Photography is a great hobby, and can be a great way to make a living, too. Whether you plan to do it for fun or profit, it's much easier to get started and more rewarding in the long run if you follow a few simple tips. I'll list some of them in this article in the hope that they'll help newcomers will enjoy the journey more.

1. Start with the equipment that suits you and your budget. It isn't necessary to have the newest, biggest or best camera gear available to enjoy photography, or to take good quality photos. There are several high-quality, entry-level DSLRs and kit lenses that will do the job and save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you have a big budget, then by all means go for the top of the line. Otherwise, buy the best you can afford and learn to get the most out of it.
   
   
2. A tripod or monopod is a must-have item. Few things are as important to creating a great shot as stability. Sure, your new DSLR will let you shoot at ISO6400, but removing noise from shots taken at high ISO settings is a lot of work. No matter how stable you think you are, your camera will prove you wrong in all kinds of shooting situations. Leave room in the budget for a tripod or monopod.
   
   
3. Learn the basics. No matter what you intend to do with your photography, there's no substitute for knowing the basics of exposure, lighting and composition. If you're letting your camera do all the work, you're a tourist, not a photographer.
   
   
   
4. Get to know your equipment. The finest tool is worthless to a person who doesn't know how to use it. A tool in the hands of a craftsperson that knows how to use it is an extension of that person. Read the instruction manuals for your equipment and keep them on hand. Practice using the controls until you can find them without looking.
   
   
5. Keep your camera bag with you. You never know when a photo opportunity is going to come up. The only sure way to be prepared for them is to have your gear with you. Sure, it's a little more trouble and you might even have to pack it around the grocery store, etc. if you're concerned about theft, but having that perfect shot right in front of you and no way to take it is a terrible feeling. Trust me; I've been there.
   
   
6. Fuel your passion. Staying inspired is one of the keys to success in any creative endeavor and photography is no exception. Keep up with what your favorite photgraphers are doing. Join a few groups and share ideas and photos with other photographers. Read some photography magazines. The best exercise for the creative thought process is input. Here's a great source of inspirtation I highly recommend.
   
   
7. Push yourself. Never, ever hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. One of the best things about photography is that there are always new challenges to open yourself up to and you can't help but learn from facing challenges. Remember, there's no such thing as failure; you succeed or you learn.
   
   
8. Find learning resources. The number of resources available is unlimited in our time, and learning more about photography has never been easier. Here's a great place to start.
   
   
9. Always have fun. This really should be a no-brainer, but whether you choose photography as a line of work or just a casual hobby, there's no point in doing it if you're not having fun. A dull project will yield dull results. If a photography niche doesn't make you want to get up and start shooting, it's probably not for you. It's a simple formula: find what you enjoy and do it!
   
   
10. Remember that there are opportunities indoors and out. Don't limit yourself to studio work or to work in the field, at least not while you're starting out. You may love landscape photography, but there's a great market for stock and product photos that you can shoot right in your own home, too. On the other side of the coin, studio portraits can be rewarding, but if you haven't tried natural light portraits outdoors, you're limiting your own creativity and inhibiting the learning process.
    
    
11. Be consistent, not redundant. Practice makes perfect. The more you repeat the steps that lead to successful photos, the more they'll become second nature. However, experimentation is a wonderful way to learn new things. While you're doing what works, don't be afraid to try something that might work better.
    
    
12. Aim high. The surest way to achieve nothing is to strive for nothing. (Pretty philosophical, don't you think?) Set your goals above what you think you're capable of and enjoy the satisfaction when you reach them.

Are you still here? Go shoot something!