Consider the advantages of shooting film

For many, the transition from film to digital has been difficult. Shooting film is still a popular way to photograph because the film offers a higher number of pixels than digital. Photographers can create beautiful digital images from film photography by scanning the negatives into a computer and saving the images as digital files. Some of the advantages of shooting film are the ability to process your own film with your own photo lab equipment and film photography equipment is much less expensive than digital.

I recommend: Read about various camera types at Photo Net. Choose a high quality film camera from Olympus.

Step into the digital age of photography

Most photographers shoot digitally today. The instant satisfaction of knowing you've taken good shots sets your mind at ease, instead of having three rolls of film processed only to find out that your settings were wrong. Also, digital photos can be instantly uploaded to your computer for editing, storing, processing or posting on the Web. Because most popular companies make single-lens reflex (SLR) systems for lenses, they are interchangeable with most film cameras. Digital camera bodies also are becoming better quality with new technology and design.

I recommend: Before purchasing a digital camera, read reviews so you know what you're getting. Photography.com and Digital Photography Review offer reviews and specification for all types of camera bodies and digital camera accessories. When you're ready to buy, check out Kodak's line of digital photography equipment.

Process your shots with equipment for photo labs

If you're shooting with film, you could set up your own darkroom and process your own shots with photo developing equipment. This gives you the option of cropping, enlarging and enhancing your photos while processing.

I recommend: Get tips on setting up your darkroom and buying your photo lab equipment at ePhotozine and Apogee Photo. Find darkroom supplies at B&H Photo.

Digitally enhance your photos with photo-editing software

Create a multitude of image enhancements such as removing a person from a photo or adding trees to a background with photo-editing software. Add a cartoon effect, erase wrinkles and blemishes, fix stray hairs and take inches off of someone's waist with this piece of photography equipment.

I recommend: Download Gimp, a free photo-enhancing software, which is similar to Adobe Photoshop. Another free photo-enhancing software is Google's Picasa.

Get the best deals on photography business supplies online

You'll need extra batteries, tripods, backpacks and other photography business supplies that will make your photographic profession simpler. If you're setting up a studio, lights, backdrops and props will enhance your portraits.

I recommend: Search for deals on photography supplies at Freestyle Photographic Supplies. Backdrop Outlet has a large selection of studio lights and backdrops.

Learn the business side of photography

The photography business can be a lucrative career for a creative photographer. Whether you take portraits, shoot weddings or photograph wildlife, there is a market for your photos. You must learn the business aspects--marketing, bookkeeping, ethical practices--in addition to knowing how to take standout photos.

I recommend: Photographer Dan Heller shares his insights about the business of photography on his website.  ImagingInfo.com is an online trade magazine for photography professionals.