Free work helped me early — but I never completely stopped doing it. Early on, it gave me reps. It gave me confidence under pressure. It proved to me that I could deliver consistently. Now, free shoots serve a different purpose. I only do them when there’s direction. When they lead to access I couldn’t get otherwise. When they build relationships, not just a portfolio. When they create leverage — not expectations. The moment free work stops opening doors, it stops being useful. That’s when it turns into a trap instead of a tool. Free forever doesn’t build a business. But strategic free work can still move things forward. Knowing why you’re doing it matters just as much as knowing when to stop. #photography #creator #brand #growth #videography