how to build a portfolio

[emmylou]

Ok so I want to turn this hobby into a career, but my problem is I just moved, I dont know anyone in the area, I cant start to build a portfolio without people to take photographs! I know most work comes from recommendations, but how am I supposed to get those if I dont know anyone!! I have no Idea where to start, should I advertise? I know that most people will advise not to offer free photoshoots, but who would want to pay if they have no idea of what you can do/ your style? So if anyone has any advise for a newbie, who has no contacts please help! Oh and it might be worth mentioning that I have looked for a local photographer willing to mentor me (for pay) and no one is interested, also tried to find someone online to tutor, but no luck all too expensive or not what I am looking for...so if there is anyone out there willing!! I also joined some clubs but am not having much luck with the members!
How did you get started?
Also no local family does not help
I look forward to hearing your words of wisdom xx
Oh I live in Kent, UK x

[scootermcq]

Hmmm.....

Get out & Mingle...

Join a Church, Gym, book club, service organization etc, etc.
You will know people within no time and when they ask what you do, you tell em and add, ""what I am working towards is starting a photography business" questions will follow and before you know it, one person knows, then another, then another......

It will be slow, but you need a network of people who know what you do, or what you want to do. Soon, if you talk about photography enough, the club or church will ask you to shoot something and then a whole bunch o people will know.

[BigFuzzy]

Modelmayhem.com and other such sites will allow you to find lots of people to do shoots with.

Randomly walking up to people on the streets who you want to photograph and asking them? It works.