how do I build up my product portfolio?

[brisomphotography]

I'm trying to build up my product portfolio and just wanted to know how you go about shooting product when you have none. I would love to go into staples or some shoe store and music store (instruments) and take photos to build my portfolio but I can't begin to afford to purchase tons of shoes and tons of office supplies, etc just for that. How is one suppose to go about this? should I contact these places and just tell them I'm a photographer and I'm trying to build up my portfolio and I want to come in and take photos, etc?? I have this feeling a big operator like Staples isn't going to pay me a bit of attention. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Brian S

[Owen]

Buy & return -

[brisomphotography]

boy I can sure make things complicated can't I? - I might add with an explanation to the manager perhaps - otherwise won't they wonder why I keep returning everything all the time?

[Owen]

Nope.
They have a return policy. Use it. :)

How do you think stylists get clothes? :D

[jonh68]

boy I can sure make things complicated can't I? - I might add with an explanation to the manager perhaps - otherwise won't they wonder why I keep returning everything all the time?

Don't use one store either.