Ways to pay for my hobby

[CanonRebelT1i]

Hi, I'm a 14 year old photographer and would like to start making some of my money back. (I've spent about 2k on camera gear, and still wanting more.) I was just wandering if anyone had suggestions for me to start making a little money.

My gear: Canon Rebel T1i, 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS, 70-200mm f4L, Several filters and other accessories, and my Tamrac Adventure 9

[hibou]

How on earth does a 14 year old get $2K to spend on camera gear? Save for college!

That said, ways to make money from photography:

(1) Sell photos
(2) Take portraits/weddings/events

Which do you want to do?

[LeeR]

You might want to look into estate photography. Just about everyone needs to have a photographic record of their possesions for insurance purposes and it would take very little more in the way of equipment to do a really good job. Your extended family may be your first customers but there friends will call soon after especially if your rates are reasonable and you do a thorough job.

[PowerPix]

Welcome to DPS!

I started a Real Estate photography business to pay for my gadgets.

[Jim Poor]

The best way to pay for your photography hobby: get a job.

If you want to make photography a business, then that's a whole different discussion.

[CanonRebelT1i]

Thanks for the advice! I would like to do some wedding/portrait photography. How I made the money for my gear is I worked last summer for our family-owned lawn-mower shop. I had never really thought about estate photography, but that's a good idea. Thx

[hibou]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

The best way to pay for your photography hobby: get a job.

If you want to make photography a business, then that's a whole different discussion.

Jim that's good advice and all but (assuming OP is in North America) don't you need to be 16 to have a real job?

Originally Posted by hibou

How on earth does a 14 year old get $2K to spend on camera gear? Save for college!

That said, ways to make money from photography:

(1) Sell photos
(2) Take portraits/weddings/events

Which do you want to do?

#1. - I had a good job and had that kind of cash when I was 14.... 15 years ago. Think about it.

Would you hire a 14 year old for your wedding? Honestly.

Originally Posted by hibou

Jim that's good advice and all but (assuming OP is in North America) don't you need to be 16 to have a real job?

Had my first "W2" paying job when I was 13.

Mowing neighbors lawns doesn't require any age limit, neither does babysitting or shoveling snow.... plenty of ways to earn it if you are WILLING to work for it.

~Eric

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by hibou

Jim that's good advice and all but (assuming OP is in North America) don't you need to be 16 to have a real job?

I started paying for my photography when I was 10 or so mowing yards and other handy-boy jobs for neighbors.

[ryxin]

oh you are quite young for doing that kind of job..You still need to learn better about photography before you'll start doing it.You need to study it first...
You spent 2k for camera gear, you better save it for your college..