You need to understand that having a digital camera does NOT a pro make. Nor does having the ability to use it to make pretty pictures. Nor is it as easy as having a web site or hanging out a sign and getting your name out there as you put it. Becoming a successful pro is a state of mind that requires a broad base of knowledge AND opening a business is a huge responsibility, especially during these days of pre-depression/recession.

This is perhaps one of the most uncertain times in history to be opening a business. At least this month. Photographers are going out of business all over both here and overseas and if you think this "business" looks like fun, you're wrong. It's very very hard work. 85 per cent of your time is spent promoting, marketing, bidding jobs, meeting with clients and scouring the world for work, traveling perhaps, and collecting your money.

You need a thorough, flexible business plan with a reasonable flexible budget that includes money set aside for an advertising / marketing program, equipment, insurance, licenses, permits, printing, ad infintim. You should know the rules and laws that apply to what you're doing. A course in business law at a local JC would probably be useful to you covering torts, contracts and other matters.
A course in basic accounting is useful. Read up on release laws and join professional associations.

You should also have liability, property and if it's available to you, reshoot insurance. ESPECIALLY if there are kids involved. And your home, if you're having prospective business invitees over, meeds to be zoned commercial/residential, not just residential. Check with your local city government and find out what you need to do to conduct a business out of your home. Chances are you're in for a big surprise.

You need the right equipment to do the work under a myriad of circumstances. Pros get paid to solve problems, our equipment helps us do that. Remember, you can't practice your skills over the bodies of your clients. In other words, you need to be able to shoot on the fly and solve all sorts of dilemmas, both technically and psychologically with your clients.

As far as additional tools, you should have skills to fall back on, different types of work, in lean times like now, to help keep food on your table and your mortgage or rent paid.

You will no doubt receive a ton of advice. Some good, some not so good.

Luckily, someone has already written a lot of good advice; almost a A to Z concerning photography as a business.

www.danheller.com

I refer many people to this web site as it cuts down on threads on this subject becoming longer than our national debt. LOL

Seriously, Dan Heller has a proven track record in good times and bad.

It will take you a few days to read all he has to offer.

all the best,