I am interested in the photography industry, but am unsure on where to start

[magichappens7]

and where to look.? I have a passion for photography but am stuck on where to begin my search. I am just wanting to find out where are the best places to look to get a head start in this industry, with specfic focus on photo shots for magazines.

[namedeletedbyrequest]

The best starting point for magazine/editorial photography is often photojournalism with a newspaper. From there you can work on a portfolio and, if you're good or lucky, have some of your work picked up by magazines. Newspaper photographers are a good source for magazines when they need a shot near your location. Also, a large percentage of magazine editorial work comes from freelancers - a large percentage of freelancers are/were photojournalist.
Some magazines have intern and assistant positions. You will need a high level of skill, a damn good portfolio and recommendations to get in.
I don't know about a head start, you just need to work hard toward your goal.

---edit---
After a little sleep and more thought...
The best jump start would be to team with a writer and produce photo/article packages and submit them to magazines. Look for state and local magazines, business/trade magazines, travel magazines, etc.. Work your way up the ladder and put your work on your web site as a reference whenever you submit an article. Even a rejection may get your other work seen and lead to an assignment.

May be of interest: http://www.editorialphoto.com/outreachep/ep_edu_grants.asp

[sara p]

when i started I did shows in cafes ,gallerys and then I started sending stuff to mags over and over again for months untell I was offered to help on a shoot. You can also look in pro photo mags, they have great web sites for you

[fhotoace]

What specific experience do you have and what equipment are you using ... in sports, long, fast lenses are the rule.

One would think if you had the equipment, skills and experience shooting editorial you might have met a number of fellow photographers with whom you could network and learn of openings or opportunities withing that market (newspapers, magazines and other publications)

Any head-start in the industry will depend upon your specific skills and experience .. and of course the quality if formal education is very important.

Are you experienced in studio photography and using view cameras, medium format and 35mm cameras?
Or are you experienced in industrial/scientific photography using microscopes, macro lenses and other specialized imaging cameras?
Or experienced in fashion/glamour work?
Or experienced in deadline photography (newspapers and some magazines)?
Or an experienced wedding/portrait photographer?

Let us know and perhaps we can at least connect you to some of the professional organizations that support photographers in those fields.

[cocomojo]

Magazines are tough to break into without years of working as an assistant.
Try to learn lighting from a portrait photographer this will be helpful.