Becoming a Wedding Photographer

On occasion I will write a blog entry for the ‘Puget Sound Wedding Professionals’ group blog - Bridal 4-1-1.  They are starting a series; ‘Becoming a wedding _________’ (fill in the blank: photographer, florist, planner, etc).  The entry below was my contribution.  You can click on the Bridal 4-1-1 link to see other informative wedding planning type entries.

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Many times I get the impression that those wanting to get into wedding photography think it’s an easy way to make big money and that it’s going to be one big party.  Before I go into ‘becoming a wedding photographer’ I’m going to share how I ‘fell’ into this profession.  It actually started with an offer to photograph my nieces wedding.  I refused several times, they repeatedly offered and finally sweetened the deal and I said yes. 

Immediately, I started reading everything I could get my hands on about wedding photography, and I also spent a considerable amount of time studying the work of other wedding photographers.   The exhilaration, the adrenalin rush of the wedding day is what inspired and motivated me into starting my own business.  I think to this day that it was my sheer eagerness and JOY of the field that propelled me and not aspirations of making big money or parties.  When I talk to other successful wedding photographers I often hear the same thing, this is a career that brings them joy and often times the first weddings were those of friends or family.

Since that first wedding, I have learned a lot from experience and from talking to other wedding professionals who were willing to offer some guidance.

Let’s get this out there:  Great camera’s don’t make great photographers!  Learn photography before anything else.  A wedding photographer is responsible for capturing the most precious moments in life, and a wedding is NOT the place to learn photography!  As a wedding photographer you are expected to know your camera intimately, to be a master of your chosen craft.  Unfortunately having a new camera doesn’t automatically make you an efficient and reliable photographer.  Learn composition and develop your artistic vision. 

Things don’t end once you’ve photographed a wedding.  In fact it’s after the wedding that the work starts.  I’ve heard from several photographers who have said that for every hour shooting at a wedding it will require about 2 additional hours in post production work.  This means learning and mastering digital workflow, processing the RAW images, file management, image correction, color management and enhancement.  Even great images often need a little something more. It’s pretty much expected you’ll be doing some correction. Don’t think you can shoot and burn and get a reputation for great work.

LOVE photography more than anything else.  Don’t come into the wedding photography field filled with aspirations of making BIG money.  While it’s true, there are many successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money.  Many of those photographers are also successful speakers, teachers, mentors, etc. to other wedding photographers.  According to the Professional Photographers of America, the average photographer in America makes about $24,000.00 a year. 

When you start photographing a wedding learn to focus on QUALITY vs. quantity.  Is there really a need to take 2000 photos per hour?  No bride is going to want the quantity, they much rather have the heartfelt and beautiful images.  Think about your shots, look for the special moments.  Keep your eyes and heart open to capture the unique and beautiful moments that naturally occur during the day.  Remember that long after you have moved on, your photographs will last forever and will someday be viewed by future generations of that family. 

During the wedding day, keep moving even if your tired of being on your feet for 8 plus hours, you need to be ready and alert what is happening around you.  There is a fine line you need to learn as to when you hide and become ninja like and when you get out and interact with the guests.  Knowing this will produce some wonderful images of the day.  Experience is going to be your best instructor on this.  Starting off as an assistant for a photographer would give you an edge on this, you can learn by observing the pro and by asking them questions after the event.

There is an old rule for the successful photographer and it’s one I admit that I still struggle with to this day.  The rule is “80% business, 20% photography”  Sometimes it feels like it’s 90% business and only 10% photography.  Unfortunately if you want to make photography your business you have to be much more than a photographer while still excelling at offering your customers great images.  If you want to get hired you need to sell yourself, make your customers happy and promote your abilities.  Being a great photographer is much more than clicking that shutter!  If you aren’t ready to handle the business end of photography, you can always work with other photographers.

Lastly learn something new everyday by taking classes, reading or getting out with your camera.  Join different photography groups.  There are many professional photography organizations that offer different levels of membership based on your skills and knowledge.  Some worth checking out:  Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Wedding Portrait Professionals International (WPPI).  Attend their workshops, seminars, and meetings.  Learn and share tips, techniques from other professionals in the industry.  Never stop learning. Always practice, observe and study.

There is so much to share when talking about becoming a wedding photographer.  It IS a joyous and rewarding career.  If you decide to pursue wedding photography, always remember that as a wedding photographer you’re in a service business.  Always serve your clients with care and attention to detail that you would expect on your own wedding day or daily life for that matter!

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That was what I shared.  If you are interested in learning more about wedding photography, I will to the best of my abilities answer any questions you may have.  I can be reached at info@familyaffairphotography.   Also, feel free to share any thoughts below in the comment field.