How Can I Start?

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5712976
Geez, Brad, you're just giving money away!

Well, I only assist, and only make $15/hr when assisting on weddings...
So I make $150-$250 per wedding... It isn't that great of pay, but at least I am getting experience

OK, I saw that you were getting experience assisting, but misunderstood that it was for weddings.
I think your idea of shooting little league sports is a good option. You gain experience without being under "one-time-only" pressure, parents are easy to please if you can get shots that they can't, & renting a 100-400 is pretty cheap if you want to try it out. + it will get you attention & allow you an opportunity to pass out a business card. So go for it. Don't worry about being seen as a perv until you get to be my age.

Alot of good advice here. I'm not going to repeat what's already been said, but you are young, and no one will hire a 15 year old to shoot a wedding as a primary.

My recommendation is to take this time to refine your style. From your website (which needs updating), you need to really define yourself with how you shoot. When you rub elbows, some people will love it, others will hate it. Don't rely on family units either. Do you want to run a business or do it as a hobby? Answer the former and that's a whole new can of worms.

As others have also said, your dedication is commendable, but don't expect to start to bring in big shoots (and big pay) right away. You're already a leg up (and a couple decades) on most shooters. Enjoy it.

What about working in a one hour photo lab or a camera store? It a good place to meet people and stay close to the business. You also get to learn another aspect of the business. I got a few weddings and a high school reunion without even trying *LOL*
I set up an outdoor pet portrait day and it was successful
Keep shooting and good luck with your passion ...

An outdoor pet portrait day?? Care to elaborate on what exactly this is?

scorpio_e wrote in post #5717314
What about working in a one hour photo lab or a camera store? It a good place to meet people and stay close to the business. You also get to learn another aspect of the business. I got a few weddings and a high school reunion without even trying *LOL*
I set up an outdoor pet portrait day and it was successful
Keep shooting and good luck with your passion ...

Good ideas. I think the pet portait one has potential

A few years back our small church organized a photographer to come by and set up one afternoon and he shot portraits of all the couples in the church that wanted updated pics. Since most of us don't have formal pictures taken very often, we had a great response/turnout throughout the congregation. They charged $20/couple and provided a 5x7 in return. It sounds like you're involved in an active church environment so find a suitable location around the outside of the church ... plan a day and time (for sun direction & light intensity) then get an announcement in the Church's bulletin or post it. If picture-day was timed to coincide with a Sunday service, pot luck, or something special going on at the church - you'd probably get a pretty fair response. And having the subsequent prints made would be VERY inexpensive (about $1.50 each at WalMart) and all of them could be delivered back to the church a Sunday or two down the road, eliminating your need to mail them or distribute individually. Net profit = $18.50/couple.

Lots of people would want to support an enterprising young guy from their congregation, and a $20 bill is considered very reasonable by most couples for a portrait. Anyway - something to think about. Best wishes with it!