I am often contacted by people who are interested in modelling, either as a hobby, or to build a portfolio to try and model professionally. It’s one of the more fun things I get to do with a camera, as it allows me to be creative and really direct things a bit.  Models can be great to work with- both to build their portfolio as well as your own.  Aspiring models are often looking to diversify their portfolio, and are willing to trade time for images. I’ve developed working relationships with several models so that when I want to try something new, they are usually game.  In addition, they will call me when they have an idea they want to add to their portfolio.  This type of relationship can be liberating, since you are creating portraits for a client who is paying, and depending on your for an image.  Rather, it’s a joint collaborative effort that yield phenomenal results.