My industry is not much more different than yours with respect to how the world views us.
It's easy, right? – Be your own boss? – Make the big bucks?
It takes years of training AND experience to consistently develop a brand that puts you at the forefront of peoples minds when they need a real estate agent. It's the same in the photography business.
20+ years ago I worked for a photographer who would say "Image is everything." I'd say he was right then and even more so now. Potential clients are going to base decisions on your credibility via first impressions.
83% of home buyers say photos are "very useful". What they are really saying is; clear, sharp, square (no leaning walls) photos that GIVE INFORMATION are very useful. And those yellow/orange interior photos? Or, those over processed HDR smoke damaged gritty photos are exactly what's wrong with my industry.