Trade for Photos / Print
These sessions are when you swap with another vendor to deliver prints or images in exchange for service costs. Last year, I did a TFP session with a fellow photographer and it did not go as smoothy as initially planned. Oftentimes one vendor may have expectations that are not realistic or too much given the nature of the session. One photographer may provide a contract with stipulations and the other vendor may not bring forth a contract of expectations. This was my experience. I provided a contract and she would not accept the terms.
The vendor repetitively begged me for certain files that were not in agreement to the point that my phone was ringing constantly or bombarded with countless text messages. It felt like a battle of control and this person craved it. Ultimately, I never received the files that I was "promised" by a certain date. I planned and executed where the location would be and all this vendor did was show up and prance around with some photos in-between.
Working with her taught me the clauses needed it my contract for future clients and vendors. For me to do a trade, I have to have established trust with fellow vendors. If it is not there then the idea is not happening.
Expectations
Expectations are sooooooooo important and need to be highlighted in contracts in regard to who receives what and how soon. Thankfully I had this, but even still getting vendors to actually understand what they have signed is another problem. READ everything and don't change your contract or goals to meet the expectations of one person. In this scenario, 1 party cannot reap benefits that the other party does not get. For instance images delivered to the vendor, while I receive nothing all because they wanted a specific file and I said "no".
Looking back I wish I charged this vendor for a session and commercial use contracts since my images were on the vendors page without my permission or approval.
Why I don't do them?
Trust is key. After my last experience I think for a while before it is considered. I am not against them if everything is discussed before the sessions and the gain for both parties is worth doing. Otherwise it is not happening.