I want to expand my photography portfolio by taking family and friends pictures for free. Is this a good idea?

Ive been into photography for about 3 years now. I havent taken a class for it but I once worked as a photographer for Picture People and Ive been doing loads of research on digital photography and studying countless photographer's photos online. I want to start my own buisness here in my small town but before I do anything I want to expand my portfolio by taking my friends and families photos for free. Since most of these people are on MySpace I was wondering how I can advertise this on a bulletin and have them take me seriously.

It's an excellent idea -- building a great portfolio is your #1 task.

Make sure you have anyone you photograph sign a Model Release.

This makes sure everyone understands what the use of the images will be.

I don't know what you mean about MySpace -- talk to your friends and family in person.

HTH
V

I see no harm in it. Though you should have them sign a model release form before you put thier pictures on the net or in your portfolio. If you want to publish you photos online whatever you do do not put them on myspace. If you read the terms and conditions, it states that anything posted on myspace is thiers. You still own copyright of your photos, but they can distribute and sell your photos and not give you a dime. And there is nothing you can do about it. I suggest, if you don't have a website, to put them on http://flickr.com . There's alot of serious photographers there, and people do take your photos serious.

Take a look at my photos. Excuse the grammer errors on my site, I still need to go in and fix them. http://www.southernfaithphoto.com

Taken pictures requires an eye for the unexpected. My father was a photographer. He always said that the best picture are the ones of people not expecting a picture.
SO, if you extent your portofilio with People pictures of family and friends...Make sure they do not post for the pictures...Catch them unexpected...You will get better result of raw footage. Always carried a camera...even a small one. You will be surprise the good pictures you take when no one is looking.!

Many photographers start their business that way. So go for it, just make sure you are able to reliably deliver what you show to your new customers once you start to charge. Good luck.