If your dream is to become a part-time or full-time photographer, running a photography business out of your home or studio is a goal you can achieve. As a business, photography has a relatively low barrier to entry. You've already made the investment in the basic equipment, which is usually a big part of the startup cost for any business. With a small additional investment of a few hundred dollars a month — and a substantially larger investment in taking the time to further hone your skills and learn the business — you could provide services and products that people want if you charge a fee that can support a part-time or full-time business.

One time-proven way of getting into the photography business is by assisting an established photographer. Even graduates from the best photography schools are often advised to start their career working with an experienced photographer. Among other things, such as seeing the realities of a photographer's life in a day-to-day setting, assisting will let you see if the profession feels right to you. The skills and experience you gain could be invaluable.

Try to work with a photographer whose work you admire, who makes a good living at it — your chances of being successful are greater if you do. Being a great photographer does not guarantee financial success, and of course there are many mediocre photographers who have thriving businesses. If you take advice from a photographer whose images aren't the best and who does not have a successful business, you will obviously be putting roadblocks in your own path to success.

Every photographer benefits from networking with other photographers. From a professional's point of view, an amateur today might be a colleague tomorrow. Even a professional has something to learn from a beginner. Of course, the reverse is also true; spending time with a professional in your field is a great way to learn new techniques, business concepts, the latest technology, and the history behind current trends and business practices.

You can join a professional organization, such as an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America or American Society of Media Photographers. Their monthly meetings feature professionals who share their experiences as well as their unique approach to the business. You can also take a less formal approach. Form a group of four to ten photographers in your area who have a similar specialty. From them, you will learn about the photography market in your area, including accepted business practices, which vendors and customers to avoid, and what equipment works best. If you have an idea of the going rate for products and services, you can see if your pricing structure is appropriate for your unique work, quality, and services.

Always remember the context in which advice is given. Useful advice early in your career may have to be rethought or eventually discarded in order for you to learn more and advance in your field. As you progress, remember that true education consists not only of gaining new knowledge, but of knowing when it is time to discard the old rules you have moved beyond. Keep growing and keep challenging yourself!