Once in while we receive e-mails from aspiring or beginner wedding photographers asking us for advise on how to become successful in the wedding field. Our first question is always what their motivation is to become a wedding photographer. A couple will reply that they heard from somebody that it is easy money, or that they got a cool camera that takes great photos or that they would like to make some money on the side etc. While it is true that wedding photography can be a very profitable business achieving success in the wedding industry is not just a matter of getting a camera and start shooting. Wedding photography involves artistic talent, prediction, human sense, complete knowledge of photographic techniques, business knowledge, marketing, and a strong desire to learn and deliver the best to the wedding couple.
Here we have summarized some points that we believe will guide beginner wedding photographers:
1. Learn photography before anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a “master of the craft”. You will be in charge of capturing people’s most precious life moments. The wedding day is not the place to learn photography
.
2. Just because you got a brand new camera it does not automatically make you an effective and reliable photographer (Sorry to sound harsh
). Photography goes beyond cool toys and gadgets. Learn composition and develop a unique artistic vision and style.
3. Master your own digital workflow, including color management, digital image processing, file management and image correction and enhancement.
4. Learn to love photography more than anything else. Don’t come to the wedding photography field with just dreams of making money. It is true that there are many successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money, but they are started somewhere.
5. Focus on delivering quality more than quantity. Seek with all your heart to capture unique photographs.
6. Develop a style that is recognizable and unique. Don’t try to be like somebody else. Clients look for unique photographers, with a unique vision.
7. Give wedding photography all your heart and effort. Long when you are gone your photographs will last forever. It is a great way to be remembered.
8. Open your heart and your mind and great photos will happen. Concentrate on the human aspect of weddings, the details, and emotions and be ready to capture them. Let the camera become an extension of you.
9. Share your technical knowledge, make connections with other wedding photographers and learn from others.
10. Participate in wedding photography image competitions. It will give you the opportunity to have your work evaluated by peers and the motivation to improve your work quality.
11. Try to learn something new everyday. Take advantage of professional photography organizations such as Professional Photographers of Canada (PPC), WPPI, etc. Attend their seminars, workshops. Participate in Internet wedding photography forums and learn and share tips, tools and techniques. (Though, we’ll admit this isn’t absolutely necessary, it won’t hurt to join!)
12. Don’t neglect the business aspect of wedding photography. Learn to manage your business effectively, learn what your cost of living and business are when making your prices.
We find that taking wedding photos can be a challenge, but it is also one of the most rewarding things we have done, as we have played a crucial part in helping the couple capture those precious memories.
Check back soon! 81 days until wedding season!
- Whitney & Dylan
En Vogue Photography | En Vogue Photography Blog | Join our facebook fan page!
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show hide 6 comments
wedding band - Congratulations, you look great together.
John Amunét - Fantastic article! Good little tips and pointers and good reminders about the core of why I got into this to begin with. Thanks a ton!
Electric Lighting : - wedding bands that perform with classical instruments are the best! “
Desirée - Thanks for this article… I was just about to send you an e-mail asking just this, when I thought I might find it on your site already.
I actually never thought wedding photography was for me, but in Holland it is the most common form of photography and as a beginning photographer you have to start somewhere. But then I saw your pictures… now, thát I like! That way, wedding photography might be for me after all… So thanks!
120mm fan - ,*” I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information ~”‘
Indra - Hi there. Just thought that your article and inspiring, and I would like to let you know that I have translated it to Indonesian to be shared with fellow photographers.
I have credited both of you in the article. If you somehow mind with the article, I will gladly take it down on request.
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing such a great tips for wedding photographers.