Gear, it's all about the gear, right? Sure you could do something with the equipment you have now, but if you had that new camera that you've been looking at, you really could get work done. Maybe if you could do that photo shoot in an actual studio with professional lighting, you would be more productive and consistent with your portrait photography. These are the things I thought to myself throughout the entire duration of being an amateur photographer and filmmaker. Over the better half of a decade, however, I have learned a vast amount about this craft, as well as things I wish I would have known when I began.
The most important piece to become a successful photographer or filmmaker - whether you are starting your own business or not - is to simply start. Practice makes perfect, and you can't get practice if you spend your time daydreaming about newer and better equipment. Back in the day, photography was not a very approachable hobby - film even more so. Today, however, nearly every individual on the planet has ready access to a camera through their smartphone. The barrier for entry has never been so low, which means there has never been so few reasons to not start NOW.
Having now done visual work in a myriad of areas and industries, I wish that I would have been more willing to try new things as I began growing my portfolio. I began my professional filmmaking journey by producing wedding videos, as well as working on portrait photography on the side. Simultaneously, I had multiple opportunities to produce work with corporate clients. These opportunities, most of which I refused initially, would have helped grow my network into far more industries than one. As they say, it's not about what you know, it's about who you know. Building a network is key in the early days as a creative, even if it means doing work that you do not have long term plans to do, or something outside of your comfort zone.
Photography and videography, being visual mediums, can't really be portrayed accurately on a resume. Yes, work experience and a client network can be important for creating new connections, but to showcase your work, you need a solid portfolio. Attempt to find a consistent theme or style in your work that sets yours apart, and carry that theme into a website, and even more importantly, social media pages. Especially regarding photography, Instagram is the most common ways for people to discover one's work, and begin a working relationship. A website is important, but most people will find their way to it through your social media, so make sure to give this the due time it deserves.
There are plenty more things I could explain and detail which I wish I knew as an amateur, however, I hope that these can be a springboard to point you in the right direction. Whether you are just starting out in the visual space, or attempting to refocus your goals and mindset, I hope that this helps.