For ninjaxwrx -
I started Full Time photography a little over two yrs ago. I now do media and corporate work during the week and weddings on the weekends. During the week, I usually do about 2-3 gigs @ the standard rate of about $175 an hr (min two hrs) and on weekends, I charge around $3-4k for a day. I now have 37 weddings booked for 2009 and a half dozen for 2010.
If you want to get into photography as a career it has nothing to do with formal courses, degrees or certificates. It's about networking with the right ppl and knowing how to shoot in different conditions. Assuming you know how to use a camera (and I mean use it in every conceivable light condition) the hardest part if the business side to get the jobs. For weddings, it's all about your portfolio and how your photos (artistic side) aligns with the clients'. A top wedding photographer can easily charge 7-10k per wedding for a day's work and have 50+ weddings booked a year. Working only 50 days a year, it's extremely rewarding and also a job that is enjoyable to do.
To get the big jobs - advertising, commercial, fashion and editorial, you MUST have the best camera systems. People will tell you it's not the gear but rather, the photographer. I can tell you it's BOTH. For media and corporate work, gear demands aren't so constrained and you can get away with medium level SLR (50D, 5D, D300 etc). If you want to be at the top of your game though, and consistently shoot the best photos, then you'll need pro bodies and lenses with backups.
So where to start? Choose what field of photography you want to be in ... and then shoot shoot shoot. Try and find a mentor who will teach you and tell you harshly and bluntly where you are going wrong. Never ask friends what they think of your photos as they will all say it's awesome and looks great.
Once you have a portfolio in the field you want to specialise, then setup a website that looks professional and display your work. Then the hard bit.... advertising and marketing. You will find that since everyone wants to be a photographer (and not everyone is), word of mouth is probably the most important way of finding clients.
Shoot gigs for free (or cost), attend events, network on facebook, myspace etc (but keep it professional) and most important of all, get a professional's opinion on where your work is heading (not your friends).
I moved to Melbourne almost three years ago to start a finance business but I hated working in the field, so I left it to my sister who now runs the business. I'm now at my my dream job, working 30 days a yr and fucking around every other day
My website:
http://www.lumensphotography.com
Good luck mate