There are lots of photo opportunities, some of them don't work and even the opportunities that do work, will only work for some people.

Some people are happy taking wedding photos, or shooting sport. Others like to be out in the great outdoors capturing the magic light of dawn, or taking stock images for picture libraries. Some people are born to sell; others are terrified of trying to sell their work directly to say a gallery, or cold calling prospective clients. What's right for one person can be totally wrong for someone else.

Here are a few pointers that are worth bearing in mind:

1. Find something you're comfortable with and passionate about.

2. Match the business to your own strengths.

3. Look for multiple streams of income – have more than one source of income.

4. Carry on learning – the day you stop learning is the day you start to die. Take advice from successful people; you'll find most of them are happy to help.

One thing you must remember: it's not finding the best photo opportunity that's the really important thing; it's making it work. The successful business person is the one who makes a choice, sets some goals and then gets on with it; working at it until they are successful. You can do the same!

Some keys to making money are:

1. Give your business a professional image. Put yourself on a level footing with the big boys, even if you're only a one-person company.

2. Put the customer first. Take time and effort to look after your customers. You must be proud of your business and be happy to serve your clients.

3. Be market driven. Find out what the market wants.

4. Be ready for change and be prepared, for nothing is certain in business. Keep your eyes open and watch out for new trends and markets.

5. Learn not to waste money. Negotiate everything and run a tight ship, even when things are going well. At the same time realise that money invested wisely to improve the business, is money well spent.

6. Don't quit, believe in yourself and give everything your very best effort. Problems, new challenges, frustration, letdowns and mistakes are part of everyday business life. You must bounce back, learn from your mistakes and keep charging forward.

7. Realise that marketing is the key. Good marketing makes or breaks you.

Good luck with your photography business. Get out there … and just do it!