I think it’s also easier now than ever before to get into photography and build a pretty decent portfolio without paying clients in it via styled shoots/workshops (there’s SO MANY now), or putting on your own by investing in some outfits/florals and putting out a model call for ex. When I first started these things were not commonly done and the barrier to entry was higher. Which is why I did rely on sharing images. Now I feel the same as you though!