Portfolio Building

[tipsinartok]

I've done some searches in this forum and haven't found the answers to my questions, so I apologize if this is a question that's asked a lot. (Feel free to point me to other topics if that's the case!)

I would like to get some practice on people other than my daughter, as well as possibly start taking pictures to build up a portfolio. I've only had my SLR for about 7 weeks now, but I've been reading about photography for years and had a camera with good manual functions prior to the DSLR, so I'm pretty knowledgeable on the technical aspects. I just need to put what I think I know into practice so I can discover I really don't know anything yet. :D I've also been using photoshop for about 8 years, though only recently have I started learning things specific to colour correction and manipulation of photographs.

I was thinking of advertising on a local board that I would do portrait sessions with no sitting cost but have them sign a model release so I can use the pictures if I want. Then putting proofs up and charging them $X for either a CD that they have rights to or for prints or something. So there would be no monetary risk to them unless they like the pictures after they see them.

I would love some insight onto the pros and cons of the various options for after. Should I just give them CD's suitable for printing since I'm so new? I was thinking of maybe giving them a CD with images suitable for web use with a small watermark in one corner, and then having some packages planned that I could offer or a price for them to just buy a CD, but I feel like I really have no business charging anything at all right now. I feel like my time taking pictures and processing them is payment for having the chance to practice and building up a portfolio. But I don't want to sell myself short either. :dunno Anyway, I would love some advice, or to know what people here have done. I don't have a studio, so I think I would aim for outdoor shoots or shoots in people's houses.

[Cygnus Studios]

You should not need a model release for the purposes you are using the photos for (check your local laws). Yes it is nice to have, and I highly recommend it, but it is not required.
As far as charging for your services goes, if you are taking your time and effort, you should get something in return. If you are happy in getting the photos for your effort that is fine, but keep in mind it is always easier to lower a price than raise it.
Some photographers have luck posting ads on craigslist or even in the local paper. It should be easy to get additional family and friends together for free photos.
Another really good place to get some portrait experience is to volunteer at one of your local charities. Organizations like the United Way are always willing to accept whatever services you can offer.
Email or call the group, offer to shoot at one of their events for the use of the images and credit. More often than not you will get some images in the local paper or local magazines and websites. You get the portrait experience and published at the same time.
There is nothing wrong with giving away some time and effort if done in a proper way. Donating that time to individuals will limit your potential income in the short term as everyone will expect free photos.
Donating some time that will get you more exposure can be a good thing.

[tipsinartok]

Thank you. I've never thought of donating my time for charity, but that sounds like a great idea and definitely something I'm going to look into further.

As far as other people, I may choose some pricing that I think is fair for me long-term, then offer a "special" with a free sitting fee and 20% off package pricing (or something like that), so then my prices are set and I'm not technically raising them in the future. This isn't something I'm planning on jumping into right away anyway. I don't have photo editing software atm besides trial versions yet (which I'm sure I can't use for commercial purposes) . I do want to practice a lot more before I try with strangers too. I'm actually pretty comfortable behind the camera, it's trying to pose people and tell them what to do I have trouble with. My biggest hurdle with friends is that we've moved recently and I only have a small group of friends, one of whom is a big shot photographer (she has been contracted to go to Europe on jobs and has shot album covers) and I feel really out of my league next to her. So I'd honestly rather practice on strangers than most of my friends lol.