How to start in photography?

I'm a 16 year-old sophomore in high school and have been getting interested in photography, is there any way I can get started? I already have a pretty good camera (Nikon D5000) and wanted to know if there was any way I could sell my pictures to some stock, the city, or other places. I will be posting a link to samples of my work later so you can judge my shots. Any idea helps, I just want the work and the art.

If you know anyone else interested put on an exhibition. Find a space, advertise, write an artist statement, but mainly advertise. You could always publish a book too, universities like to buy photography books. As long as you have a theme an exhibition is a great place to start. Photography is alot about knowing people.

There are web sites around that offer low-cost/no-cost ways to get your name out. Sites like Elance, Guru, and Linkedin all allow you to network in a professional realm.

There are also sites that will sell your images for you and take a commission. To find these Google the phrase "sell your photos online" and go from there. Be careful not to get ripped off.

Another idea you might want to consider is to give a few images away. I have a few desktops on a site called desktopnexus. That strategy worked for Bill Gates. He used to give Word away. Now that everyone uses it, it is not longer free.

If you are interested in wedding photography, build a small portfolio with people pictures and call an established wedding photographer and ask to tag along on a wedding shoot.

Whatever type of photography you pursue, call a studio that does that type of work and ask for an apprenticeship. All they can say is no.

Best wishes!

You might start out shooting some local events. Local new magazines, or even the local paper usually are interested in good photos. Another idea would be to do some type of unique photography, such as nighttime photos, and such.