Many of you have heard me talk about the old school apprentice model, where artists studied for years under an experienced photographer, or commission painter before ever daring to strike out on their own. 

These years provided the opportunity to see behind the curtain and learn both what to do, and more importantly what NOT to do. This saved lots of wasted time and effort on the student's part. It also saved many people from quitting or venturing out into full time practice altogether, because they determined that it was, or was not, the life they really wanted to pursue. 

With the digital revolution came a lower barrier to entry and BOOM...photographers everywhere! No longer was it a requirement to spend years under the tutelage of a studio owner in order to start a photography business. 

But with this change, we as an industry lost the expectation that we as artists/business owners should find someone to show us the ropes. We are having to make the expensive...