I think I'm pretty lucky with the support I get.
My Dad, his Partner, my Sister and Brother in law all have fine art degrees and all teach at the School of Art at the University of Tasmania and are professional artists to varying degrees. They certainly understand the creative urge (considerably more than me I imagine).
Even my mum originally went to art school and does a fair bit of painting and some photography in her spare time, although her career is not specifically art-related.
So I happily accept that I'm probably the
least artistic member of my family
But I scored the "technical gene" and am the only one who knows how to switch on a computer!
(quite an advantage when it comes to digital photography)
Although none of them do as much photography as me, its no big suprise that they are understanding and supportive towards me. My dad in particular gives me a lot of encouragement, and I think my mum would give me a lot more except she thinks I spend too much money on gear.
My friends generally think I'm crazy but always ask me to take photos of their kids for them, and my ex-girlfriend was always really supportive and still asks me to email her copies of photos I take (a year after we broke up!).
I know a lot of people in the world think this stuff is just a waste of time and money. But to me, I'm searching for that perfect image.. and when I find it, nobody can put a price on it.