If you have a passion for photography and a love for weddings, becoming a professional wedding photographer could be a great fit for you. However, if you’re just starting out, securing your first bookings and building your experience, knowledge, and artistry can be challenging.
You might already have experience in photography, perhaps in fashion, landscapes, or headshots, but weddings are different. They are live events with many moving parts, and you have only one chance to capture each moment.
How Do I become a Photographer?
The wedding photography industry is extremely competitive. Many photographers who have been in the business for years have continually evolved and improved their craft, becoming experienced and established. However, there are also those who start out, struggle, and charge very low prices to attract clients, only to retire because the business wasn’t financially viable.
Passion and motivation are crucial. You need determination to make it work, a commitment to learning and improving, and a focus on your own style and vision. When starting out, it’s important to persist despite challenges in securing your first clients. Keep working, practising, and pushing forward. It may be a struggle, and it will require hard work and possibly a bit of luck, but if this is your passion, stick with it and keep going.
Starting out
Truth be told, it’s not an easy job for newcomers in this field. The market is competitive, with many photographers offering a range of styles and price points for couples to choose from. Therefore, it’s crucial to find and perfect your own style.
You can use Instagram for inspiration, but it’s important to decide what style of photos you like, what looks good to you, and how you want to capture the day. Your style may be unique and different from others, but as long as couples love it, they will be interested in hiring you.
Fstoppers have put together this video on how to become a wedding photographer and why you should. A great video and certainly worth watching.
It’s important to note that while a quality camera is essential for good photography, it alone won’t guarantee you bookings or make you a professional wedding photographer. The camera is just a tool; what truly sets you apart is your art, skill, style, experience, and knowledge – and your ability to market yourself.
When starting out, be true to yourself. Find and develop your own style rather than copying others. Seek inspiration but focus on cultivating your unique approach. Instead of concentrating on the number of photos, prioritise high-quality images and work on building your reputation and style.
Believe in yourself and your value. When seeking those initial bookings, present yourself as a professional with confidence and not as someone who is just starting out and desperate for work.
Getting experience
Not focusing solely on the money but striving to be a professional is key, but how do you gain that valuable experience? Start by creating a website and establishing a presence on Instagram. Share photos that reflect your style and work on building your brand.
Reach out to wedding photographers in your area whose style aligns with yours and inquire about opportunities to work as a second shooter. This can provide valuable experience and help you learn from established professionals.
If you’re attending a family or friend’s wedding, ask if you can take some photos for them. These can be used in your portfolio and shared on Instagram and your website. Enjoy the day as a guest, but seize the chance to capture some great shots.
Consider collaborating with other wedding professionals to organise a styled shoot. Suppliers might provide dresses, finishing touches, and a venue in exchange for the use of your photos. This can help build your portfolio and expand your network.
Advice from the professionals
All professional wedding photographers with years of experience started out in the same position: with no experience and just beginning in the industry. Here is some advice from those who have been there:
Alexa Poppe
www.alexapoppeweddingphotography.com
What advice would you give to wedding photographers starting out?
I highly recommend gaining experience first by working as an assistant with an experienced wedding photographer. Even if you consider yourself a skilled photographer, weddings present entirely new challenges. Remember, a wedding is not the place to practice your skills, as there is no room for mistakes. You’re capturing a couple’s lifetime memories, which can’t be repeated if something goes wrong.
Gaining experience in the wedding industry will also build your confidence when dealing with future clients. Additionally, I suggest doubling up on your equipment—get a spare camera, spare batteries, and so on. There’s nothing worse than equipment failure!
Make sure to allow twice as much time to get to the venue; you never know if you might get stuck in traffic. Arriving early gives you a relaxed start to the day and allows you to explore the venue for potential shots.
What tips do you have for getting those first bookings without having to do it for free?
It’s easy to get stuck in the ‘cheap photographer’ category if you keep your prices low to secure those initial bookings. Once you’ve established a client base at that lower price range, it will be challenging to raise your prices later. Instead, start with a mid-range pricing strategy. Research what other photographers in your area charge and offer an average price, but include some extras like free prints, albums, or a complimentary engagement shoot.
Build a strong portfolio and website by photographing weddings for family and friends first. The most important thing is to gain a good reputation and make your name known. Aim to get featured in magazines and blogs. The more your name appears, the more confidence potential clients will have in booking you.
What did you wish you knew before starting out?
As mentioned, it’s a highly competitive business. It’s not just about photographing, editing, and meeting clients. You’ll also spend a significant amount of time on online marketing. Additionally, you’ll often work when your friends and partner are off, as most weddings are on weekends and bank holidays.
However, if you enjoy capturing moments, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs. Receiving positive feedback from a couple always puts a big smile on my face. I don’t just see it as a photoshoot, but as recording memories that will last a lifetime.
Matt Selby
www.mattselbyphotography.co.uk
What advice would you give to wedding photographers starting out?
I’d say it’s crucial to invest all your time, effort, and energy into learning and improving. You have to live and breathe it. Constantly shoot, experiment, break rules, set challenges and goals, and most importantly, enjoy what you’re doing. I’d also recommend offering your services as a second shooter with established wedding photographers—it will definitely be an eye-opener!
Everyone has to start somewhere, and it can be very tough for a new business to succeed. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” so you need to be patient and ensure you can support yourself if the bookings don’t come in right away.
