Hello,
After learning a little more about this art form I decided to go collect a sapling from behind my house. I didnt know what I was looking for in a possible bonsai but eventualy settled on this little guy. Im from New York and I know this is a pine I'm just not sure of the specific species. Can someone please give me some advice as to what to do now? How old does this look? Ill re-pot it obviously but is does it look like a good candidate for a bonsai? Should I start to prune it now at all? Thank you for any help ladies and gents.
Aaron

You should read more.

Bonsaimabeginner wrote:

After learning a little more about this art form I decided to go collect a sapling from behind my house. I didnt know what I was looking for in a possible bonsai

In a possible bonsai you are looking for good nebari - a good root flare with nicely placed, tapering roots, a fat and tapering trunk, proper branch placement with tapering branches that are ramified into secundairy and tertiary branches. You will be looking for a tree that looks like it has battled the elements for ages and has survived, showing the signs of that struggle and giving an impression of a high age and maturity.

Indeed these all are characteristics you will not find in a sapling and the question makes no sense whatsoever.