Working together on creative projects should be fun, collaborative, and respectful. These guidelines are here to ensure a comfortable, professional, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Rule #1: Comfort Comes First
If I ever ask you to do something you are not comfortable with, please tell me. We can adjust the set, outfit, or pose to keep you comfortable. You are never obligated to do anything outside your comfort zone. Shoots should be fun, and when everyone feels at ease, the images always turn out better.
Rule #2: Image Review and Deletion
During the shoot, I will hand you the camera to review the images. This allows you to see how you look from my perspective and adjust poses as needed.
If there is an image you are not comfortable with me keeping, I will show you how to delete it yourself so you have proof that it is gone. The only caveat is that if everything is deleted by mistake, we will move forward with new ideas rather than re-shooting everything on the spot.
Rule #3: Social Media and Tagging
I do not automatically tag models on social media posts. This is to respect your privacy and avoid unexpected images showing up in your personal feed. Instead, I credit you using the model name you provide on your Model Release.
If you would like to be tagged, please message me directly through Instagram, Facebook, or email.
For any images I provide to you, please credit me when posting:
Instagram: @subtleshadesphoto
Facebook: Tyme D Cich
X (Twitter): @adcich
Threads: Tyme Cich
Rule #4: Compensation and Image Sales
I do not make money from photoshoots directly. My income comes from submitting artwork to galleries for exhibition and sale.
Compensation works as follows:
Trade Shoots (TFP): If a piece created during a trade shoot is sold, you will receive 10% of the net profit after gallery commissions, submission fees, shipping costs, and other related expenses have been deducted.
Paid Shoots: If you are compensated for your time during the shoot, no additional compensation will be provided if the artwork is later sold, regardless of the sale amount.
Rule #5: Proofs, Selections, and Retouching
After the shoot, I back up the images and upload proofs to a password-protected gallery. From there, you may select your favorite images for retouching.
The number of retouched images available depends on the scope of the session:
- For a single concept requiring extensive setup (such as a makeup artist or specialty set), you may select up to 5 images.
- For sessions involving multiple concepts or sets, you may select up to 20 images.
Once you have made your selections and notified me, I will begin retouching.
My typical turnaround time is approximately two weeks.
Rule #6: Professionalism and Communication
Punctuality and communication are important.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are running late, need to reschedule, or have specific needs for the shoot. Likewise, I will always communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully.
Rule #7: Confidentiality and Respect
Any discussions, planning conversations, or behind-the-scenes details related to the shoot should remain confidential unless otherwise agreed upon by all parties.
Respect goes both ways. I expect professionalism from everyone involved, and I will always extend the same courtesy and respect in return.
Rule #8: Escort Policy
For TFP shoots, you are welcome to bring an escort if it helps you feel comfortable. All I ask is that you let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.
Your escort will be treated as a guest in the studio or on location. If they would like to help, they may assist with simple tasks such as holding a light or helping with setup.
For paid shoots, I ask that you attend the session alone. Additional guests can be distracting and may interfere with the flow of the shoot. My goal is to keep my full attention focused on creating the best possible images.
If an escort is required, the session may be converted to a TFP arrangement at my discretion.
Rule #9: Model Release and Payment
A signed Model Release is required for all photoshoots before any images are delivered, published, submitted, exhibited, or otherwise used.
The Model Release helps ensure that both parties understand the intended use of the images and the expectations surrounding the collaboration.
For paid shoots, payment will be provided at the time the Model Release is signed unless other arrangements have been agreed upon in advance.
Rule #10: Agreements and Releases
To keep expectations clear and consistent, I use my own Model Release agreement for all projects.
I do not sign model-provided releases, contracts, or agreements.
If you have questions or concerns about any part of my release, please discuss them with me before scheduling the shoot. If we cannot reach terms that work for both parties, we may choose not to move forward with the session.
Rule #11: Agency Representation and Booking Policy
As a general rule, I prefer to work directly with models when arranging creative projects, portfolio-building sessions, artistic concepts, and trade shoots.
Working directly together allows for clear communication, flexible scheduling, and a collaborative creative process.
I typically do not book models through agencies for personal projects, artistic work, or TFP collaborations. Agency bookings may be considered when working with a commercial client or when a client specifically requests a particular look, model, or talent represented by an agency.
If you are represented by an agency but are permitted to arrange independent projects on your own, please let me know before scheduling so we can discuss the details.