“Fancy a TFP shoot?” – I’m often asked this question, and I like to ask it myself too. That’s because some of my favourite photos were taken during independent projects: with models who brought an idea of their own, with make-up artists who wanted to try something out, or simply because the light one afternoon was too beautiful to let go to waste.
But: I won’t do a TFP shoot without a contract. Ever. And in this article, I’ll explain why – and what’s in my TFP agreement. At the end, you can download it as a PDF, in German and English.
What does TFP actually mean?
TFP stands for Time for Prints (sometimes also ‘Time for Pictures’). The idea is simple: neither of us pays the other. As a model, you contribute your time and your charisma; I contribute my experience, my studio, my equipment and the image editing. In the end, we both get something that helps us move forward: you get new images for your portfolio, and I get new work for mine.
Sounds fair – and it is. As long as both parties mean the same thing by it.
Why have a contract if no money is changing hands?
Because TFP isn’t about money, but about something far more valuable: pictures of you. And in boudoir and nude photography, these are very personal images.
Without clear agreement, questions remain unanswered which may cause problems later on:
- How many photos will you get – and when?
- Where am I allowed to show the photos? On my website? On Instagram? In a competition?
- Are you allowed to edit the photos or post them with a filter?
- What happens if, in two years’ time, you no longer want a photo to be online?
A contract sorts all that out before the camera even comes into play. It protects not only me, but above all you. And it ensures that we can focus entirely on what matters most during the shoot.
My TFP agreement – point by point
Who’s taking part – and what will be photographed?
We start by sorting out the names: you, me and – if applicable – anyone else involved, such as a make-up artist. Then we agree on when and where the shoot will take place, what theme we’ll be working with, and which outfits you’ll bring along.
The style is particularly important to me. You tick the box yourself to indicate what you’re comfortable with: portrait, boudoir with lingerie, covered nude, semi-nude or nude. There’s room here for your personal boundaries and taboos – for example, that your face shouldn’t be shown or that a tattoo shouldn’t be photographed. Whatever you specify here applies.
Only with you, aged 18 or over
I work exclusively with adults. Before the shoot, please show me your ID briefly. I’ll check your name and date of birth – I won’t make a copy.
Voluntary participation, respect, safety
This section is the heart of the agreement:
- You can refuse a pose, take a break or end the shoot at any time. No need to give a reason, and there are no penalties.
- I explain or demonstrate each pose beforehand. I never touch you without asking first.
- You get changed in a lockable room.
- You’re welcome to bring someone with you. And if you’d like, my wife can be there the whole time.
- Behind-the-scenes photos will only be sent if you specifically tick the box.
Image selection and delivery
I’ll make an initial selection and edit the photos in my own style. You can then choose your favourites from these. We’ll agree together on the minimum number of photos you’ll receive and the deadline. You’ll receive the photos in high resolution via a password-protected online gallery.
I do not hand over unedited RAW files or rejected images – nor do I ever publish them myself.
Your right of veto: Before I publish any image, you’ll see it first. You have 14 days to block individual images without giving a reason. I won’t publish anything you don’t approve.
Where I can show the pictures – it’s up to you
Instead of a blanket authorisation, there is a checklist. For each channel, you tick ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ individually:
- my website (portfolio and blog)
- a photo story on my website
- the password-protected 18+ section (for semi-nude and nude content only)
- Instagram and other social media platforms
- Photo communities such as 500px
- Competitions and exhibitions
- printed portfolio and photo book
You can also decide whether you want to be credited by your full name, just your first name, your stage name, or not at all.
The following are prohibited unless a separate, paid agreement is in place: the sale of images, stock photos, and advertising for other companies. And to be absolutely clear: your images will not be used to train AI and will never be published on pornographic websites.
What you’re allowed to do with the images
You may use the photos for your own personal use and for your work as a model – for your comp card, your portfolio, your social media channels and modelling platforms. I just ask three things of you:
- Please credit me as the photographer (“Photo: Leif Sundelius”) and tag me on social media.
- Crop the images to fit the format if necessary, but do not alter them with filters or retouching. The editing is part of my signature style.
- Please ask me first if you want to use the images for commercial purposes, such as on paid platforms.
You can change your mind
Life changes – a new job, a new relationship, a different feeling about a picture. That is why you can withdraw your consent to publication:
- in the case of full nudity, partial nudity and nudity at any time, without giving a reason,
- for all other images, if there is a valid reason.
A quick email will do. I’ll remove the images from my website and social media channels within 14 days. The only thing I can’t take back is anything that’s already been printed.
Costs, Cancellations, Data Protection
With TFP, everyone covers their own costs, such as travel expenses. I provide the studio, equipment and post-production. If anything comes up, we’ll let each other know as early as possible – at least 48 hours in advance, except in the case of illness or an emergency.
I will treat your personal data confidentially. Your address, date of birth and contact details will never be published. Images that are not selected will remain confidential and will be deleted after an agreed period – or earlier, if you wish.
Bilingual, because good pictures know no boundaries
I enjoy working with models from all over the world. That’s why my contract is bilingual: German and English appear side by side, paragraph by paragraph. That way, everyone knows exactly what they’re signing.
Download the TFP agreement as a PDF (German/English)
You can read through it at your leisure before we meet. We’ll fill it in and sign it together during the preliminary meeting or before the shoot – each of us will receive a copy.
Fancy working on a project together?
Are you a model, a make-up artist, or do you have an idea that calls for light and lines? Then get in touch. We’ll have a relaxed chat about your concept, your wishes and your limits – and if it’s a good fit, we’ll turn it into something beautiful.
Real. Sensual. Unapologetically You.