Yes, I'm a photographer myself, and I know a TON of professional photographers, too. But when the latest need for photos of myself came up, rather than asking a photographer friend to do a (free) session with me, or setting-up an elaborate self-portrait set ... I HIRED a commercial portrait photographer! The experience was fantastic and I learned a LOT from being a 'paying client'. It was surprising! I think all photographers should hire another photographer on occasion. It's surprising what you'll learn!