Getting Paid?

Hi all.

A local Photographer hired me to go on shoots such as High School Football, etc. Starting wage is $8.75 an hour, He said the longer I stay, the more I get paid ( not bad for being 17 ). Does this make me a Proffesional or?

Thanks
ACDC ROCKER.

That is an excellent way to gain both practice and experience and get paid for it, to boot. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Is he sending you out on your own to shoot, or are you both going to the same events at the same time? In other words, are you a paid intern, learning from him at the event?

He's sending me out all by my self, He did teach me that Canon is better Nikon and a few other tricks . But other than that, he's sending me. I went to a High School Football game, I asked his wife if he was going, she said no, not that far. I stupidly said ok. The next day I went down to drop down pics from a different game "The next you go to a game let me know, and I'll let use my equipment" he said... so far I can't get the scaring smile on my face .
-ACDC ROCKER

I started just like this about 6 years ago. Actually I was looking for a studio that would let me hang out with them and teach me the ropes. At the time I was hoping that they wouldnt charge me too much, but I was expecting to pay them for teaching me how to work as a photographer. I was stunned when they offered to pay ME to work for them using their equipment and they will teach me all they know. I have a full time job so I wasnt looking for another job, but this has been the best experience of my life. I now work 2-3 evenings a week (more when things get real busy) I shoot some of the best equipment money can buy, I have learned SO much and I have made enough money to buy myself some real nice equipment for personal use. Now I'm not getting rich by any means but the experience has been golden and I will be able to cash in on that for many years to come. So grab onto this opportunity and learn all you can. Yes you are a pro. Time will tell if your a good one.

Tom

That's exactly how i started (shooting sports teams about 9 years ago) when I was a freshman in college. I don't think it really made me a "professional" because it wasn't the only way I made income (I worked in a photo lab too). I learned a lot and it sure sounded good when girls would ask what I did. Stick with it. When you're able to survive on your own with nothing but you're photography ... you'll be a pro. It just takes time.