I have been brushing up on my Photoshop skills, and I am planning on purchasing a SLR camera to start photographing professionally. It doesn’t hurt, it’s fun and if anything, it boosts my resume. I won’t be putting myself into debt to do it, either.

Organizing starts out as an interest for some people, then a hobby with friends and family. Then often turns into a 2nd job. Yes, some people really dig it, Steve.

And the flip side to the rest of what you said is:

Here’s a few photos both my husband and I took a few weeks ago. He took two and I took two.
http://www.frugalvillage.com/allybeachwings.jpg
http://www.frugalvillage.com/allysoccerpractice.jpg
http://www.frugalvillage.com/matthewswing.jpg
http://www.frugalvillage.com/mirandastoryplace.jpg

It’s taken with my new camera and I haven’t even read the manual. No previous experience other than basic point and shoot cameras. I’m still figuring out what everything does. A pro could rip it to shreds, but a friend of a friend might pay me to take a few photos of her kids. I don’t own a flash other than the built in one and only own two lenses. I’m not encouraging anyone to hire a hobbyist to solely document a wedding or any major special event alone. But why not encourage someone to start out building a portfolio as they enjoy their hobby? Family or friends can hire a hobbyist to take casual photos or black and white shots. And if you’re a pro that can’t find avenues to make money, it’s time to hustle. That’s part of the profession. I mean let’s face it, there are photographers and there are photographers. But there’s room for all levels.

You can say it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. Many hobbies require an initial investment. Of course, some require more money than others. Photography is one of them. But you can buy used equipment(research for reputable sellers). You can gradually buy your equipment and inventory as you increase your knowledge. You can volunteer or work for a camera or frame shop or for a professional photographer on weekends for discounts or to learn more. You’re already right there when opportunity might knock. Hit a brick wall? Take a community ed class and meet people. Join a photo group or social club and network with people. Look to your local public studios and take classes and borrow their equipment until you can afford your own. A photographer can start with a pretty inexpensive camera to learn the basics. Most of all, take a ton of photos! Learn about light.

I’ve bought photos simply matted and not framed at festivals. That artist might not make a fortune, but he wouldn’t be there if he didn’t make something. I mean OK occasionally a show might be a bust, but I used to do craft and antique shows and made out well. You win some and you lose some, but if you do nothing, well you get what you get. If you don’t want to apply for a juried show, then hold your own gallery showing in your own home! Hustle hustle hustle.

So yeah, I agree that it might be difficult. But isn’t most anything? Why focus on how hard it is? Why not focus on the goal and steps to take to get there? It doesn’t have to be a big money making enterprise when you start out. You’re doing something you enjoy that eventually can lead to a hobby that “pays for itself, saves you money, makes great gifts or even adds to your income”

You can view anything anyone tries to do as having roadblocks, but if you have a passion for a hobby and have even an ounce of talent, you will eventually do OK. Where you take that marketable skill from the first buck made is up to the individual. And you’re doing something you really enjoy!

Back to photography, anyone can take a photo, but that does not make them artistic or creative (or progressive or best in their city, state, country or industry)A person with all the expensive equipment in the world is not going to make the best photographer, but they can become a good photographer, a decent photographer and continue to work on their skills. And a decent photographer is better than a mom with a point and shoot or disposable camera for her daughter’s birthday party when she’s trying to entertain kids and be a good host. Maybe she can’t afford a seasoned pro. Maybe she doesn’t mind if the photos aren’t the absolute most fabulous portraits out there. Maybe she just wants someone to take a few shots so she can focus on the party. And she’s willing to pay a bit for it. Word of mouth travels quickly. So the hobbyist takes some pics and e-mails the files to her. She prints them or has them printed. It’s not award winning work, but she has some photos that are better than she could have done while juggling musical chairs.

As for newspapers, magazines and the Internet, opportunities are there. Yes, there’s competition or they have staffers but many newspapers are letting go of their full time photographers and need people that can not only write but have their own photographs, too. Why not encourage someone to start with submitting to their local newspaper’s photo gallery or blogging for them? Or start their own photo blog? Work on building a platform. Which if a person took their hobby or profession serious enough, they would have at least a small following. Mom and siblings really do count! How about making a postcard of a collage of photos with their contact info and dropping them off at some local businesses. Get the word out. If a person is a professional, they can teach classes, too. And I have bought plenty of stock photos through the yrs. You never know who might find you via a stock photo site.

There are a lot of people with natural talent and passion for a hobby, too. Often times, their talent or passion can blow away many professionals with years of experience. For some people, they just really like to do something and for others, it takes some thought as to what they might be interested in. Often times, people start with taking classes, so they do get a foundation. I’ve been fortunate to have made all of my hobbies turn into careers. I started from the bottom with zero knowledge on the topic and on a shoestring and worked my way up.

Time, dedication and equipment is ANY hobby, isn’t it? The point is to make a commitment to a hobby that is longterm, so you don’t waste money or lose interest quickly.

Dream squashers are EVERYWHERE. Often disguised as what they consider being a realist.

Everyone starts somewhere. And not everyone takes the same path to reach their goals. Most people give up too soon. And some never even get started. Rejection happens. It’s how you react to it that matters.

If a pro isn’t pounding the pavement, they can’t cry when no one calls for some photos. Not every professional is fortunate enough to have a large, upscale clientèle. If someone wants a hobby to make money, then they need to act like it. Do it. Combine it with other skills if possible.

I sincerely know there’s art and there’s umm, something a 3 yr old can do. I experienced that so often when I worked in the floral industry. I am an award winning designer and I saw Kitchen Kathy’s, Basement Betty’s and grocery stores eat into the industry. But there’s room for all levels.

p.s. Public service announcement.
I’m passionate about being a catalyst for change and I like making things happen! I believe strongly in optimism and following your heart’s desire.

Through using the second-hand clothing stores and my scraps I am able to reuse and recycle for a small profit. It is fun and rewarding all at the same time.

Additionally, I’ve had friends try photography as a side job to earn extra money. It is difficult to sell your photos to a newspaper, especially if they have their own photographer and there is so many stock images available without license on the internet. Secondarily, to sell your photos you’ll need the time, dedication, and equipment to make professional prints and, occasionally, get them framed and prepared for sale. There’s a lot of startup costs to make quality prints or have them done for you.

Selling your services as a photographer? You better do a good job. Otherwise you’re setting yourself up for a trouble from that disappointed friend or family member who regrets not hiring a professional.

Best of luck.