Any professional photographers here?

[shark]

If so, how did you get into your line of work? A little background to go with my question. I've been into photography as a hobby ever since I was a kid. I've been dissatisfied with my current work situation (or lack thereof! lol) and was thinking of going into a field doing something that I enjoy.

Anyways, what kind of schools are there specifically geared towards training someone in this field? I know that many colleges and universities offer some classes in photography. Thanks!

[hotreds]

Good luck to you! Unless you really luck out and get an industrial job, most jobs are in the wedding area- a tough field.

There is a book: Photographer's Market- that lists opportunities in the field mostly for free lancers.

http://www.amazon.com/2011-Photograp...7011911&sr=8-1

[Subvet642]

Brother, save yourself some time, trouble and heartache, photography is a poor employer. All of our specialized skills have been computerized and anyone can, or thinks they can, do most of it themselves, rendering pros almost extinct. If you're gonna pursue photography, I would recommend that you do it for yourself because photography is something that most people don't want to pay for. I belonged to a gallery, had shows, won awards, and all I was ever able to do was earn a little pocket change; art does not pay the bills. Even in the best of economic times, there are dozens of applicants for every staff photography job opening, and like hotreds stated; wedding photography is a tough field that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

[CigarDisciple]

I did wedding photography for 10 yrs and SubVet42 is right. As it has evolved to digital photography and they became available they quit hiring professionals because they thought they could do better also the cost of digital photography is quite costly. If it is your dream though go for it and good luck.