Absolutley intern, that is the time honored way to learn. Assist until you have enough knowledge and support from your mentor to start shooting as an associate photographer, then you may wish to go out on your own or stay with them. But choose a studio that reflects your tastes and more importantly that has the clients that will appreciate your work and be able to pay you for it. Be honest, reliable, and loyal. Shoot every chance you get, previusalize how your images will turn out, practice relentlessly until the result matches the expectation. Get the techie crap on auto so you can concentrate on the art part.

If you get to FL, SC or GA holla, you can tag along, Jeffrey
www.adamsphotographics.com

thanks jeffery =)
I took the other job I had a hard time finidng anyone interested in an intern =( could be a summer thing.
I'm finding it useful to just be in a business photography setting, watching people, how they interact with each other, what they want and don't want.
I am leaving to california for a month to help my mom with some fmaily problems and the kids need a break from my crazy life, when I get back I'll speak to my professor maybe she knows someone (i hope) that would take on an intern.

the above was from me sorry about the typo in your name *blush* I also forgot to login.

Some of the older professional photographers will be quick to advise you to intern as that was the time honored way to get into the business. But changes in the economy over the past few years will probably make it difficult for you to find a pro studio looking to take on new assistants. I went to a seminar last night for wedding and portrait photographers about managing a digital work flow. I find that there is a common theme at these seminars. Most of the commercial and wedding photographers complain about work being harder to find and need to spend money to go digital to stay competitive.

My recommendation for you is to constantly shoot and keep an updated portfolio that shows diversification in your work. Actually a web would be the perfect place to start self publishing. That way you will always have a portfolio at your fingertips that fits the style of the job you're going after.

thanks larry, I apprecaite your input =)
I am in the process of purchasing my first light kit, and hopefully some back drops soon after.
My husband happens to be a professional website developer, so maybe after I get some good shots he can put a site together for me.