burkphoto posted a link where a professional photographer talked about... Bridges please realize that photography isn't a profession it is a simply a Craft... It requires no academic credentials, nor does it require license from a governmental agency (State and/or Federal)...
That said there are indeed highly skilled and competent
Commercial Photographers that easily can command very high fees to shoot a client's needs and meet their expectations. I know full well since as a member of
ASMP I've assisted with quite a few and my
Day Rate i.e.
per diem is more that spare change.
Same with Fashion Models... Which is also a highly specialize craft... and only a choose few are able to
run the gauntlet and survive to go on to become Agency Represented. An example: "
In an interview printed in the October 1990 issue of Vogue, Evangelista said: "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." (with current inflation equivalent to over $22,000
My sincere advice to both you and Burkphoto is to put down your "hammer" and instead get up and out of bed and start trying to book clients. You will likely discover as Burkphoto probably did that unless you are working for an commercial entity that books your clients for you that life in Sales is a bitch.
As for going out every day to experience life as a Photojournalist (i.e. shooting reportage)? Not happening for me... I'm unable to walk more than a few hundred feet on level ground (or walk up several flights stairs) owing to health issues (Stage III Heart Failure) however that doesn't keep me from shooting in my studio non-stop which I do constantly now so I'm able nail the complex illumination scenarios effortlessly and instantly achieve critical focus on a talent's near eye. Oft said
When one door closes another opens (that is for those who chose "
Carpe diem")
Below is a deliverable from a Christmas Eve commercial shoot... It's all about meeting and/or exceeding client expectations Bridges. The sooner you can except this edict the more likely you'll be able to convert an avocation into a vocation. Also maybe try shooting "Professional Models" a.k.a. Agency Represented talent... When you become proficient enough at your "
Craft" you can possibly become a "
Testing Photographer" for agencies in your market (where there is no monetary exchange only trade for services.
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought.
Wishing all who strive to become
Commercial Photographers much joy & success on your journey.