I once used to scurry around the backyard as a young boy taking pictures of snails and soldier ants and anything else that looked like it needed to be bothered and tracked. This eventually led to a life of photo-itus (made that up just then). Since then I have been in love with photography and I'm often amazed at some of the extraordinary work I see from other photographers.

Truth be known, I'm probably one of the worst photographers as far as ideas go. I do much better by observing other peoples work and then thinking of something to create using that formula. Not everyone is this unlucky of course and can come up with new ideas while watching goldfish in a bowl.

Over the years now I have been running a successful photography business selling my photos online, shooting weddings, private events and public events. While I'm confident in shooting pretty much any kind of scene, my accounting and financial management did struggle in the beginning but now thankfully, many years down the track, I've done quite well. If it wasn't for the internet and online guides, I don't think I would have come out the other side. It was definitely a quicker way to get answers and ensure I made less mistakes.

So what I'm doing is giving back here are a few points that I have learnt over the years.

1. There are no secrets - it's all there for the taking. Don't be afraid to pay for the stuff you need or stuff you can use to better your position. Just aim for quality.
2. Procrastination is a deadly past time.
3. Observe other successful photographers. This doesn't mean stalk them to and from their home but look to their work for inspiration. Check some galleries and note the principle differences of success in their work. I'm assuming you already know that photography is made up of many styles with many still to be discovered. Go to the galleries... I'm not joking!
   
4. Always do original work - be straight-up with your customers and yourself. It's easy to think that's a bit cosmic but you'll thank me in years to come if you practice that now if you aren't already. Honest work leads to 'Wow' work!
5. Learn the technical stuff even if it's topical. This way you'll know what you have to get if you want to become more efficient and productive without losing the creative bent. Invest in stuff that allows you to work quicker but not stuff that steals creativity.
6. Ask questions - go to forums and ask questions. Don't be shy! You'll be surprised who you meet and what you learn. Even some strong partnerships have come from photography forums.
7. Do Not dedicate yourself to one mode of photography. Even the best of the best have a separate photography interest. Why? Because it's relaxing and allows for a different frame of mind. Sometimes you can take what you've learned from one mode to the other. i.e. If you work in the portrait photography arena, you might also want to dabble in landscapes or pet photography.
8. Don't avoid learning how to use manipulation software. You don't have to learn it overnight but DO learn it. In this day and age it's essential and if you have your own photography business, your customers will expect you to know how to use it from time to time. Hey, and it's fun too! Be careful of the dreaded disease called PMSD (photo manipulation software disease). This disease will make it difficult for you to get away from the computer because you are having so much fun and intrigue using it. I'm so hopeless with things like this, I use a timer.
9. Learn as much as you can about light. You'll benefit from it. Not just from text books. Get up early. Take dusk shots. Photograph ay night - country and city. Ponder the shadows and above all, experiment!
10. Keep an eye on your financials but not too close. Once a month or once a fortnight take a detailed look into your incoming and outgoing funds and see if you can increase the incoming and lower the outgoings little by little. Remember you're in this for pleasure but a little money can't hurt at all.
11. Take advice from others. I used to get my back up when someone critiqued my work. Later I learned to listen because other people's views are essential in creating excellent work that pleases. You eventually can see clearly what will please other people rather than just yourself.
12. Get on a photography niche mailing list that offers tips and guides. It's common sense to realize you won't always receive something new each time a newsletter or email arrives. However, when a tip or something new does land in your inbox, you're that much further in front.
13. Keep a Favorites list on your browser or TAG your favourite photography sites or articles on Stumble, Digg, Del.icio.us or one of the many others, subscribe to a photography dedicated RSS feed so that you're kept up to date without having to remind yourself to go to that particular site all the time. These actions help automate your photography learning or knowledge collection without searching all the time and are extremely efficient.
14. Don't belittle your competition. Customers see it as unprofessional and sometimes wonder if you will one day speak of them that way too. If asked to comment, you can tactfully and politely change the subject.
15. Treat your customers as you would like to be treated. Don't take this one lightly. Something unexpected and extra always goes down well in any business not just photography.

I'd love to hear from you... whether you have a tip to add to my list or a comment about one of my points and it doesn't matter whether you're just starting or you have been in the photography profession for a while now. I'm always looking for new friends on Facebook and twitter so drop by and say hi.

All the best and good fortune...

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