The questions all new photographers ask

This was an idea i've been thinking about for a while, and my good buddy Mark Kumar just did a webinear that touched upon it.  If you just want to point and shoot then any camera will do but listed below are things to know if you want to have more control over your pictures, and make them fantastic.

The first thing that I would recommend is getting a good piece of glass.  Without a good lens you can not really take great photos.  What is a good lens you say, well that's what the pros use.  I've used many other name lens but since i use canon, i use the canon L lens.  These lens will take a beating and work perfectly with your camera.  If you use multiple lens with different makers you might get confused on which way to turn the barrel to zoom in and out, since some manufacturers change the direction.  As time goes on you will learn of the aperature and the bokeh that it creates.

The second thing to think about is what are you shooting.  This will help you decide the lens, but will also help you pick the camera body.  For example the 5dmark2 is a great camera for many things, but it does not burst as fast as other canons due to the fact that it's full frame.  If you are doing sports you can get away with a 7d or something a little cheaper then the 5dmark 2.  Now if you are doing a lot of low light then the 5d is your buddy.

After you get the camera and lens that you need, practice on your style.  What makes your photos different from anyone else.  Also be prepared for criticism, then take it to propel you forward.  And try to learn from local photographers or clubs in the area.  Learn the basics of your camera even if you have to watch youtube.  Then goto some workshops and seminears.  Most of the reading i have done points to 10,000 hours to get the eye for photography, and it's a grind.  Just keep at it.

Once you are great at taking photos, and learned how to work with light, then move on to editing or sub that work out to someone else.  Make a portfolio and then start your webpage. This process can take as long or as little as you want.  It's not about all the expensive stuff but as Mark says "the self confidence."