likes your look and offers you an invitation to do business. Some of the invites may be legitimate however, everyone on the site doesn’t have good intentions. There were times when I received messages that either seemed too good to be true or that were downright creepy! And you can best believe I deleted those messages with a quickness. DELETE. Do your research and consult various recommendations before traveling or inviting someone to visit you for a photo shoot. Check the photographer’s business website outside of MM as well.

TIP: When sending a message to a photographer let them know exactly what you have in mind, the theme of the photo shoot and your desire for a TFP arrangement.

Photographers that I recommend: Robert Cocozza, Albfor, and E.Dot

GOOD LUCK! 🙂

My TFP Photos:

 Photo taken by Albfor

Photo taken by Robert Cocozza

Photo taken by E.Dot