Wedding photographers help couples and their loved ones capture special moments from one of the most important days of their lives. It’s impossible to experience a wedding day over and over again, but the right photos and videos help us to remember the magic and wonder of pledging our lives to that special someone. Do you have an eye for photography? Perhaps you love being a part of a momentous occasion. Here’s what you should know about becoming a wedding photographer.
Gaining Practical Experience
One of the best ways to gain practical experience is by working as an assistant or apprentice to another wedding photographer. You can write a letter to several existing professionals offering your services as an assistant or find pros through local or online photography groups. You’ll observe firsthand what it’s like to work at marriage ceremonies and other related events. If you find that you love what you do, you can deepen your experience by working as a second shooter for larger events.
Finding the Right Gear
For getting the right shots, technology affords several options when it comes to equipment. Consider saving some money by buying used gear. You can learn what works best for you, and make a smarter investment when choosing cameras, lighting, and other essential tools. As you gain more experience, you can upgrade to more advanced (and expensive) gear.
Getting the Hang of It
While you may have an eye for pictures, you’ll need to practice taking wedding photos. Reach out to friends and family and ask them to volunteer as models (you may snag a future client or two). Think of places to practice shooting wedding and engagement pictures. You can also play with inanimate objects such as florals, displays, and settings, both outdoor and indoor, for ideas and inspiration.
Creating a Website
Businesses great and small have an online presence, and your wedding photography enterprise is no exception. Once you’ve started taking pictures, real or practice, it’s time to create a website that includes your work. If you haven’t come up with a business name already, now’s the time to do so. You’ll need to purchase a domain. The good news is you don’t have to hire a web developer to build a beautiful website. Companies such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer resources for creating websites, especially for a business.
Going Social
A website alone won’t cut it when it comes to promoting your photography business. You also need a social media presence. Although numerous platforms exist, you’ll want to prioritize platforms that allow you to best display your work, such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. While you can set up a personal account for your business, it may be better to set up a business account instead. You can leverage the available advertising features to boost visibility and expand your reach.
Registering Your Business
It’s important to set up your photography business and register it in accordance with your state’s laws. You’ll want to do this before you start picking up lead photography gigs and sessions. There will be certain requirements you’ll need to meet, such as carrying sufficient liability insurance to work at a particular venue or protecting yourself from claims for damages or lost photos. When setting up your business, give special consideration to opening a separate bank account with debit and credit cards. Keeping your personal and business finances may prove advantageous when it comes to doing taxes.
As a wedding photographer, you can help couples capture the highlights of their special day. Your clients rely on you to do a great job, so you need to be methodical and intentional about honing your craft. Wedding photography is hard work, but it can also be a lot of fun.
Add Your Comment