How did YOU get started as a professional photographer?

[~Raven~]

I would say first off to do a short course to learn how to use your camera manually if you don't know already. A whole new world of creative possibilities opens up for you once you know that. You don't need to spend a lot. I did a short course at my local community centre for less that $100 and spent the next 4 years practicing...practicing...practicing before biting the bullet and doing more specialist courses.

You haven't said what type camera you have either. If you don't have an SLR/DSLR already then maybe aim for a good mid range one. The entry level ones are fine but you may outgrow them quickly or find the lack of functions frustrating.

Also find out if you have a local camera club and join it!

Then there is photoshop, which is something else entirely