Gary

I’ve been in love with photography from a young age, in high school and college it gave me a reason (ok call it excuse) to be close to or around beautiful women. And ya know I found they pull there pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. Guys don't be afraid to approach that woman you see at a club, they have the same fears and insecurities as you, and in some cases even more. They are people just like you. Treat them with respect and dignity and you'll be amazed with what she'll give you in return.
I’ve met a lot of great people over the years doing work mainly behind the scenes either assisting other photographers or tending to more production type work. i.e image retouching, image editing, color correction, updating other peoples websites and or managing them outright. I sat down about a year ago and self-taught myself video-editing and I find it both a challenge and a rewarding experience.
I guess even photography wise I am mostly self-taught although I have taken formal classes both at the community college level and more traditional approaches like the Art-Institute in Pasadena, CA or The Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara CA. Now before someone checks, then comes back here to say you never graduated from those schools you’d be correct. I never finished them but I learned something unique at each of them and if it had not been for financial concerns I most certainly would have completed my formal training.
For me I have never been a "student" I get bored easily and when that happens I stop listening and thus stop learning in that given situation. So know yourself well enough to see this and move on to the next learning opportunity, school isn't for everyone. Fortunately with creative arts it doesn't have to be but you need to continue to expand your horizons anyway you can. Take something positive from each situation and make it your own . I do believe that everyone should learn the basics of photography in a school environment. Without knowing the rules how can you expect to break them..

Zach expressing how he reaaly feels about having his picture taken, when all he wants is to play ball:-)