hey man, thanks for the shout out :lol:
I'm much less of a "professional" photographer than you or others may think. At least for now and for a while (Fuck my day job, but it pays well and gives me 4 weeks paid vacation, which I use to travel). I mostly shoot concerts & events as one of the several freelance photogs the local alternative weekly paper (The Houston Press) hires. I only get paid $50-$100 for each set of images I submit. Yes, I get to see great concerts, and get paid for my work - but I won't get rich like this. I also just got hired by the entertainment/lifestyle website associated with the Houston Chronicle to shoot at bars/clubs. Again, not the ideal gig, but I could make $100 in 10 minutes twice or 3 times a week. I'm not gonna pass that up.
I've been proactive and worked as an assistant for other established photographers here in Houston and around the country. I've worked with a playboy photographer in the US Virgin Islands, and with a famous celebrity photog in Los Angeles. Learn/practice how to speak intelligently and compose a grammatically correct e-mail.
I appreciate the comments by Mercer, Earl, and MayorMen.
With that being said, this year I'm becoming more involved in my photo projects and building my portfolio, then apply to the Master's program of Photo Journalism @ Univ of Texas in Austin.
So do whatever you want man. But always keep shooting and developing your style. If you are good, people will notice.