Stringers don't make squat. I started printing B&W 23 years ago. From there, I figured I should learn how to make a decent negative. I took a lot of photos, but never learned anything from them. Then my son was born, and the photo habit got expensive. So I started doing crappy portraits for people. Once I had a little confidence, I bluffed my way into weddings. Think about it - every wedding photographer had to do one on their own for the first time at some point. At some point, I started reading, and listening to the guys at the camera store. It helps to accept criticism. Then I went to college and got an art degree. Sort of. I missed a photography degree by two classes, because I had to go to night school, and photojournalism and digital photography were only available during the day. Now, I can turn out consistent images that are pleasing, well-composed, properly exposed, and nice and sharp. But there have been some bumps along the way.

Get halfway decent, and you can bluff people. The key is to charge a lot, even if you then offer a discount. No one wants a $50 portrait sitting. But tell them it's usually $125, and they'll pay you.