You've worked on your technique, your artistic vision is strong. It seems like the natural next step is to become a professional photographer. However, the path isn't all that clear or obvious, and there's a lot you should consider before you make the leap.
Coming to you from Ed Verosky, this insightful video talks about the pros and cons of becoming a professional photographer or staying an amateur. Of the points he makes, two of the most important (in my opinion) are understanding the often nonexistent relationship between talent and financial success and knowing that a professional career is not just what one does as an amateur with the addition of money. It can be easy to fall in love with photography as a craft, but the danger is assuming that you'll enjoy the same carefree approach to it if you begin to rely on it for income. You'll have to make a lot of compromises and you won't always get the freedom of choosing what and when you shoot. Plus, holding a camera is just a small part of a successful photography business. Of course, that's not to say you absolutely shouldn't become a professional, but make sure you have a realistic understanding and set of expectations.
I love photography and actually think that, with more practice, I would really enjoy becoming a professional photographer. The biggest thing holding me back are my dependents. Not that they are actually holding me back, but that without my current job, we would have to buy family health insurance through one of the incredibly expensive state health insurance exchanges and it would easily cost several times as much as our current insurance through my employer. That's a big deterrent to making such a career change.
Like you, my day job pays the mortgage. My plan was to turn "pro" after retirement: 10 more years. I figure by then, I'd have gained enough experience and confidence. But, even then, it would not be a sole source of income.
Lee you don't have to leave your day job to be a professional photographer. Actually I don't like the terms professional and amateur. Just be a photographer. If you want to earn money at it find people who will pay you. There is no test or certain skill level you need before making money. What makes you money at photography is first having photos that people like and photos that people are willing to pay for. The difficult part is finding people willing to pay you and that will always be the case. Making money with photography requires you to spend more time working the angle of finding clients than photographing. I've found you have to like the effort of finding clients as much as photographing. For me I find pleasure in both.
Ed, you have hit this topic right on the mark. Being a professional photographer for twenty two years has taught me some very hard yet valuable lessons. It's not going to be easy money for the majority of those new to the professional level of photography and they need to hear your message loud and clear.
The one thing I wish you had mentioned is the financial investment needed and the many sacrifices that have to be made to enter and remain in the world of professional photography. Maybe you can touch on those two topics in a future video.
Very good points, Paul. Gosh, especially for weddings! I remember those first big investments in all the "standard" gear of the day, like the 70-200 and redundant stuff (at least two cameras). Don't even get me started on the batteries! Thanks for the reminder and the idea for a future video.