I got into photography to make pictures of celebrities, so I built my initial portfolio by going to where the famous people were. In my twenties I was into underground bands, so I asked local promoters to introduce me to the acts that they brought to town.

Years later I ran into one of those guys in my hometown and I asked him why he was so generous in giving me access, when there was little to no upside for him. All he said was, "You seemed serious."

I was initially baffled by his response, but then it crossed my mind that when I meet young photographers who are focused and ambitious I do everything I can to help them succeed. People want to help you if you're driven and responsible.

As far as the "who you know" theory, I don't buy into it. Almost everyone who helped me along the way (and there were many generous gracious people) I met because of my journey and my goals. Aside from my father (who worked for Kodak and was able to process my student-era film for free) I can't think of any connections I had that weren't made by just getting out there and proactively trying to make my way.

I mean, I still reach out to colleagues, and folks I don't even know, and ask for advice and connections and the like.