I am a newbie both here and in the photography business.  I am trying to gain experience and learn as much as I can.  I was wondering what the best way is to find a photographer who would be willing to let me be an assistant or apprentice.  I know there are quite a few photographers in my area, but I'm not sure of the best way to approach them.

 If you've got a local guild you may want to try going through them...  Cold calling, or e-mailing, may work - but expect some rejections and be both patient and persistant.  If it turns into a "I won't help my future competition" thing, you can try looking for someone in a slightly different field.  So, if you want to do weddings, see if a local child photog will let you work with them for a while.  It's a compromise, but it'll still be a huge learning experience.

Good luck!  And, let us know how it goes!

Oh, and what part of Texas are you in?  We've got a bunch of Texans around here...

 i have two suggetions:

do you have a state organization?  here in north carolina we have Professional  Photographers of NC.  they have lots of educational weekend experiences and it is a very good way to meet and network with photographers from across the state.  so first of all, i would look for an organization like that if you have one - a place you can LEARN and NETWORK.

and secondly, find a photographer in a neighboring city and just call or email and explain your goals and see if they'll let you tag along on some jobs.  be prepared to show them some work.  they will probably want to see how "green" you are to photography.  in my opinion, you need to have already done the homework of learning what you can on your own - community college classes, books, online classes, etc. before you approach a professional for his/her help.  and be prepared to carry the bags, direct traffic, WHATEVER they need you to do.   

I am in Abilene for now, but we are hoping to be in California in a few months.(We live where the Air Force tells us too)  I am going to look into local or state organizations for contacts.  I am still very green to the business side of photography.  I don't plan on starting anything on my own for quite a while.  But I have recently made the concious decision to take the steps necessary to move from hobby to professional.  I have taken a couple classes in the past and have read and practiced as much as I can. I will look into sending a letter givng a little more info about what I am looking for as well.  Thanks for all of the advice.

 Hey, I'll send you a PM in just a second...