If youve always wondered what it means, weve got all the answers right here.

What Does TFP Mean?

You might even find the acronym in other industries too, but its mostly known within the photography sphere.

Close up of the side of a photographer’s DSLR camera shrouded in purple lighting and bokeh.

So, what is the meaning of TFP?

They all mean the same thing.

You may even see a more obvious offer such as free photo shoot.

A curly-haired ginger woman holding a DSLR and looking over her shoulder behind her.

TFP is something usually offered by photographers who are looking to shoot some work without cost.

Everyone involved benefits from receiving the photos after the shoot.

What Is a TFP Photo Shoot?

A lighting setup along a grey wall with a man sat down at a black backdrop wearing an all white outfit.

Typically, the photographer instigates the TFP shoot, but theres no hard and fast rule about that.

However, since TFPs are unpaid, it usually only involves the photographer and the model.

The photographer should treat a TFP shoot with the same amount of professionalism as a paid shoot.

Laptop with Lightroom open showing gallery of images. Camera, coffee, and plant on desk around laptop.

The photos may be subject to a watermark.

This works the same as a paid shoot.

Remember that its a collaborative project and wont work without even one less piece of the puzzle.

Small black film camera sat near a pile of black and white printed photos on a white table.

Discuss whether the model should do their hair and makeup or provide their outfit.

Should the model bring a change of clothes?

Where can they get changed if they do?

These things should all be discussed when booking your shoot.

Have a handful of staple poses ready to go.

Depending on your photographers experience, they may not feel comfortable suggesting poses to you.

This is great insurance for all.

Some photographers do not.

It is a waste of timeand offensiveto reach out for this purpose if its not advertised.

Check the credibility of the photographeror the model and other rolesyou want to work with.

While plenty of these offers are genuine, theres, unfortunately, sometimes a bad apple in the bunch.

Work with people who already have a portfolio of work, even if its small.

This shows that theyre genuine and know a little about what theyre doing already.

Offering TFPs is a great way toexpand your photography business.

Photographers, models, and stylists can all benefit from offering or partaking in TFP shoots.