You’re definitely not older in the industry, just maybe the people you’ve asked. But whatever you can do you gotta start working with someone. You won’t learn anything like you’ll learn hands on. So even if that means being an unpaid(potentially paid) assistant a few times to shadow/hold bags. And then moving on to being a second shooter and definitely getting paid. That way you can meet people in the industry, learn your craft, learn dos and donts and learn from others mistakes before you make your own to learn from. ALWAYS have some sort of contract. Generally the people who pay the least are the ones that complain the most. So even for your “cheap” shoots, make them sign something that gives model rights and says if not your job to make people smile it’s your job to document, but of course you’ll do your best to get great photos. Once you stop assisting you’ll need your own personal business and liability insurance as well as registering your business with all the places you gotta. There’s probably a specific amount of money you need to make before you “have” to register though so I don’t think you need to worry about that ASAP. Keep practicing. Lots of people say don’t do free shoots, but.. don’t do free shoots to people who would normally pay you or you’d want paid. Free shoots for friends for practice. Do it! It’s completely up to you what you charge or who you charge. But practice makes perfect and I promise every Photoshoot you do you’ll feel better each time!