I'm 16 now, and I've been interested in photography since 13 like you. I'm really discouraged. I haven't gotten where I need to be and I feel really uninspired. I haven't been able to get a DSLR and have been working with a point and shoot. Sorry I'm blabbing on, I could just really use some advice about this, as there's not really anyone that I know with a passion for photography. I need motivation, and I feel that I have so much to learn. I also need mentoring. Did you go to college?
You’re not blabbing! It’s awesome that we share the same dream, and at age 13-16 I vividly remember being discouraged almost all of the time, but I told myself it didn’t matter what anyone in my family or who viewed my photos negatively had to say because my dream was realistic, (As it is for you as well). Anybody can walk up to anyone and say “hey, you suck, give up” or nicely like a family member, “but what about college? don’t you want to make money in life? art isn’t a future”. That’s what I heard at least, and I got sick every time I faced those words. Everything you create is yours, and when you show it to others it’s their own opinion but it’s still your creation and makes you happy. Create for yourself, not for others. It took me until age 17 to start truly finding my style of work and favorite colors to shoot, but by age 19 it all changed better and still at almost age 22 I’m learning and teaching myself more and more and my work grows better. It all starts with making a name for yourself, start online and then shoot locally (boring shoots like family and weddings get your name around fast) and then make cards and go from there. Don’t lose hope in yourself, it’s all very real. I didn’t attend more than 2 semesters of community college and then left because I personally didn’t learn much. Some people learn faster that way though, if you do go take the highest up digital or film class you can.
