TFCD photo shoots
Behind the scenes
Please check out my behind-the-scenes weblog now live at jimisweetnyc.com. Also consider “liking” Big City Baby on Facebook.
What is TFCD?
For a TFCD (“Time for Compact Disc”) photo shoot, there is no fee for the photography services (provided by me), the makeup/hair styling services (provided by William Miranda) nor the modeling services (provided by you). In exchange for everyone’s time, they will receive retouched and color-corrected Final Images that can be posted online and/or printed for their portfolios. TFCD photo shoots are a great way for models to work with photographers, and photographers to “test” new models, try out complicated equipment or sets, and experiment with new styles.
Now you should realize that “TFCD” is somewhat of a misnomer, because in 2010, there generally isn’t a physical CD involved. In most cases, I send links to online galleries and email web-ready Final Images. However, if you do need a physical CD/DVD, arrangements can be made to provide one.
The other aspect I need you to understand is that you should not confuse “no fee” with “no value.” I take TFCD photo shoots as seriously as any paying gig, and I hope that you do, too. I agree to TFCD to allow models who wouldn’t normally be able to afford my hourly rate the chance to get some fantastic images for their portfolio, but I do expect a great deal of creative control when it comes to how the shoot is produced.
Qualifications
I am very selective with whom I choose to work with on a TFCD basis. There are specific projects (both personal and professional) that you may be an ideal candidate for, including my Louis Vuitton project. You’re certainly welcome to inquire about a TFCD photo shoot, but If I don’t feel our styles, our personalities, or your look as a model don’t jibe with what I’m trying to accomplish, then I’ll have to politely decline shooting you on a TFCD basis.
No show/no call (i.e., “flaking out”)
Photo shoots require a lot of pre-planning, and in some cases, I spend real money on props, set design and hair/makeup. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call me or email me in advance; I promise I’ll understand and be completely happy with booking you for another date. If you do not show up and do not call me or email me, I will not reschedule another TFCD photo shoot with you, and this will suck because I really want to shoot with you.
Escorts, chaperones, etc.
Escorts, chaperones, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. are not permitted on the set of a TFCD photo shoot unless you are under 18 years of age. If you would like to meet with me prior to our photo shoot, I’d be more than happy to met up with you at a mutually convenient Starbucks Coffee or Jamba Juice.
Model release
There will be a Model Release that you will be required to sign before we begin shooting. The Model Release is designed to protect both me and you. The Model Release is available for review prior to the photo shoot. If you would like to request a modification/stipulation to the Model Release, it should be made in writing prior to our TFCD photo shoot. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent/guardian must sign the Model Release on your behalf; please print out the Model Release in advance, have your parent/guardian sign it, and bring it with you to set.
Looks/wardrobe styling
I don’t generally bring on a wardrobe stylist for a TFCD photo shoot. This means you will have to provide your own wardrobe for our shoot, or bring in your own wardrobe stylist. If you’re going to act as your own stylist, feel free to bring a number of pieces to set for us to go over and plan out the looks we’ll be shooting. I have a clothes steamer, so don’t feel obligated to iron your clothes beforehand. I will tape and/or clip your clothing as necessary.
You may bring as many looks, outfits, accessories, etc. as you’d like, but my current TFCD policy limits you to three (3) retouched and color-corrected Final Images per shoot. If you would like additional Final Images, there is a charge to cover the cost of retouching and color-correcting. For example, if you select five (5) Final Images from our TFCD photo shoot, you would receive the first three (3) Final Images at no additional charge, but there would be a fee for the additional two (2) Final Images. Please feel free to discuss with me any questions or concerns about this policy.
Males: I will provide a selection of underwear in the event that we do an underwear shoot, or your underwear is inappropriate for the look that we’re “shooting” for. I also have a few pieces (e.g., Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garçons, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana) that we might use, depending on your size and look.
Hair/makeup
My partner, William Miranda, has done makeup for CNN, “Jon & Kate Plus 8” and “As The World Turns.” Please check out his portfolio and email him with any questions prior to our photo shoot.
Females: William Miranda will be your hair stylist/makeup artist for this shoot at no cost to you. Please arrive to set fresh-faced with no makeup on your face nor product in your hair.
Males: William Miranda will be your makeup artist for this shoot at no cost to you. Please arrive to set fresh-faced with no makeup on your face.
Louis Vuitton project
If you’re going to be shooting for my Louis Vuitton project, keep in mind that it’s an implied/artistic nude series. I’m not trying to put your junk out there, but whatever we shoot needs to stay true to the aesthetic, eroticism and history of the brand. (One model wanted to sit on the luggage and drink a Starbucks latte; needless to say, it didn’t happen, although I do love my lattes).
Your info
Please fill out the online Modeling application form so that I have your contact information and measurements on file. I am frequently asked for referrals by clients and other photographers, so I like to have this information available. If you are unsure of your measurements, I can take your measurements on set.
Location
We will be meeting at my apartment/studio located in Stuyvesant Heights:
242 Bainbridge St., Apt. 7
Brooklyn, NY 11233
My apartment/studio is located on the south side of Bainbridge Street, between Malcolm X Boulevard and Patchen Avenue. Please note that my apartment/studio is located on the fourth floor and that there is no elevator.
Subway train (A/C): Take the express A or the local C subway train to Utica Avenue.
Questions
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at +1 (917) 720-2124.
Contact me
Please complete the online Contact form to send me an email message.
- Google Voice: +1 (917) 720-2124
- AIM/iChat: jimisweetnyc
- Skype: jimisweetnyc
Snail mail
Big City Baby
P.O. Box 1496
Radio City Station
New York City 10101