I recommend building up your portfolio and experience as a second shooter before marketing yourself. While price is important, it’s not just about undercutting your competitors to get the job. I always remember the story of someone who tried to sell a second-hand lawnmower for £10. It didn’t sell for months, but when he re-listed it for £100, it sold the same day!
What did you wish you knew before starting out?
I wish I had a better understanding of the scale of running a business. It takes more than just being a good photographer to run a successful photography business. You need to be much more than a skilled photographer; you also need knowledge in various business areas. You’ll find yourself investing time and money into marketing and advertising, sales, customer relations, web design and SEO, office management, interpersonal skills, time management, finance, accounting, and much more..
Catalin Anghel
What advice would you give to wedding photographers starting out?
Educate yourself. After taking a photography course, offer to assist a photographer for free—ideally for at least a year. Shoot parties for friends, theatre performances, and various events. Take your camera wherever you go. Learn your camera settings thoroughly so that you can adjust them instinctively. The goal is to have your camera become like an extension of your arm, allowing you to react quickly to any situation and capture the moment perfectly.
What tips do you have for getting those first bookings without having to do it for free?
Ask for payment for your work. If you’ve followed the steps in my previous advice and gained experience, you should start charging for your services. Let your friends know that you are a photographer, and they should be among your first paying clients. Avoid shooting for free, even for friends.
Create a professional website and establish an online presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Consider doing a few photoshoots for couples, renting a bride’s dress and a groom’s suit if necessary. After a few of these sessions, you should have a solid portfolio. Share your name widely and start advertising to attract more clients.
What did you wish you knew before starting out?
I wish I had known that it would take about three years to start earning a decent income. However, that’s not a major concern if you’re truly passionate about photography.
Nabis Wedding Photographers Studio
What advice would you give to wedding photographers starting out?
Observe how professional wedding photographers work, assist them, and then develop your own photographic style. It’s crucial to always adhere to professional ethics.
What tips do you have for getting those first bookings without having to do it for free?
Promote yourself as much as possible through your website, online portals, and social networks, while avoiding working for free.
What did you wish you knew before starting out?
Having empathy with the client is crucial for a wedding photographer, as is being consistent and determined in your work.
Guide to Photographing your First Wedding
Have you just landed your first wedding photography client? Are you unsure where to start or what to do? Don’t worry—here’s a guide with tips on how to shoot your first wedding.
1. Keep it simple
For your first wedding, it’s natural to feel the pressure. This is your chance to capture those impressive shots you’ve seen on Instagram and add stunning images to your portfolio. However, remember that the day isn’t about you—it’s about the couple and their special day. A happy couple, a great testimonial, and positive word of mouth are far more important.
Focus on doing the best job you can. Concentrate on capturing great shots of the couple and telling a compelling story through your photos. Don’t just fixate on creative or dramatic shots; sometimes, the simplest photos can be the most memorable.
2. Scout the Venue
If you’re unfamiliar with the venue, try to visit it beforehand. Speak with the venue staff and see if they can give you a tour. Look for the best spots to capture key moments, such as the couple walking down the aisle, and identify areas for group and couple photos. Check out the grounds for any attractive backdrops.
This preparation helps you visualise your shooting plan and reduces stress on the day, allowing you to be in the right place at the right time.
3. Identify the Key People
While the bride and groom are naturally the main focus, it’s important to capture other key people such as family members and close friends. These individuals play significant roles in the wedding, and you should make an effort to include them in your photos.
When discussing with your clients, ask them to identify the important people in their wedding—whether it’s close friends, parents, or siblings. If they want specific group or family shots, request a list of these individuals. This preparation helps you stay organised, allowing you to spend more time capturing moments rather than chasing people and waiting.
4. Familiarise Yourself with the Order of Events
As a wedding photographer, it’s crucial to be in the right place at the right time throughout the day. Given that weddings are filled with various events, being aware of the schedule in advance is essential. Once you have the order of events, plan how you’ll move between locations.
Knowing the schedule will help you anticipate key moments like the bride walking down the aisle, the exchange of rings, confetti shots, the drinks reception, the evening meal, the cutting of the cake, and the first dance. Additionally, ask the bride and groom if there are any specific photos they want or if there are any surprises, such as evening fireworks, that you should be aware of. This preparation ensures you capture all the important moments and unexpected highlights.
5. Bring Someone Along
Bringing someone along is always a great idea, especially for your first wedding shoot. An assistant can help make you feel more comfortable and confident. Having a second person with you means you can work together to organise group shots and manage lighting, which can be incredibly helpful. Two heads are always better than one when it comes to capturing all the important moments of the day.
6. Your Gear & Backup
Prepare your gear thoroughly before the wedding. Ensure you have backups, including a spare camera, extra batteries, and additional memory cards. It’s crucial to be well-prepared and to have insurance in case anything goes wrong with your equipment.
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and there are no second chances if the photos or videos are lost. Therefore, it’s essential to back up all your files immediately after the wedding. Using both cloud storage and backup drives is a great way to ensure your images and videos are safely stored.
Finally Relax.
Try to relax and have fun. Immerse yourself in the ceremony and let things flow naturally. Prepare as thoroughly as possible—understand the schedule, identify key people, plan your movements, and ensure you have backup batteries and memory cards. Once you’re ready, focus on making the couple feel at ease and capturing their day.
As this is your first wedding shoot, keep things simple and avoid overcomplicating matters in an attempt to impress your client. With experience, you’ll become more relaxed, allowing you to develop your own style and artistry. Enjoy the process and do your best.