Quite a few years ago when I first started my involvement in photography, I found a great resource for gaining experience and networking with other photographers and models. Here in Southern California there were a few organizers who put on these monthly group shoots. There were enough ofthem that you could find one happening nearly every weekend. Models of all ages (in most cases) and experience levels were invited to attend. Photographers could attend after paying an event fee... was usually $25.00. These events were most often held at parks and public spaces. Models would not only gain experience, but also network (set up shoot sessions with photographers) and also get free photos from photographers attending the event. They were a lot of fun and I did meet a lot of other photographers and models. I even eventually set up shoot sessions with a few of these models.
In my archive of images, I sometimes come across photos from these events. This model is Stephanie and although I would have liked to have set up a shoot session, it was nice meeting her and capturing a few frames. I would often see a lot of the same models from before at these shoots... along with new models. I enjoyed these club shoots.
