Oh, your story sounds so much like mine (same time, same camera, same reading, same amount of knowledge and, I hope - for me, at least - same enthusiasm). I came across this quote from Edward Weston:


<span style="float: right;"] <span class="sqq"]&ldquo;Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it my be.&rdquo;


Every time I think about jacking in my dull job and striking out in photography, I take a walk in front of professional photography studios showcasing christening and wedding shots. Hmmm.