Thinking About Asking for a Collaboration?

Let’s talk about what a creative collaboration really means—and how to approach one respectfully.

Collaborating with a photographer (which is often code for "can you shoot me for free?") is a common request, but it's important to recognize that this type of ask isn’t something we see in other professions. You wouldn’t walk into a doctor’s office or message a personal trainer asking for free services "in exchange for exposure." Photography is no different — it’s a skill, a business, and a craft built on time, education, and experience.

If you're hoping to collaborate, here are a few things to consider:

Relationships Matter

Before sending a quick DM asking to “collab,” take a little time to build a connection. Follow the photographer’s work, engage with their content, and look at all the ideas they've already been a part of. 15 years of photography makes my TFP's extremely limited only to shoots that will massively benefit my personal portfolio or growth in a skill.

Understand Why Collaborations Happen

Photographers sometimes choose to collaborate when they’re experimenting, pushing their style, or exploring a new idea. These shoots are typically self-directed and driven by artistic freedom—not by obligation. If a photographer opens that door, it’s because they’re excited to create something on their own terms. Offer to be part of their concept. Bring ideas to the table. Bring your energy and commitment too. A successful collaboration is a two-way street.

If you're truly interested in collaborating, take a moment to reflect on what you're offering creatively to my portfolio, what kind of effort you're willing to put in to separate yourself from photos I have already done, and how you can be part of a process — not just a subject.

Not Every Idea Will Be a Fit — But That Doesn’t Mean It Can’t Happen

Sometimes an idea might not align with a current creative project or trade collaboration - and that’s okay. That doesn’t mean it’s a no. It just means it may fall outside what I’m looking to build creatively right now.

If you’ve got something specific in mind that you’re excited about, I’d still love to hear it - and it can always be booked as a regular paid shoot. Investing in your vision is a great way to make sure it happens exactly how you imagine it. And honestly? Supporting artists through paid work helps keep this whole creative ecosystem thriving.