Business questions

[shmne]

Pretty much everyone has covered the important stuff but I'd like to cover a really nice way of becoming a pro while limiting your own investment and liability.

Nothing works as well as real subjects when it comes to learning poses, but until your shots are consistently solid that doesn't even matter. A good pose will never beat a bad photo. Go out there alone and just take amazing photos of the world or candids of people. Learn what makes a great photo, learn how to shoot in various conditions. Go out in the public and ask a stranger (have a printed out, simple, non-legalese contract) if you can take their photo - admittedly this can in of itself creates another set of issues, however in my experience since people were not expecting free images in the first place they leave very happy. Learn about your camera first.

Then learn about business. Learn about starting up an LLC, talk to your local small business development center or SBDC - practically every state college has one. Its free and they provide insane amounts of information. In fact my consultant that started my career as an entrepreneur STILL helps me and stays in touch with me. 2 years later! He has been such a great help from determining tax rates online, to ensuring pricing plans that match my overhead, to ensuring I minimize liability any time I'm on location and more.

Then learn about marketing because without getting in front of people, no one will know you're even offering a service.

Truthfully I'd prefer more people learned business first but its rare anyone is willing