PSmith and Julie

Well I kind of feel like I'm on the right track, because I have been doing the things you're suggesting. I am shooting for a rescue group pro bono. I am shooting friends and colleagues pets; I have told the friends that I am portfolio building and I give them a free print in exchange for them letting me photograph their pet. I am attending classes to brush up my skills and just shooting shooting shooting every chance I get. I am also learning all I can about business.

I have not charged anyone money for my pictures yet.

I do have the worry though that if I offer such a deal to too many people I'll never retrain them, as you say, to pay me for my work. Though I would probably never expect payment from my friends.

I guess I'm doing some things right. Thanks for all the responses. I am willing to put the work in to "get good" I just hope I have something to build on. An "eye" a rapport with the cats, something that will give me an edge someday.

If you're curious, the photos of my Shelter cats are posted on another thread started by james m.