So let's say there is a project floating around you head. You want to get that done. Right? You may need a wardrobe stylist, a hair/make up artist, a model or 2. Are you going to shoot it at a location or in a studio? Do you have a studio? Are you gonna rent one? Endless questions and you are broke. No money to put into this project. Nada (none).
What can you do? Collaborate. Yes. Collaborate. Put the word out. Form a crew. Create something. Hit up your local makeup artist, hair stylist, model or whoever's help you may need in creating your vision. Sounds simple. Hit up some people, make something awesome. Mission accomplished.
You can find people to collaborate with on many outlets via social media. A popular one is Face Book groups. Find yourself a group that fits your needs. For example if you are wanting to make a project involving skateboarders and you know none, one possibility to join a group , make friends network, ask around tell them what you want to do with the project and such. Models is what you be needing? There is a group for that. Get social. Network. You will be surprise on how many people would love to be on board your project. However not everyone will want to collaborate.
Unfortunately many other creatives or people in the industry are not so keen on the idea of collaboration. They see no value in it. They are blind to the possibility of networking with the right folks or building an awesome portfolio. They are clueless to the fact that personal work ( work created for oneself and not for a client ) is where it's at.
Money is their motivator. Dont get me wrong, money is not bad thing. Most of us need it to survive. So their main goal is to make money even if they dont have the skills to obtain it. Example: A person buys their first camera today and minutes later they open a FB page with a business name involving photography and want to charge everyone and build a porfolio from it. with no experience what so ever. But that is another story for another blog post.
It should also be noted that not every project coming your way or offer to collaborate is a good thing. Learn how to tell what is a good fit and a bad one. One of the photographers I admire, Chase Jarvis , has more info that will help you do just that. And can be read HERE.
So now you've determined the people involved or potential people involved in your project are a good fit. It's a win win for everyone and that's a good thing. Maintain that networking for future projects and collaborations. Go ahead and be social. I myself like to hype about a project after I have worked on one. After its been completed. Why? Cause it by that time has become a reality. It happened and I can talk about it and all the cool people involved vs hyping about it before it has been completed then it may have never been completed.
Collaboration ( also know as TF,TFP ) in certain circles can truly be a wonderful thing. It can help all parties involved gain experience and level up, Now I am not talking about the "Hey if you do this for me ... blah ,blah blah I will tell everyone you did a good job" kinda experience. I am speaking of legit great minds coming together to create awesome work kinda experience.
The models above have all collaborated with me on projects. It's been years since I have worked with any of them stiIl, I keep in contact with them via the socials (instagram/twitter/facebook) . One is now a music artist, another travels the world doing what she loves another a full time mommy and another is madly in love. They are part of my photographic family. They have helped me create work.
Plenty of models,wardrobe stylist, hair/make up artist and other creatives, e.t.c. are willing to collaborate with you right this minute. Find them. Get that project done!
