(This post has been updated from a post at RESOLVE http://blog.livebooks.com/category/contributors/sas-becker/)

Hopefully the net will appear… but just in case.  I think it is extremely important that you be ready to deliver a professional product when you make the switch from weekend shooter to pro.  You really are only as good as your last job.  You have time to bone up on the business end of things, but your images are your reputation.  Go out on as many jobs as possible as a second photographer.  There you have time to learn, but not the pressure of being a lead.  Assist for free if necessary… anything that gets you on a real photo shoot.  You need to see how others work to develop an approach to shooting that you are comfortable with.

Your knowledge of your equipment should be second hand.  Read your manual if you can stand it.  That would be torture for me.  However, I am happy to have a sales rep or photo geek (I use this term in the highest regard) explain to me all the inner workings of my gear.  Practice at home in every conceivable lighting condition until you feel comfortable with any challenges that may arise.  Make sure you have the right gear for the assignment.  If you are shooting a wedding or an event that cannot be redone you must have two camera bodies with you.  Rent one if necessary, this is also a good way to try out new products before you buy.  Canon and Nikon both have pro services that give you access to loaner equipment.  A wide selection of lenses is also a must.  The right tool for the right job makes all the difference.

Talk to other photographers in your area.  Figure out what your cost will be for operating your business.  Do you need liability and business insurance?  Will you be a sole proprietor or an LLC.  How will you promote yourself?  Do you need a logo, identity and promotional pieces?  How about an office or shooting space?  Do you need help writing a business plan? Who is going to watch the kids while you are working?  The big thing these days is a website.  I think as a photographer it is essential that you have a nice looking site that is user friendly.  Everyone I have talked to under the age of 35 says a blog is also a must.  This is my attempt at blogging:-).  Another good place to gain insight is a website called http://prophotoresource.com/. Workshops and conferences are a great way to brush up your skills and learn from other photographers’ experiences.  Some provide practical information while others are pointless.  I think their real value comes in networking.  All in all it is helpful to speak to as many pros as possible to see what worked and didn’t work for them and then adapt their advice to your situation.