How many years do you practice photography?

I got my first camera 17 years ago. But I only used it to take snapshots- most of my family, my friends, my pets, places I traveled to, etc. My mom is a professional photographer, but that was always her thing. I never had my own interest in photography. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that I really got interested in photography. I was on vacation with my family, and I brought along a 1 megapixel digital point and shoot camera I had. I took some photos on that trip, and my professional photographer mother was very impressed with them. So I thought, "Hmmm... maybe photography is something I could actually be good at!" So I started taking pictures of things. Mostly architecture and flowers. And I've been serious about photography ever since! I now own 2 DSLR cameras, and hope to get a third for Christmas!

Well, I started when I was 9, I'm 64 now...that makes~~~ too long!!!

well i was 10 when i first touch and click the shutter. yes it was a slr camera but i never see it as a serious thing before. it was just taking some family photo that's all. my family hates the idea of me being a pro photographer, so i drop the idea. but when i got to college and join the student paper it was then i went back to photography. and now its the first thing i love in the world, second is lay outing.