though he was known for his music scene portraits, he wasn’t being hired as a Hollywood celebrity photographer (like Annie Leibovitz). There was still a level up that he had yet to reach. He said that it was because he didnt have enough women in beauty/fashion settings in his portfolio. I asked what he planned to do. He looked at me and turned the question around. He asked, “What would you do?” I responded that I’d do test shots to build up my portfolio. “Exactly,” he said. 2/4

When shooting with other photographers I’m always surprised when they say they don’t do personal (non-paid) shoots to work on their craft. I love photography, weather I’m paid or not, and the non-paid shoots are a great way to build skills, your portfolio and connections in the communities you may want to work in.