MicrostockGroup

I have about 400 packages going out next couple weeks, mostly kids 12 and under - but their parents are who they ultimately go to.

(Edit - those are photo packages, btw)

- Part of me thinks this is an opportunity. 
- Part of me thinks it is super cheezy.

Would it be super cheezy if I put a line on the receipts that says

We are now recruiting models of all ages and types for summer sessions to add to our portfolio of stock photographs.  Sessions are free and you will be compensated with a cd of at least 5 shots from each costume or theme.  A model release is required.  Please see (link) for more information.

I've been super busy and I'm taking July off.  I wouldn't mind shooting stock though a few days a week and editing over a couple months. 

But, is this is a professional line that I shouldn't cross?  If not, anyone have some better language I could use?

"Recruiting models" implies that you are paying them, which I would.  Offering a couple of shots for people to give you their time and likeness is unprofessional, imo.

That may very well be, but most pros (certainly accredited ones) only use TFP/TFCD non-commercially. The proper place for this sort of arrangement is when the photographer needs test shots and/or is building a portfolio.

I'm with sjlocke - if you're going to require a model to sign a release (i.e. you're going to use the images to make money), the ethical thing to do is pay the model for his/her time.

I agree, but I will never do that with kids that may have over enthusiastic parents.
I will work for TFCD with adults that know what I'm shooting them for and agrees to work that way.

TFP/TFCD is a common practice in photography all over the world.  It’s done every day by professionals and amateurs alike.  I have done a PAID session with a large cooperation and asked one of the people there if they would like to be a part of my stock portfolio.  I fully explained my intentions and where their image might be found in the future.  He agreed and was flattered to be asked.  It’s not like a one time sitting with a model is going to pay much money even over time unless you can take hundreds of useable shots in an hour or so.  At current microstock commission rates you’d better be careful paying anyone to model unless you’re in the league with Yuri.  On the other hand if after the first session the model makes you money then you might want to invite them back for a second paid session.  I have never paid a amateur with no experience money for photos.  As far as that goes the last 3 I shot paid me.  Now granted, none of their shots are used as stock.  I did offer to shoot the photos for TFP/TFCD but they wanted total control over their images so that was fine with me. 

Since you have a relationship with the people you’re going to solicit, I don’t see a problem at all with adding a line or two to the paperwork.  You’ve already shot their photos and you want to take it to the next step.  If you’re selling packages rather than prints that’s the bottom of the portrait business barrel.  (No harm intended)  I shot families for years and sold packages.  But you sure won’t be using any of those package shots as stock.  Meeting an interesting face and making an offer to shoot for TFP/TFCD is perfectly okay IMO.

In my 30+ years as a photographer I’ve never heard of TFP/TFCD being unethical for what ever reason.  The only unethical thing would be to mislead someone by not telling them what you intended to do with their images.  If you’re up front and spell it all out I see no problem at all with TFP/TFCD for stock.

This argument shares much with giving away your imagery in exchange for credit or mention: just because it's common for people to do it doesn't make it right. By not paying a model you are taking advantage of his/her ego in the same way that the photographer's ego is misused by unscrupulous/cheap photo "buyers".

If you don't believe that it's right to give your work away for free, why is it that you expect someone else to give their work to you for free?

If you can't pay someone $10/hour and get something that can make that money back within a month, then you're not very good at this.  I expect to make money, and I feel it is fair to appreciate the model for their effort.

I appreciate the debate this has presented and I think I am developing my own plan here - but don't let me stop the debate just because I'm the OP.

I guess I shouldn't feel bad offering $10-$20 per hour for a first trial session.  I would expect that if I find that a model works quite well with me (and I see a return - that part is important) I would be very happy to pay that model a more reasonable sum.  Maybe I'll develop some kind of scale along this line.

And - if that model wound up on - a herpes medication billboard - I wouldn't feel as bad if they had been paid for the session and signed the release plus an additional document explaining what RF is and where their image may appear.  Even though a herpes billboard would likely be defamatory and require special permission - could you imagine the razzing a student would get at school?

And TFP.... I would think that someone who needs headshots or a book would be thrilled with a TFP arrangement.  It just don't know if it's a good idea for someone who wants to earn a living modeling to spread their face around RF.

Thanks for the lively discussion guys.  I'm diggin it!

Actually quite the opposite for the model.  If the model can get a few tear sheets from the stock images they go from armature to at least semi-professional.  Tear sheets get models more work than a portfolio alone will any day. Even if it is a herpes ad.  Just ask one.

when something like this comes up, we seem to forget that microstock is all about volume. It isn't about the big bucks for a single photo - that's the other guy's game.

And in this case, the parents' egos.  Some parents would have no limits in the dream of making their kids the next top model. 

In any case, I think the right thing is to pay them.  Real money or some fine prints of their photos (how much would that cost in a photo studio, shooting and printing included?)

Regards,
Adelaide