Q: If you plan to go to college, then a fine arts degree can introduce you to the world of photography, including professors, equipment, and gallery shows. It can also help you to develop a portfolio under professional supervision. Increase your photography experience by signing up for workshops on lighting and action photography. Occasional courses held by photography schools are likely to be less expensive than gaining your degree, but still provide you with new skills and professional tips. Being a freelance photographer means running your own business. Signing up for courses on marketing, finance, accounting, and organization can ensure that you are prepared to handle your business on your own. Make sure you learn strategies on pricing, double entry bookkeeping, online marketing, and negotiation. A DSLR camera is recommended by many professional photographers for people who are just starting out. Choose one that fits your budget and learn how to use it. Experiment with different settings, like the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. You’ll need to learn to use editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, to make the most of your photos. Purchase the software and play around with it, changing the contrast and color saturation or add filters and effects. You can get ideas on location, lighting, and capturing the personality of a band. Look at concert photos online and in print and think about the angle, exposure, etc. of each photo.  Subscribe to or purchase music magazines to see what kind of photos make it to print. Check out your favorite band’s websites and look through the photo gallery.
A: Get a Bachelor's degree in photography. Attend photography seminars. Take business courses. Experiment with a DSLR camera. Develop your editing skills. Study the work of past and current music photographers.

Q: Gumming is hardened sap that oozes from lesions or cankers on the tree. It is an early indication of disease. Cut out any branches showing signs of gumming by making a 45° angle cut at the branch collar. If you mow around the tree, be careful not to nick the leader. Gumming occurs at the site of open wounds on the tree, and gumming on the leader can be hard to remove. Suckers are small branches underneath the main branch system of the tree. Cut suckers back to the branch collar at a 45° angle using your pruning shears. Suckers sap nutrients from the fruit-bearing branches at the top. Over time, they can keep your tree from fruiting. Prune such branches back to the point at which they trend downwards to encourage horizontal growth. Downward trending branches will eventually produce less fruit and become less vigorous over time.
A: Cut out branches that show signs of gumming. Cut out suckers that grow near the bottom of the trunk. Trim branches that bend downwards.

Q: Before you show up for an interview or friendly sit down, take some time to pick out a set of attire that fits you well and is appropriate for the occasion. You want to look sharp, but don’t be too casual or make a spectacle of yourself. Remember to comb your hair, brush your teeth and make sure that your clothing is free of dust and wrinkles.  In addition to the obvious, be sure to wear deodorant, clean beneath your fingernails and keep facial hair shaved or trimmed. As the old saying goes, “dress for the job you want.” If you look the part, potential employers will be better able to envision you in the position. Aim for a tone that’s relaxed and friendly yet professional. When you’re not talking, listen attentively without interrupting. The person you’re speaking to should be just as comfortable with you as you are with them. Give detailed answers to the questions you’re asked, but resist the urge to boast or talk about yourself at length.  Do your best not to stutter, mumble or use a lot of filler noises like “um” and “ah.” If you’re asking for a job via email, take care to use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. Proofread the message carefully before you send it. Just because you don’t get a job offer right away doesn’t mean that you never will. It may be that the specific position hasn’t opened up yet, or that whoever’s in charge needs more time to interview other applicants. Follow up with a phone call or email within a few days to let someone know that you’re still interested and hopeful to hear back.  Confidence speaks volumes. Sometimes, what you lack in direct experience you can make up for in being self-assured.  While determination is a good trait to have, you should learn to take no for an answer. Don’t be too discouraged if you don't get the job—thank the person for their time, then redouble your efforts and make sure you’re prepared for the next opportunity that comes along.
A:
Put some effort into your appearance. Communicate clearly and effectively. Be tenacious.