Welcome to the Trade Portrait Sessions (TPS) blog post and thanks for taking the time to read through. Here I'll be addressing the details of TPS and try to cover as much information as possible for your convenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to message and ask. TPS pretty much refers to the practice of trading services in a mutually beneficial manner for photographer and subject so both parties enjoy the end results with portraits for the subject to use for personal or promotional use and for photographer to have fresh new portfolio content and photos for promotional use on social media.

I will only be scheduling TPS on a very limited basis as my primary goal is to remain focused on paying jobs and I will only be offering one of these sessions per person. Any desired future sessions can be scheduled with one of the packages I have on offer with reasonable rates applicable.

A TPS is generally a collaborative effort between subject and photographer with both parties being agreeable to the content matter of the session, the location, date and time. It will be a creative process with input being supplied by both persons. All details being discussed via message or phone call. While I strive to supply various items for sessions including clothing, accessories and props, this can be limited at times and will depend on the type of session scheduled. For all TPS, I will supply a contract to be signed at the beginning of the session which covers details as mentioned below. Refusal to sign contract will result in no session being scheduled.

Basic Summary of TPS Contract:

1. That both parties will honor the terms of crediting each other when posting images on all social media such as IG/FB and so on.

2. That I, the photographer will supply five full resolution images within 14 business days of session. These images will NOT be watermarked and will be available for download in an album on this website.

3. That the subject will honor the terms of NOT digitally altering the final images themselves or having a third party do so. This includes converting the images to a different color, to black and white, cropping or removing anything from the image or adding anything that was not in the original image. Failure to comply with this will result in all images being removed from all online outlets.

4. Riley Street Photography will not be held responsible for items in the possession of the subject, nor held liable for any injury sustained during the time of session.

Q - Can I cancel this session and reschedule?

A - Only if there is reasonable cause for cancelation such as illness, emergency or poor weather conditions. Frequent requests (more than two) for rescheduling will result in no future session being scheduled.

Q - Can I bring a friend along?

A - I don't mind that at all but they will not be included in the session and will be asked to maintain respectful distance during the session. Any unnecessary interruptions will result in session being ended and considered null and void with no images supplied.

Q - What do I wear?

A - Whatever strikes your fancy and makes you feel wonderful! While I strive to assist in supplying garments and such for sessions, I am limited in terms of sizing and how much I can bring along to a session. This will be well discussed and covered prior to session. Sessions will only be scheduled and based around one complete look. For a variety of looks in one session, it is recommended to bring some basic items such as accessories to switch things up if needed.

Q - How long does a session run for?

A - From start to finish, a session may run from 45 minutes to one hour with a little wiggle room in time for conversation and test photos at beginning of session. It goes without saying that both parties will be expected to meet at the designated location on time. Tardiness will not be tolerated and I reserve the right to leave the designated meeting location within 30 minutes of the scheduled session time if the subject has not arrived in that time.

Q - When can I book a session?

A - I am available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays depending on my schedule as well as select weekends. Please allow 3 weeks in advance to schedule a session. Depending on style and theme of session as well as location, it may be discussed to schedule a time during ideal lighting conditions (mornings or early evenings) however I am happy to discuss alternatives if those times are unachievable. 

So for now, I think that covers all the basics of a TPS! I hope this offers some insight into this and as mentioned earlier, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask away. I strive to do these sessions in a timely manner, keep things fun and interesting and enjoyable for those involved as well as supply a quality product afterwards. Due to the current nature of the world around us, I also hope to maintain a safety standard in keeping with current guidelines. A mask is encouraged to be worn when not being photographed if in a well populated area, and social distancing practiced. If you are feeling unwell or show symptoms before scheduled session, please be respectful and contact me at least 24 hours prior to session to discuss rescheduling.

Thanks for reading and I hope to schedule a collaboration with you soon!

Samantha Hughes - founder and owner of Riley Street Photography.