-Photography is a pretty competitive field these days, but as with anything, there's always room at the top. If she's interested in photography as "something to do", she probably won't get too far. If she's madly passionate about it (and has the talent to match), she could do quite well. It can be quite rewarding both creatively and financially. I'd suggest she go out and talk to working photographers to get a better feel for what it's all about.

-When I started photography school (www.nesop.com), I was informed that photographic studios are third type of business most likely to go out of business (Restaurants took first place, I forget what was second place).

That said, there's ALWAYS money to be made as a photographer; you just have to have a realistic idea of your goals. Not everyone gets to be a Richard Avedon or an Ansel Adams. But just about anybody with a little training, experience, experimentation, and, MOST OF ALL, determination can make at least some money.

Some "professional" photographers have "straight jobs" during the week and work as photographers on weekends. They may transition into being full-time photographers after their businesses have been up and running for a while. Others are lucky enough to exist solely as photographers from the start. Ultimately, remember that no one ever succeeded by preparing for failure.