When I started freelancing as a photographer in 2017, I had no idea where to begin. I’d taken my first photography class in 2015 and spent two years shooting for fun, but my professional experience was limited to a few low-paying gigs for friends and family.

When I got laid off in 2017, I decided to go all in on freelance photography but there was one big problem: I didn’t have much of a portfolio. And without a strong portfolio, convincing clients to take a chance on me was nearly impossible.

So, I turned to free work. While people are often hesitant to hire someone without experience, they’re much more likely to accept free help from a volunteer. For me, it was a win-win: the client got free photos, and I gained valuable portfolio pieces and connections that helped launch my career.

Here’s why I believe doing free or volunteer work can be a game-changer for creatives:

1. Build Your Portfolio

If you’re just starting out or transitioning into a new niche, free work can help you quickly build a portfolio that demonstrates your skills. Early in my career, I volunteered for CAAMfest, a film festival in San Francisco hosted by the Center for Asian American Media. I shot everything from street performances to red-carpet events, cocktail hours, and even my first music festival. I was blown away by what a fantastic week of events that incredible team put together.

The photos I took during this whirlwind experience still live in my portfolio seven years later. Free work gave me the opportunity to refine my craft and capture high-quality images I could proudly show to paying clients.

Tip: Focus on projects that genuinely excite you, whether it’s a festival, a nonprofit event, or a small business you admire. You’re more likely to create standout work when you care about the subject.

2. Expand Your Network

Free work isn’t just about portfolio-building; it’s a chance to connect with people who can open doors for you. The key is to treat volunteer gigs as seriously as paid ones. Show up, deliver your best work, and act like a professional.

For example, my work with CAAMfest led to multiple paid gigs afterwards. By proving my value, I turned a volunteer opportunity into a stepping stone for future jobs.

Pro Tip: Don’t let the fear of being labeled as “just a volunteer” hold you back. If you consistently deliver great work, people will see your potential and want to work with you again. Perhaps on a different project or in a different business, but this time with a budget. That being said, when you agree to volunteer, there is no promise of paid work afterwards. You shouldn’t expect paid work to come out of it but you should work as if it will.

3. Get Exclusive Access

One of the perks of volunteering is the behind-the-scenes access to events, festivals, and parties that might otherwise be out of reach. At CAAMfest, I mingled with filmmakers, actors, and directors, capturing moments that would have been impossible to experience as a regular attendee.

This access isn’t just exciting, it’s also an opportunity to hone your skills in unique environments.

4. Gain Valuable Experience

Every gig, paid or unpaid, is an opportunity to practice your craft. Free work can help you experiment with new techniques, work in unfamiliar settings, and develop your creative instincts. Think of it like hitting the gym and getting the reps in. You may not see the gains immediately but if you keep up with the repetition, there’s no way you can’t get better.

5. Rediscover the Joy of Creating

Free work removes the pressure of meeting a client’s demands, allowing you to focus on creating for the sake of creation. Some of my favorite personal projects were done purely for fun.

These projects remind me why I started in the first place: because it’s fun, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying. Being paid to do it is the cherry on top.

The Bottom Line

Volunteering your creative skills can be a powerful way to jumpstart your career or explore a new niche. It helps you build a portfolio, make valuable connections, gain unique experiences, and rediscover the joy of your craft.

The key is to approach free work strategically:

Choose projects that excite you.
Treat every gig with professionalism.
Focus on the long-term benefits, like portfolio pieces, relationships, and personal satisfaction.

Remember, the ROI isn’t always immediate. But over time, you’ll see how these experiences shape your career, helping you connect the dots and create opportunities you never imagined.

So, if you’re considering volunteering your skills, go for it! Create work that excites you, show up with purpose, and watch as the rewards unfold, both professionally and personally.

Have you ever done free or volunteer work in your career? What opportunities or lessons did it open up for you? I'd love to hear your experience down below in the comments!

How Free Work Can Transform Your Creative Career: Lessons from My Journey as a Photographer