I professional crapper, counted?
There are photographers in here, that has spent $20K easily on photography, and they're happy with it for just their leisure and interests.
They don't seek to earn back what they spent via cash, but rather, by the images they capture. If you seek so much to earn back what you've spent on a hobby, perhaps, it might no longer be a hobby for you.
So many here are so concerned about earning back what they spend and trying to look so damn blardy pro, but they can only produce so-so work. Are they even proud of what they can produce?
Look at the nature birding fellas, it's a hobby, they trek mountains, wake up at 3am to catch the first light where the birds will start the day, spend hundreds of hours just observing the birds.
Is it really a must to earn back via cash means? I think they have the best satisfaction when they get the shot they want. That's the means to earn back.