When I started photography, I worked under someone, so I was able to make money right away. Not everyone will have that situation, so most people start by doing a few free or low-cost shoots to build a portfolio. That is completely normal. It is just a way to show your style and get experience before charging.
You do not need to take a course to learn editing. I learned through YouTube and TikTok, and through having a mentor. There is so much free information out there if you actually use it.
For gear, you technically can start around one thousand dollars if you get a basic used setup. Realistically, most people end up between two to four thousand to feel confident. A good camera and lens, SD cards, external hard drive, and Lightroom. And always back everything up. That was one of the first things my mentor told me.
When I was building this, I worked around twenty to twenty five hours a week. Weddings are full days, but editing is flexible and you control your schedule. The biggest thing in the beginning is communication. Responding fast matters. People want someone reliable who makes them feel comfortable.
Income is not the same every month in the beginning. South Florida helps because there is basically no slow season here, but it still goes up and down. My first year part-time I made around forty to fifty thousand. I hit six-figure profit around year three.
You can edit from anywhere, but you do need to physically be where the shoot is. Later, you can scale with associate photographers or by offering things like presets or mentorships. But at the start, it is just about getting experience, building trust, and showing up consistently.
I hope this helps if you are starting out.