I think it depends on whether you plan to do it as a sideline or pursue it as a full time career.
Years ago I started a side business as a computer consultant, creating databases for small companies, setting up accounting software, even creating the galleys for a 200 page book using early desktop publishing software. I kept up this side business for a half dozen years and supplemented my regular income. What I found was that I had to be a salesman, a consultant, and often, a bill collector. It wasn't all that enjoyable.
At my day job, all I needed to do was the computer work, which I really enjoyed.
Around the same time I donated my time for several years as a musician, playing in hospitals, group homes, senior centers, etc. I was offered some paying gigs but would only play for free. What I found was that the experience, without the business aspect, was very enjoyable. I doubt if I would have been appreciated as much, or enjoyed the experience as much, if I was getting paid. As a volunteer, everyone treated me great. If I was looking to get paid, I have a feeling I would have been treated like a flunky, on at least some jobs, by some people.

Maybe it's just me, but something to consider. If I was looking to do it as a profession, I'd throw myself into it 100% and be prepared for all the years of work and struggles that it entailed. But if I was looking to do it as a sideline, I'd stick to being an unpaid amateur, and enjoy it as a hobby.

Here is the hard truth about photography (or just about any business for that matter)

It's 5% photography
It's 95% business drudgery and hustling/selling yourself.

You will turn what you like to do into something that you dislike.

Not to mention the lousy per hour rate. If you tally up what you will spend doing a job (shooting, processing, scouting, studying, driving, estimating, tear down/set up, etc) it comes out to about what you'd make at McD's. (or less.)

You'd be better off working just about any job; you'd be money ahead.

Don't forget insurance for your gear, insurance for accidents and whatnot.

Don't forget double redundancy for all gear.

Not to mention when something goes wrong and you've been paid and now you have to give a huge refund to someone that you really cannot afford to.


An EYE OPENING book on this subject is Zack Arias' "Photography Q&A"

It will change your outlook on this for sure.

One big thing to consider is the insurance aspect of doing photography as a business. Let's say that you took a paying gig, set up a light stand and somebody trips on it. They are injured and they sue you. They win and now your homeowners won't cover you, because they do not insure business use. The settlement is $xxx,xxx,xxx dollars. Was it all worth is for a few bucks. Or consider that you are doing this for pay and your equipment is stolen. Your rider does not cover business equipment and you loose everything. Not a pretty picture...
But you decide to insure everything, liability, equipment, etc and now to the good part. I got a quote for all of that for $4,000 a year. Maybe you can get a better rate, but who cares. It won't be economically feasible either way.

So, my choice was to just maintain my equipment for a hobby and some free work I do for charity. No money involved. Just my opinion. but I won't risk my and my wifes house for a few bucks.

We all start somewhere. Usually small and build from there. Figure out what you really want to do. Sell prints, shoot portraits, weddings, etc??? If you want to stick with landscapes and sell prints, visit as many local establishments as possible and see if they will display and sell your work. Join art fairs, arts and crafts shows, benefits and festivals, farmer's markets, and set up a stand to sell and advertise your work. Check Visitor Centers, State and Federal Parks as well. Tourist traps are great to sell local landscapes. If you are in a college town, landscapes of the college sell great at the beginning of school and graduation time. (Freshmen parents buy at the beginning of school and students buy at graduation, so set up accordingly) Do local art shows and exhibits. Join a local photography club, they can help you with ideas and getting your feet in the door. I live in a college town, our photo club is doing an art exhibit and sale on Homecoming. We will set up where established, non-local alumni tailgate. There will be about 20 photographers there, we will price by size and material and keep our prices the same. Display all together and hope we sell a lot! Our club consists of cell phone photogs to professionals. We will all sell together that day and have a blast!