Top 5 Things My Photography Teacher Never Taught Me.

English: Hotel photographer and a hotel guest in an Hotel in Konaklı, Alanya, Turkey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. The value of proper communication. You need to communicate with your subjects in an understandable manner so you can get them to do what you want.
4. People will look to you to lead them. In a group setting, you are the photographer and people will look to you to take charge. Don't disappoint them.
3. The dangers of speculation. Decide how much you are willing to speculate with your photos and then don't change it no matter how much they beg you. Additional photos always need to be paid up front.
2. The value of continuous education. Since everyone seems to think they are a professional photographer these days, it is very important for a true professional to offer more and do more than others can't. Keep learning new photo techniques and new marketing skills.
1. You represent your business 24/7.  It's nice to be able to put your life in various compartments. For example this is my work life and then my after work life. Unfortunately, as a photographer you have a very public profession where you deal with the vanity of subjects every day. Keep your image clean. I can tell you, I know of many so-called "fashion photographers" who are in the business just to meet a beautiful model. If you are a fashion photographer, always have other people around you when you work. Remember, your reputation is EVERYTHING.