Tough one today, especially for newbies.
Back in the 70s to 90s it was easier. Few could shoot on film and magazine editors and DVD companies were always on the look out for people who could shoot good content with new models. They were all willing to see someone they thought could help them fill their needs and a pleasure to deal with. Even I could make sales in the amateur to teen markets.
Today I suppose there are 3 ways to sell content.
Shooting for your own paysite. You will know what you want to create, what your members like and go from there. The only problem is unless you're a genius it will all start to look the same after a while. Buying in to mix the site up and still keep it within the sites niche/style might be an option. For many it's simply not. They shoot such a small niche few places to buy it. So if you're shooting for your own paysite try to keep it as varied as possible.
Shooting custom. You need to have something to show your skills off, you need to have a good steady supply of girls, you need to have a large location or access to one. Don't just post on a board you can get girls to shoot and expect people to drop who they're giving their business to take you on. Get to the shows and network. Try to talk to everyone and listen to what they need.
Content stores and brokering. Used to be a good earner for those who could shoot a certain standard. Contrary to the myth that was spread the content was not "saturated" otherwise a lot of people would not of closed their content stores to shoot custom. But the sales keep coming in and even in hard times when many are dropping out there is money to be made. It depends on how well you've taken in what you have learned and developed a style people want.
Selling BG or GG are easier than selling solo most of the time. Shooting solo is easier than shooting couples and often a lot cheaper.
If you try brokering your content, get your it on as many stores as possible. They will prefer it exclusive, but the returns are in you getting your investment back from as many places as possible.
ANY QUESTIONS?