I have read several blogs on tips to getting started as a Pro Photographer and most, if not all go on about what kit you need and what techniques to use and using Social Media etc and whilst there is some truth to this, the main point that is always missed is:
It's not about your APTITUDE, it's about your ATTITUDE, which will determine your ALTITUDE.

EH?
What does that mean?

It means in simpler terms: in order to become successful (altitude) in Photography or indeed ANY business, Clients aren't really interested in your technical skills and how many cameras you have (aptitude), they just want to trust that you will deliver exactly what they want, when they want it, with minimum fuss! (attitude)

Once you have built up your reputation and got regular work, then your style will develop and people will be interested in that but the bottom line is: People buy from People!

You may have won acclaim at University for your creative flair but if you can't deliver the goods to a deadline or if you give the clients what YOU want, then you won't be in business for long

So, how does one cultivate a professional attitude when your starting out?
Well, it's a very broad topic but I believe that it can all be boiled down to a single word: Preparation!

You need to know as much as you can about the job as you can: Where it is? Who/how many are going to be there? What is the brief?  Who are the main contacts? How long are you expected to be there? What format do they want the pictures,?When do the want them by?

Get as much information BEFORE even agreeing to the shoot as you can, as often people can smell a newbie and will often 'try it on' if they think you are inexperienced, By that I mean try and haggle the price down or ask for free extras, or get you stay longer etc.

I have had clients 'try it on' even after we have agreed a price! which is challenging and par for the course but if you can come across as Professional in your approach and attitude, then you  lessen the chances of that happening plus you could turn up with a Box Brownie and they won't care because YOU ARE IN CONTROL. 

Also, if you are asking lots of questions then clients are much more likely to assume that you are an experienced Pro and treat you accordingly.
When you are starting out and your confidence is still growing then thorough preparation will boost your confidence considerably
Confidence in your Photographic abilities is one thing, (which can only be achieved by shooting, shooting and more shooting; it's like learning to fly, you're only considered to be competent when you have done a certain amount of hours, so drop the book and pick up your camera and really get to know it, which is a whole separate issue for a future post!) but if you know exactly what is required of you and that you have agreed the fee before and got it in writing, whether that is just a record of your email exchanges or preferably an official contract which you can knock up yourself quite easily or download from any number of free sites, then you can relax on the shoot.

I did a shoot for BAFTA which was a big deal for me at the time but because I had made sure I knew exactly what sorts of pictures they were looking for, times, dates, venues, contact numbers and I had done a thorough 'recce' of the venue previously, I was able to stay calm,  professional and was able to enjoy the shoot on the day because I had all the bases covered

Another tip is to always have lots of spare cards and batteries for Flash and for your camera and ALWAYS take your own food and drink.
I am a Vegan so I am used to taking my own food places as most places don't have Soya Milk or much choice suitable food but even at a wedding reception, never assume they will feed you or that they food will be available when YOU need it, I would also take lots of fruit and healthy snacks as weddings in particular, especially of it's your first one, are completely exhausting both mentally and physically so you need to be on your A-game. 
You can have all the kit and experience but if you're hungry and thirsty then you are going to struggle.

Cultivating a Professional attitude and approach is essential for getting future work. The aim is to get at least 2 further jobs/bookings from every job you do: This is why your attitude is more important than your aptitude.

Think of yourself as a Businessman/woman who happens to be a Photographer, rather than the other way around.

Your aim is to make money, so you can sustain your business, invest in better kit and do what you love doing, it's not to show off fancy lighting techniques you have learned at University or impress them with your array of Kit, that's fine if you want to keep Photography as a hobby but if you want to go Pro then you have to change your attitude before you change your Kit!


A final tip I will leave you with, which I think will always stay true is
Always UNDER PROMISE AND OVER DELIVER!

An example of this could be: You are offered a straightforward Wedding for example, you have agreed on the package, price and you have got them to sign a contract. 
You think you can easily get all the proof pictures edited, logged and sent to the client to view within 2 weeks, BUT you tell the client 3 weeks. Then you do the shoot, do the post production and deliver the pictures a week early without stressing yourself out PLUS throw in a framed 10x8 B&W print of one of your favourite shots as a little gift from you.

Suddenly you have gone from a 5/10 to a 10/10 with very little extra cost or effort and will almost guarantee that the ecstatic couple will be telling everyone how great you are and nothing beats word of mouth advertising, even in these PPC Google adwords times.

So, in every area, Kit, Job and Personal: PREPARATION IS KEY.

Prepare and don't Despair!


Love, Light & Blessings

Spence