[dugarner]

I know at least two girls who have been able to build a good side business by taking outside-only portraits of friends' kids. People will pay, and if you're reasonable, especially, I think people tend to gravitate toward modern portraiture over the posed formality of the studio look.

Anyway, I second Tracy's advice. Interject to friends about your interest, or "willingness" to try photographing their kids. I've accidentally taken shots of friends' kids at different events and they've tried to hire me, but I don't want to do it. But my guess is if people start to see what you do, you'll get referrals. The one time I took money for a shoot, I told the customer that I wouldn't take a penny unless they were genuinely satisfied with my work. So I think you would be successful at the least subsidizing your hobby. It only takes two or three shoots at $75/hr. to replace a lens!