Looking at starting to do jobs..

I'm 16 and have been into photography for about a year now. Now I'm looking towards making some money with my abilities, but I'm not exactly sure how.
A few things
How do I advertise? Where do I put up what (flyers, business cards etc.)
What should I build my portfolio up with. I have some pictures that I feel like are impressive, and would help business.
Also, am I too young for people to take me seriously? I don't doubt myself, but I feel that other people might.
Just need some tips to get started for some extra cash (I would also love to eventually make money with cinematography as well. I enjoy it more, but I don't own enough professional gear)
Thanks for your help
-Nick

Assuming you live in the US, your biggest obstacle to doing business is that you're a minor and your parents would have to co-sign any and all contracts. Don't be offended if people are put off when you tell them you have to put a proposal past Mom & Dad.

There's a lot more to "going into business" than just a business card and a portfolio. You're young enough that you could do a lot of fun stuff with your friends on a time for trade basis (you shoot and offer files or prints in exchange for them modeling for you) and refine your skills and techniques. By the time you turn 18 and can do proper business in all legal ways, you'll be head and shoulders above a lot of folks who are just starting out.

Have fun with your photography right now and learn, learn, learn. Once it really becomes work, you may find it's not so much fun anymore.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #14493792
Assuming you live in the US, your biggest obstacle to doing business is that you're a minor and your parents would have to co-sign any and all contracts.

Thats true, but are contracts necessary for all jobs? If so that would set me back a little..
Thanks for your help though, that sounds like a good idea.

Yes contracts are necessary, unless you want to run the risk of being screwed over and not paid.

Willin87 wrote in post #14493753
How do I advertise? Where do I put up what (flyers, business cards etc.)

Do you have friends? Social media is pretty big right now. And wouldn't it be a nice idea to tell us what you intend to shoot for pay?

Show us.

We make it easy for you to educate yourself, & while we're here to help you, you also have to help yourself. Have you read through the "Sticky"s at the top of this section?
Have you read through the first dozen pages of threads?
And as for, "I would also love to eventually make money with cinematography as well.", getting one killer still picture is at least a magnitude easier than getting images that move well along with good sound.

Contracts are only the tip of he iceburg.
You will need to get a sales tax license.
Pay sales tax on the equipment you purchased tax free.
Pay property tax on your equipment.
Purchase liability insurance.

Take some business courses at a local community college. Apply newly gained business knowledge.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #14495060
Do you have friends?

Thanks

PhotosGuy wrote in post #14495060
We make it easy for you to educate yourself, & while we're here to help you, you also have to help yourself. Have you read through the "Sticky"s at the top of this section?
Have you read through the first dozen pages of threads?

I've learned plenty on my own so help would be nice..

PhotosGuy wrote in post #14495060
And as for, "I would also love to eventually make money with cinematography as well.", getting one killer still picture is at least a magnitude easier than getting images that move well along with good sound.

I actually got into making movies first. Photography is just an easy and fun hobby to the side.
I invest more time and effort into film making. I just wanted a fun way to make money to help get more gear, but thanks anyway I guess.

As to everyone else-
Thank you for being welcoming and helpful
And for not taking me as an idiot.

I don't feel like PhotosGuy was trying to make you sound like an idiot - he was giving you some ideas.

- Friends and social networking is a good way to get initial contacts out.

-The stickies suggestion was because there is already a ton of information out that covers your initial question, so it wasn't obvious that you'd already read through things. People aren't here to hand-hold. You say "help would be nice" - but help is going through and reading the information already present, and then ask *specific* questions that haven't already been covered. You're not giving information/asking for advice that makes people think that you have already done some prep work.

lookingforaname wrote in post #14499767
I don't feel like PhotosGuy was trying to make you sound like an idiot - he was giving you some ideas.

- Friends and social networking is a good way to get initial contacts out.

-The stickies suggestion was because there is already a ton of information out that covers your initial question, so it wasn't obvious that you'd already read through things. People aren't here to hand-hold. You say "help would be nice" - but help is going through and reading the information already present, and then ask *specific* questions that haven't already been covered. You're not giving information/asking for advice that makes people think that you have already done some prep work.

^ Totally agree.

Willin87 wrote in post #14498561
And for not taking me as an idiot.

I didn't take you as an idiot. I took you at your word & your own assessment of your capabilities.

Well, looking through this thread, and reading his responses to what has been some good advice, I'm not taking the OP as an idiot, but as just another typical spoilt Gen Y - a 16 year old - who thinks he already knows it all, and that the world owes him.
He asks for input, then doesn't like what has been offered by those who have "been there, done that" and have a truckload more experierience from the University of Life.

OP, your question doesn't make you look like an idiot. Your responses do.

If you don't like the responses that have been given, you're going hate feedback from clients that isn't so glowing as your friends.
Based on what you've posted in this thread, you aint even close to being ready to even think about doing paid work, let alone actually doing it.

FWIW, PhotoShelter has sent an email about free "Social Media for Photographers" guide in .pdf format. They feel that LinkedIN is the way for pros to go, vs. FB & "Twit".
I haven't been to the site for some time, but I see that they have a page of useful info including links to that guide here.
http://www.photoshelte​r.com/mkt/research/

PhotosGuy wrote in post #14506376
FWIW, PhotoShelter has sent an email about free "Social Media for Photographers" guide in .pdf format. They feel that LinkedIN is the way for pros to go, vs. FB & "Twit".
I haven't been to the site for some time, but I see that they have a page of useful info including links to that guide here.
http://www.photoshelte​r.com/mkt/research/

Their SEO Bootcamp PDF is also a great resource if you plan on marketing yourself online.