On Becoming a Photographer - full-time and self-employed

My questions for you are this:
Do you enjoy your job, what's some pros/cons?
Yes. I love my job.
Pros:
1) I'm always learning and being creative
2) I get to spend lots of time with people and I meet new people ALL THE TIME!
3) I have a flexible schedule - there is no 9-5 (I don't like to have the same thing every day, I love that life changes...but I've gotten REALLY GOOD at using my calendar)
4) my photography "seasons" come and go (so I get some "down time" as well as a busy season)...lots of others, too.

Cons:
1) Being self-employed means everyone is your boss...you serve your clients and if you don't do it right, you loose business.
2) Your schedule really depends on what other people need - my summers are super busy and I'm booked almost every weekend.
3) When you have "seasonal work" you also have seasonal pay.
4) You are not only a photographer, but you are an accountant, graphic designer, costume picker-outer (for almost 80% of your portrait clients!), and office staff and you are CONSTANTLY working. There is no 9-5


How does one become a professional photographer as far as education/degree stuff?
I have a degree in Art Education. For me, this was a well-rounded degree. I train several photographers each year and my education degree has really helped me. If I were to do it over again, or go back, I'd get a double-major in Graphic Design and Business...but that would take a lot of work. I have really had to make up things and learn from talking with other photographers for the most part.

Would you recommend this career?
I would recommend photography as a career. My best advice though is to work for another photographer, someone you really admire and want to "be like when you grow up". Learn about the Art, the people-skills, and the business as much as you can. I worked for Kelly Brown Weddings for four years and I still entertain the idea of working for her again...it was an amazing and growing experience. I am really glad that I did it for so long because we worked through all kinds of things and I learned more than I would have any other way.


Where did you go to college? Did you take specific courses for Photography or did you simply fall into the job?
I went to Northwestern in Rsvl. I only have had 2 photography classes EVER! I took several graphic design classes while I was in college, but things change so quickly!

My first wedding was in 1999 and it was a friend's wedding in Rochester, NY. They asked me to do a slideshow for their MN reception and take candids that day. I LOVED it and they used my photos instead of their professional photographer's photos! I thought, "I can do this!" and I did. Then, I worked for Kelly for four years as I went to school and taught. The fourth year, my business was so busy and I was teaching full-time. I had 34 weddings that year. So, I quit teaching and quit working for Kelly. I shot 24 the next year on my own! Then, I was pregnant and shot 15 (by choice) and this year, I'm at 19 for myself and one for my associate photographer. I'm already booking for next year. God has truly blessed me.


What kind of camera do you use? Digital or Film?
Canon 5D
Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 30D (back up)
I shoot all digital. That's another LOOOOOOONG story.

I hope that is helpful.
Please, keep sending your questions. I love to chat with you all.
If anyone has other comments on this, please leave them! I'd love to hear from you.
ali