For those of you do non-linear editing, how did you get your start?

I am kicking around the idea of freelancing in this field, but have minimal experience (but am at a loss of where to take the first step)

Did you start out editing people's home videos / weddings?
Recitals?

How did you build your portfolios?

Jean,

do what ever you can get your hands on. I did some weddings, some of my sisters one day eventing footage, a techno/dance video and a singing group. They were all done in Premiere and output to VHS.

I think it's good to specialize in what you enjoy, but also make sure you do other projects to roarden your experience.