If a picture's worth a thousand words, how much is a good photographer worth?

The answer to this question is not easily uncovered, yet a number of tips and tricks can surely impact the level of compensation a photographer receives for his or her work. As with any profession, starting out in an entry-level position, making peanuts is typically the first step, but with the right skills and some helpful knowledge, you don't have to stay there long.

Photographed by Al Sadr

Digital cameras and digital camera accessories can rack up a fairly hefty tab when it comes to finances and paying off the bills. To offset this sizable cost, learn as much as you can about your particular camera so you can make the most of positive financial opportunities.

• Take photographs for a local newspaper. For extra cash, consider writing an article to go along with your photo feature.

• Capture high-impact images for a glossy magazine.

• Enter your photos in contests online or otherwise.

• Photograph weddings and special events.

• Shoot great shots of athletic events, hook your camera up to a printer onsite and sell copies of your prints to the athletes for a buck or two.

• Take portrait shots for little league, t-shirt soccer and other kids' athletics organizations.

• Capture the highlights of your vacations on digital media and later sell these photos to Web sites, marketing or advertising companies or other media outlets as a representation of the destination.

• Create your own art and branded products with your photos in an online marketplace venue likeCafePress.com.

Even if you don't have a particular market in mind, shoot as many photos as often as you can. Create a well-organized photo storage area and burn all your images to CD for safekeeping. Order premium quality prints of your favorite shots and design a portfolio you can show to prospective clients and employers. Finally, keep your chin up and pursue all your options. You'll be sure to find some work in no time!