i know where youre coming from, but if you plan on making a living on photography, i wouldnt count on it. it seems like these days everybody and their dead llama has a dslr around.

going to school for it is kinda pointless too IMO, either you have the eye or you dont, i dont think its something that can be acquired with practice. but it seems like you already know what i was trying to get at

what i would try to do is to get under as a second photographer and shoot a wedding. thats where the money is to be made.

as for people not paying you, maybe you should start making people pay a deposit. they are paying for YOUR services and time. if they bail out on you, thats ****.

but i know exactly what you mean about not getting paid after you have something lined up, its happened to me before, and it sucks!