I think it's a fine idea.
These guys are just grumpy. I see Chuck's point about using people's pics, but if you don't plan to use them w/o permission, it's irrelevant. What you prob want to do is find a few pics you really like, and ask the owners if you can use them in the portfolio, maybe in exchnage for a print or something.
I for one am a cheapskate tightwad, and don't think my rig is "all that", so while I give a "for it" vote, I doubt you'll get business from me 
EDIT - damnit Chuck beat me. That bastard never sleeps!
