re age and the need to earn money meaning the dream drifting away.....do you have a crystal ball?really you dont know whats going to happen.
myself-what i earn from photography is a bit of tax compared to a "successfull"photographer...parr,knight,rankin, or other millionaires like that!but its not neccessarily a good thing for me/ my work to be comfortable..i spent a year swanning round st.germain...not that i didnt work..i made my book in paris..but really i dont want to be in an ivory tower...
putting your work first before everything...is painfull but do you really want to be on your death-bed thinking i wish id done this or i wish id done that...whats money and a mortgage gona mean to you then?
its about faith-faith in your self as a photographer i wish you well.

Hi Patch!

If fashion photography is your thing - then you might have to reconsider your location. You don't have to be in London..... but in my experience, it's a highly collaborative process involving many people with different skills - stylists, makeup, hair, models.... and access to the fashion too! Sorry if I sound like I'm just stating the obvious! Also, having other artists around is invaluable - for motivation and to nut out ideas and critique each other's work too.

I agree with Shaw about the death-bed scenario! (Always a good one).

Just exaust all possibilities before you even consider resorting to plan b......It's amazing how the universe throws doors open that you didn't even know were closed before you tried them!!

Good luck!

Its a matter of taste, people have different taste so find those clients who have similar taste as you...find editorials which speaks the same visual language as you and who knows you will be hired. Sometimes its not just your portfolio, its your attitude as well.... but never ever kill your passion, you lived only once in your life, you need something to worth living for.