I'm an amateur photographer. Where do I start?

I'm an amateur photographer and want to start a freelance photography business. Where should i start? What camera should i start with? what equipment do i need and where can i get more information Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Have you set a budget for yourself, it's not cheap for good equipment. Chose a good body, like the Canon XTi for example, it offers many features or should I say lots of bang for the buck. Next up is your optics, I love my Tamron 18-250 Macro zoom, very versatile and mine is mounted 90% of the time to my XTi. And you'll need a good flash/speedlite and if you chose a Canon DSLR model, the 580EX II is on the top of the list, runner up is the 580EX then the 480EX. I spent the extra cash for the EXII because I demand the best.

I hope this was helpful but you can also check out the new & used gear at, www.bhphotovideo.com

monster.com look around there you might be able to get somewhere

If you want to make money you'll have to pick one of the following occupations:

- commercial photographer
- wedding photographer
- portrait photographer (including pet)
- photojournalist or editorial photographer (including sports)
- event photographer
- travel photographer (though increasingly you have to write as well)
- fine artist

The equipment you need will depend on which you pick.

HTH.

Look at the camera you have now. What do you need to improve your photography with it? Do you want to use film or digital SLR's? Pentax is good for film and Canon/ Nikon are great for digital. Most DSLR's are good, because they're all competing with eachother.
Now think what do you want to take photos of? Then decide what lenses you'll need. I recommend wide-angle, telephoto, and prime lenses.
Then you should start a business course to help get your photography business off the ground.
It is a very competitive industry, especially for wedding, fashion and band related photography. That doesn't mean it's impossible to make a career out of it.
If you plan on doing studio work get some lighting, a reflector and some external flashes.

start reading everything you can on the internet.
start with cnet.com
then go to yahoo search
type photography basics