What should i do with photography?

I'm really good at photography and i have an instigram @IBRAHEMOVICH

i use my iPhone 4 camera for taking pictures which is funny because people keep telling me that i'm a really talented photographer. I'm mainly into taking pictures of nature and beautiful views. I do not wanna get a degree in photography, though I wanna do something professional that makes it worth my efforts.

The first thing you need to do is learn the fundamentals of photography and how to use a fully adjustable camera

Once you have done that, you will have a better chance of producing professional quality images, but your really need to take some class in photography, even if you do not get a degree,

What this means is that you need to start saving your pennies toward buying an entry level dSLR like a Canon T3/1100D or Nikon D3200.

Why? Because people expect professional photographers to be able to produce marketable images on demand and to do that, you need some kind of camera system that is based upon a fully adjustable camera.

Something that you may not understand is the business aspect of being a professional

Here is how you determine the cost of doing business.

https://nppa.org/calculator

How do you learn how to run a photography business? You work as an assistant to a working pro, usually one that has a successful studio or as an assistant staff photographer for a magazine, newspaper or public relations company

It seems as though in today's world anyone and everyone who has a device they can take pictures with believes they are on the path to professional photography. That, in my blunt opinion, borders on the delusional. Mark, its a long, long road from taking snapshots with an iPhone to being able to support yourself as a professional photographer.

A degree in photography is the first step. Working as an assistant to a successful professional photographer goes along with that. Owning a DSLR and a couple of lenses and knowing how to use them in any situation comes with attending photography classes.

As the print media continues its slow decline into oblivion and everyone with a camera phone or actual camera connected instantly to the internet, fewer news outlets are depending on staff photographers. When amateurs are willing to submit pictures and video for free why pay someone? CNN started this trend when they fired 50 of their staff photojournalists in Dec.of 2011.

In my opinion, Mark, you should just enjoy photography as a hobby.

'people keep telling me… ' Which people? Do they have any photographic knowledge or experience? Do they have any idea about the market for photographic images of nature and beautiful views? Are they experienced professionals with a good track record of selling their work and making a profit? Or are they just well-meaning friends, family and acquaintances who know nothing of these things? If they are in the first group, then ask them for advice about how to make progress. If they consist of the second group, they are leading you into the giant, painful elephant-trap labelled 'anyone with an iPhone can be a successful professional photographer'.

Look at these:

http://1x.com/photos/latest/landscape

These are some 'beautiful views' taken by experienced and talented photographers using decent, pro-level kit. Ask yourself: how do you measure up? Because this is what you'll be competing with.

A phone camera is pretty good for everyday snapshots and posting on FB. But unless you have pictures of Elvis, aliens landing or Bigfoot, you will find the pictures are not high enough quality to sell. If you are really interested in photography, you will need a fully adjustable camera with a better sensor and lens than what is used in any phone.

Instagram says "No photos to show", but if your mirror selfie is any indication of your general competence, then you probably don't have to do anything with your photography just yet other than get a real camera, practice and learn the basics to build your skill. One step might be to take classes or join a local photography group or club to get meaningful feedback and mentoring. And I agree that it is a good plan to major in something where you can make a good living. Not that it is impossible to do so in photography, but it is difficult. If you have a good job you can fund your photography hobby and perhaps supplement your income on the side a bit.