>>3458008There is usually a TFP (time-for-prints) group on facebook for your country / location. There are plenty of models that are looking to start and need a photographer. It's basically an exchange where you both invest time and both of you get to use final photos in their portfolios. That way both rookie photographers and models can build something to start with. Professionals also use it from time to time, since it's easy to set up, free and quick way to get some photos both as the person behind or in front of the camera.
Once you have at least some photos you can start contacting people on your own offering them either photos (or money once you go pro).
Some general rules:
1) be polite, don't insist. If you're creep / idiot it's usually game over. Words spread fast
2) keep it simple
Something along the lines: "Hi, I'd like to take some photos of you since I like they way you look / your style / whatever. Here is some of my work. Let me know if you'd be interested.
3) If you shoot TFP, refrain from asking for money. If the model wants to do more shoots later you can consider talking about it. But if person contacts you with TFP offer, talk about TFP. Otherwise its just bad bussiness practice.
4) agree on number of photos beforehand. Also arrange meeting before shoot to talk about expectations, location, clothing. etc.
5) Once you agree with someone to do the shoot, do everything you can so both of you are happy. People usually recommend / discourage people from working with you. Nothing inbetween.
6) unless you're really good / had set up a solid base, it will be you most of the time who has to contact people and put up offers for shooting. But it sometimes happens models will also post proposals. It is not considered impolite / bad practice for amateurs to contact models with way better portfolio. Worst thing is you get rejected, but people usually tend to be nice and give you a chance.
