Considering photography minor; need advice

[mu60]

---I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this (if it's not, please move it with my apologies), but here it goes...

I'm a high school senior (all set to graduate in May - Hallelujah), and I'm all set to enter college full-time (I've been taking dual-credit this year). I've already decided to major in Journalism (print, likely - although I'm not certain), and I'm considering minoring in Photography. It's something I've been interested in for a couple years; it started when I went to Yosemite, fell in love, took some pictures, and actually got some compliments on them. So, I kept taking pictures (mostly landscapes, animals, and occasionally sports) and kept getting a decent response. It's something I really enjoy, and apparently don't completely suck at. I'm also thinking that a photography minor would be a nice compliment to my major.

I don't know much about photography right now, though. I have a Canon A540 and I've learned how to play with a few of the settings, and I also know how to do some basic computer editing (only on a free, GIMP-like program - haven't purchased any software yet). I do a lot of poking around in the 'Photo Sharing' section, which has taught me quite a bit.

Anywhoo, my point is this: I'm sure you guys have some good advice - care to share some? I mean it; ANY advice would be appreciated. Good websites to visit? Good books to buy? Advice in general? One thing I'm planning on right now is talking to a friend who is a professional photographer; I'm also considering posting some of my own photos on the 'Photo Sharing' sections. Other than that, anything you can say will be a help; I'd appreciate it big time!

[Woolburr]

First off...welcome to POTN...take some time and read around the forum...lots of great info to be had right here. Have you applied to any schools yet and do they offer a dual program?

[mu60]

First, thanks for the welcome!
In regards to the latter of your post, I haven't been officially accepted full-time, but as I plan on getting the degree from the same university I'm already getting dual credit in, and also considering that they're not a difficult school to get into, I'm pretty comfortable that I'll be attending there the next four years. I am reasonably sure they offer a Photography minor, although I haven't gotten that confirmed (the website is a bit murky). I haven't completely ruled out going for a double-major, though.

[Woolburr]

Good luck on getting in! Sounds like you have a decent shot at it. Even if they don't offer photo as a degree option, you certainly could take photo courses as some of your electives if nothing else.