This is exactly why I think there should be a license to be a photographer. Commercial, architectural, food photographers etc. don't seem to have this problem because the market is much more discerning in regards to quality and value.

The portrait photography industry though is in such a sorry state. All those clients you listed that were unprepared for their sessions and didn't know what to expect or how to be comfortable in front of the camera, it was because they were hiring an amateur. Yes YOU are learning and that comes with practice. So many people pick up photography this way and skate by because nothing "bad" comes of it.

But think about how nice it would be if everyone only dealt with real professionals. Clients would be educated about photography because they would be forced to hire professionals who were qualified to prepare them and perform the tasks professionally. Amateur photographers can still gain experience through apprenticeship, like any other industry. The public at large wouldn't have this misconception that photography is something easy that "anybody can do" because their only interactions with photographers would be with licensed, full-time, dedicated individuals who have studied their craft as well as built a proper business. Just like electricians, contractors, mechanics, or any other skilled trade.

Sure, people can still DIY or hire their uncle who likes to tinker with cars, but the impression of professional photography would be held to a much higher standard, potential clients would have better expectations and photographers themselves would know what the fuck they were doing before accepting money from people who don't know the difference. Ugh now I'm all riled up.