Hey Sam!

Figured I'd return the favor and leave some advice...

- If you're looking for another service to host a site on - weebly is super easy, free, and you can post a ton of work there. It also has a number of display options and is becoming pretty well-known for professional businesses.

- The business cards are a good way to go... leave them wherever you can. Carry some business cards with you at all times and some push-pins. Anytime you see a tack board pin up a card or two.

- Watermark your images, even on your site - it prevents them from being taken.

- Believe me, I know money can be tight. If you're desperate for a new lens and have a steady job where you can put a little money aside here and there, try buying a lens through billmelater (6-18 months without interest). I'd suggest the following lenses (all Nikon): 14-24 mm for landscape work, 105 mm macro (this may be a good option for you after looking at your work), or (probably the best option for wildlife with decent range) the 70-300 mm. Also, a good flash can be a huge help - I use a fairly cheap Sb400

Being new to photography, if you want to get noticed you should work on posting (watermarked) shots on a lot of forums and being "present" on the forums. Query as many magazines and restaurants as you can about providing work for articles and displays. Most are very busy people, so be persistent without being a nuisance - a couple e-mails over a couple weeks works. Get more shots together on your site and keep it to only shots you'd display in print (or at least wouldn't mind on your walls). If you can print some, a good portfolio in print is always nice to show people.

Try to keep it fun for yourself. If there is any hobby you enjoy, incorporate it. EX: A lot of my shots come from my backpacking. I hike to a lot of places rarely seen which helps with my shots. Definitely try to set up some shoots with friends' animals - snakes can make interesting subjects (just always make sure someone is helping when shooting hots or other potentially dangerous animals). Zoos are great places to shoot exotic animals without the travel/danger. If you have a lot of good shots from Sawgrass NC and all your proceeds are going there, you may want to contact the nature center and see if they'll post a link to your site.

I'm in no way the best photographer and I'm constantly learning (always continue to read and learn), but I've gained a lot of experience within the last few years. I've got several publications (magazines and newspapers), some possible credits in a book, and over a years worth of displays lined up - so some things are working. If you want to talk shop more my email is: ccarillphoto@gmail.com

Cheers!