1. How to run a photography business
2. How to reject crappy work
3. That digital photography would take over the world and all my film skills would become unappreciated by most.
4. To keep doing what I want instead of taking corporate desk job. no matter what.
5. To live in a city where the market actually exist for photographers.

1. How to run a photography business
I had no idea how to do this. I had to read in books, try to copy other business models, and 10 years later, I am still learning how to do this.

2. How to reject crappy work
As difficult as it may be, try to stick with your area of expertise and most importantly what you really love doing. For me, I love doing portrait, documentary and editorial work. But as it turned out, I was accepting work from all venues just to make ends meet. If you are not careful, this approach will destroy your love for photography. Careful there.

3. That digital photography would take over the world and all my film skills would become unappreciated by most.
This is pretty self explanatory. This is also why some of my upcoming project involve 4×5 view cameras, an old Bronica 6×7, a Nikon FM, lots of Tri-X film, lots of polaroid type-55 film (I am running out and I am afraid I won’t find a new box of this awesome stuff)

4.To keep doing what I want instead of taking corporate desk job. no matter what.
It’s already too late for me, but if you are starting out, persevere. Don’t take a desk job. You’ll get comfortable, and you will lose your drive to be an awesome photographer. I’m still fighting the consequences. It is not easy.

5. To live in a city where the market actually exist for photographers.
Truth is, there is probably a market in every no-name town out there, but it is challenging to make a name when nobody really cares about great images. It is even more challenging to make contacts that will want you so bad, they will have you travel for the shoots. Again, If you are starting out, and you have a choice, pick a big city where there is a demand, This is a field where competition actually drives the need for a unique style.