How to become a freelance.

[c_gutta]

Hello,
I am new here. My name is Corey. I have been studying digital photography casually for about 3 years now. I have recently purchase a new camera after using mostly point and shoot models. I have the Rebel XT and purchased a couple of lenses and a few other things for it. Love it. What I am wanting to do is get the neccesary certifications or education in order to become a true freelance photographer. I take a lot of photographs of news events. I have a scanner and end up with lots of good pictures because of how soon I arrive. I would like to be able to sell those pictures to newspapers and magazines, locally mostly.
What types of education or certifications do you recommend? Are there any people that have had experience in this field that could give me some advice.
Growing up, my dad did this kind of work, but I wasn't interested then, and didn't have a chance to take advantage of his experience.

Thanks.

[another view]

What types of education or certifications do you recommend?

Others doing more "work" than me can give you more advice, but I don't think you necessarily need any kind of degree to do this. Good people skills and persistence will get you farther, and of course a good portfolio showing examples of the type of work you're trying to get. IOW, don't show sports if you're trying to do weddings, etc.

[mjs1973]

Welcome to the Forum Corey. I have next to no experiance with this, but I think Steves advice is right on the money. Check out the link below. This was posted in the sports photography forum by a freelance photog, and you might find it interesting. I'm at work so I haven't had time to read the whole thing yet so I'm not sure how much of it pertains to what you want to do.

For those wanting to go freelance.....Part 1

[JSPhoto]

Hey c_gutta,

check out the sports forum, I'm kind of doing a multi part thread on freelancing. Unfortunately, so far several have read part one but no had any responses

JS

[JSPhoto]

Hmmm, don't show sports pics if you wanna do weddings...awe come on! Wait, maybe the wedding will be at a race track

Just havin a little fun folks.....