So, I'm not a professional photographer, I'm probably barely considered a hobbyist. I got a camera a few weeks ago and I've been taking a lot of photos. Really enjoying the hobby, got myself a subscription to lightroom, took photos at a concert, on a hike, on the street at gameday, buncha stuff, but its been a challenge finding the right thing to be taking pictures of (i hear that matters). So i had this idea, tattoos! I like tattoos, you know who has tattoos? tattoo artists! So i messaged a local shop and said HEY! I wanna take pictures of tattoo artists and their tattoos, can i come in and take some pictures? and one of them said yes! but now I'm all in my head about it, i don't want them to be expecting a professional photographer and then i show up with my 300$ camera, no plan for what to do with the photos, no affiliations with a newspaper, no real good excuse for doing what I'm doing at all....
I guess my question is this; Is it appropriate to message a company and ask to take photos, without a high probability of it benefiting them? I didn't say that anything would come out of it, and i offered to share the RAW data with them if they wanted it, and to tag them on social media with any edited photos i made, i did call myself a photographer. I guess I'm just worried that im going to show up, and not have any idea what to do, and they are going to ask a question like "so who are you and why are you here?" and im just going to die of embarrassment before i can give a sensible answer.... or is it all gonna be chill?
Yes this is appropriate! Many if not all photographers do this starting out - it’s called trade work. Just let them know up front that you’re currently a hobbyist looking to learn and build your portfolio (it’s not too late, you can just shoot them a reply with like a date and time confirmation, thank you, and your “disclaimer”). Offer free unedited digital jpegs in exchange for their time (don’t offer actual raw files), and best case scenario is that they love the photos, post them on Instagram, and tag you. Worst case is that they don’t like them and just don’t share them - they’re not wasting any money. Either way, you’re gaining experience in a really fun way.
I’d echo what someone else said about getting a signed model release from each person you’re photographing, though, if you plan to actually use the photos in your portfolio or post them on social media. You can print off releases on paper and have them sign in person, or use Adobe fill and sign to send them via email.
You never need an excuse to make art and collaborate with people :)