Beginning photographer?

[Erin]

So i'm a 15 year old extremely interested in Photography.
To narrow it down a bit, Nature photography.
I will go deep down in the woods or crawl through the grass just to get the perfect picture.
I have taken quite a lot of photos already, and have posted them to Facebook. So people can see it.
Many of my friends, and family have taken some of my photos and used them as their wallpaper or screen saver, and have told me how many compliments they got, and told them i took it.
So i was just wondering how are some ways i can promote my interest in photography, and kind of get the m out there? I already know i could like join photography contest and such.
Is there any important facts i would need to know about taking photography?
I have a photography camera, and mad editing skills. Not to toot my own horn or anything.

I would just like to find some way to get my pictures out to everyone outside of my friends and family.

Any Ideas?

-Amateur Photographer
I'd wish to not get idiotic answers.
Don't be ignorant.

[Shahriar Pavel]

More and best photo.

[Jeremy]

Are there any important facts you would need to know about photography? Have you spent years mastering the art of photography? Do you shoot fully manual, setting your own custom white balance, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and all that? Do you know proper color balance? Composition? Lighting? If you answered "no" to any of these questions, then there are a lot of important 'facts' you need to learn or know.

Right now, you should not be worried about getting your name or work out there. You should focus on mastering photography itself. Honing your craft. Bettering your skills. Actually learning how to take a picture, and setting the camera up completely by yourself. Not getting a name out there. It's fantastic that you have a wonderful support network of friends and family, it really is. But, your focus should be elsewhere. Turn your interest into an actual skill and passion.

[Ara57]

Usually friends and family are not the best judge of whether you are actually good or not. Of course, your work might be amazing. When you say you have a "photography camera" and "mad editing skills", it may give many seasoned photographers a bit of a skeptical pause. Have a look at this gallery:

http://photo.net/gallery/photocritique/filter

Is your work as good as most of the images you see there? If not, it means you still have some more to learn and more practicing to do, and there is probably no reason to put your name out there quite yet.

There are several ways to let people see your work. Join a local photography group or club and enter some shows. Submit images to a stock agency (you may have to get your parents to help with that) and see what they have to say, if your pictures are accepted and they sell, there you go. Good luck.

[lowspace170]

I have to agree with both previous answers. Great information and suggestions from both. Make sure you know your camera inside and out. There are many books on camera's and camera settings. You may want to find the one that fits your camera. For Example if you have a Canon T3I then get a book on the Canon T3I. Try your local Library and see what books on Photography they have. Hastings and other book stores carry great Photography books as well. Youtube has useful videos about photography and editing such as with Photoshop.

Once you have a great working knowledge of Camera's and Editing tools. Then I would look into doing a Facebook page. Before moving onto something like your own website.

Good Luck
Angela

[Viela]

It is good if you have interest in photography. I think you can share the photographs in social networking sites like Orkut, Twitter or Facebook to promote your pictures outside also.

[widewren665]

Look at postings and newspaper for photography workshops in your area, some might be free or discounted to students. They will teach you basic settings and technique. Also look for photo clubs to join, working with other photographers is a good way to learn without feeling intimidated/overwhelmed.

Yeah sometimes when people see that you're young and inexperience, they switch to talk-down mode. That's why being around your peers is a better growth environment.

Try to get your best photos into exhibitions like state or county fairs. As a junior you'll have a better chance of getting selected than as an adult.

[angel]

Truly these are not 'idiot' or 'ignorant' answers. I started shooting when I was 12, and my friends and family told me I was 'amazing' and everyone always complimented my work. I kept with it, by the time I was 15 I was so embarrassed of any of the work anyone had seen when I was 12. I started working with newspapers by 17, studios at 18, and opened my business at 20. Now I'm 24, and I can't stand the work I made even 4 years ago. The point is we are constantly learning, growing, and evolving no matter what age. You have an amazing world of social media available to you, start a facebook fan page-and gain followers. Start a blog and force yourself to post 2-3 times a week. Utilize twitter and instagram and Deviantart. Contests are great. But education is the best thing you can do, because it will help you grow. Never stop growing or evolving, and people will take notice.

[Cisco]

well theres any competition events, like you said, and i mean thats a great way to let people notice your photographs. or just by using facebook. As long as your friends "like" your pictures, their friends can see them and they'll spread.