Hello dear

The best way, but not necessarily the fastest, is two-fold:

Devise an in-depth and comprehensive course of study of photography. This can be a formalized education at a university or school for photography, or it can be a mix of online courses, workshops, learning from books, etc. Whatever you can afford and whatever best fits your temperament and personality is fine (if you choose a self-study course, you need to be very disciplined). Whatever you choose, you need to make sure you are shooting and editing work every day, and developing a practice of constantly honing your skills. You also need a feedback mechanism—and I don’t mean an audience of sycophantic friends on Facebook. You need true critical feedback in order to grow. In a college/school situation, this will come from your professors but in a self course of study it may come from various mentors that you cultivate in the area you live in—photographers and editors who will take the time to give you honest feedback regularly.

The best and most efficient way to learn the business of photography and be successful is to assist a successful professional photographer, usually for a couple of years (but not too much more than that). You’ll learn how they prepare for shoots, deal with clients, work with others, do marketing and solve problems that come up constantly. Things you wouldn’t have ever thought to ask. This is your apprenticeship phase. It’ll help propel you farther and faster than you ever could go on your own.

Good luck!