Hello everyone, I figured I would take a few minutes to introduce myself and explain why i am here. My name is Joel, i am 26 and i have been in the military since i left home eight years ago.
Up until recently i thought that the military was going to be my career, 20 years and i would be set. however turns out this wont be the case. Here's why; over the last few months i have come to realize that i really dislike what i do for a living...maybe that’s too soft of a word. i HATE what i do for a living (much better). Ill get to the point in a sec, i promise. I also came to realize that i have never been paid to do something i truly wanted to do. I have never known the "i cant belive i get payed to do this" feeling. and that’s how i ended up at these forums...after my 12 years of doing what my country needs me to do i will part ways with the military life and dedicate my time and efforts doing something i have always enjoyed. You guessed it! photography.
Unfortunately i shouldn’t even be allowed near a disposable camera mind less any kind of real equipment, yet i would love nothing more than to make a living as a professional photographer. The idea always seemed so silly until recently...i am not sure why thinking in retrospect.
So this is where i come at you ladies and gentlemen for help. How does a totally clueless person like myself follow a calling for a career that i know close to nothing about? with three years left in the navy i still have plenty of tuition assistance and GI bill money for school, would it be worth going to school? If so, which one? and how do i cope with earning a paycheck every two weeks no matter what happens, to dealing with the horror stories I’ve been fed regarding a photographers pay?
these are the type of questions that i ask myself often. these are the same doubts that i have allowed to keep me away from something i would bring professional fulfillment in my life.
so the short version of my ranting is, that i would really love to learn from all of you and hopefully have some light shed on some of my doubts based on your suggestions and knowledge.
anyways enough of my blabbering. please feel free to make any comments you might deem necessary. thank you for taking the time to read this