I guess I'm still working in the same areas as I started, but I did start from the bottom and worked my way up. There is nothing that can replace pure shoot experience. You need to learn on the job and I would recommend any new photographer do as many shoots as possible.

It's not enough to just take good pictures - if you are working with clients you need to understand their needs and take the pictures they want, not just what you want. You need to understand what the picture needs to do for them.

If you want to make it - you have to go out and get it - it will not come to you. Always follow up an email with a phone call.  Everyone seems to email now - it's the easy option. To make an impact you have to be willing to do what the others don't do.