How Did You Start?

[tattood1]

Those of you that are professional photogs - how did you get your start?
Did you have a mentor? or did you go it alone?

I'd love to turn this hobby into a profession but really have no idea how to get started. the idea of booking & shooting a wedding for the first time on my own makes my head spin.

So...how did you start out in Photography?

Thanks,
T

[habed]

I guess the first thing you should do is believe in yourself. Go and shoot a couple of weddings for free (Friends and family)

If you find a mentor os a job as a second photog, get it.

And look in the internet for wedding photos and tutorials.....

Remember that all the journeys start with a single step.

[Xposurepro]

I got my first pro setup when I was 12. Studied hard, daily, for 3 years then started working for a newspaper at 15 (dad had to drive me everywhere LOL) then moved on to stock photography at 16 .. then events portraiture, restoration, custom lab work and so on.
I think the main thing to point out is that I didn't buy a camera and then 6 months later start trying to sell myself as a professional photographer. Too many people jump the gun before they are ready and all it does is give them a bad reputation as just another hobbyist that they have to work hard to get rid of.

[fstop57]

If weddings are what you're interested in shooting I'd suggest seeing if any of your local established pros would be interested in an assistant / second shooter. You'll get much better experience, and learn more, doing this initially than taking on the risk of doing cheapies/freebies to get started. Even doing a freebie for friends and family could end in grief if you don't come up with the pics; you only get the one chance!

Alex