[Toad]

I think part of the reason for the less than enthusiastic replies is that many of us are in the same position that you are - testing the water - and some of us feel quite overwhelmed by what it takes to make "a living" at photography. Also - not everybody wants to do their hobby professionally.

I am a bit more like you - I am tired of my day job, and I am prepared to make less $ to do something that makes mew feel more creatively satisfied.

The nice thing about photography is that a lot of different levels of committment are possible - if you need to work a full time job to support your family, you can still do pro work on the side.

Lots of people make a decent full-time living at photography - if you are prepared to hustle, you might be able to do that without a steady diet of weddings and baby portraits. I have done packaging for a CD, a fine art exhibition, a dance portfolio,and a few other more creatively satisfying gigs - so I know it is possible.

I am blessed, however, by not needing too much money to survive on a monthly basis - no mortgage or other debt - so I have a fairly low risk factor. It is that "risk" is what each person needs to appraise for themselves. I'm with you though - life is too short - it would be wonderful to be excited about going to work in the morning.