Finding your niche--where you fit best takes time and diligence--that's what I am learning. But I am glad to offer anything I can to you, artists, to speed up your process of finding your niche.
What would I wish I would have known when I first started out? ....A LOT! mostly that being myself is okay and even essential to your success--I don't have to exactly replicate someone I admire. Instead, understand your strengths and then run with it! Do what you love, and do it well. Don't try to be all things for all people. A good read--reading is ALWAYS good--"Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham.
I wish I would have known about all the sweet Photoshop resources available to photographers instead of re-inventing the wheel and doing things the hard way.
I also wish I would have taken business classes from the start. A huge percentage of photography is business, as much as I would love to say it's all art and passion, it's not. It's knowing how to budget, knowing legalities of running a business; it's understanding cost of sales and profitable pricing, the art of selling...the list goes on.
Last, focus. And re-focus. Focus on what you are good at, and narrow your market to that. Also take time to focus on skills or concepts you need to improve or grow in.
Hopefully this isn't overwhelming...always take advice with a grain of salt. Figure out how to translate what you learn from others into your specific situation, your market, and your personality, so that you are always true to yourself.
I leave you with Judy Garland's words: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
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