How to become A Wedding Photographer

Photographs capture moments that are fleeting, precious, and impossible to reproduce. A Wedding Photographer shoots spontaneous, emotional moments using unique lighting techniques and creative angles to turn a wedding into an engaging life story.

• Traditional Wedding Photographer
• Reportage (Photojournalistic) Photographer
• Contemporary Wedding Photographer
• Portrait Photographer

What do Wedding Photographers do?

A Wedding Photographer would typically need to:

• Meet with their clients to get a feel for their style and expectations by showing them a sample of photos/videos taken at previous weddings
• Provide options regarding location and props; assist clients in determining which ones to use according to the wedding theme they have in mind
• Discuss the days and hours for the photoshoot; calculate and present clients with quotes/estimates and sign agreements
• Communicate with photographic subjects in a bid to put them at ease for their photograph sessions
• Set up props and backgrounds to create a setting; ensure that they are appropriately used and packed after the shoot
• Prepare lights and flashes to be used with cameras to ensure appropriate subject lighting
• Capture special moments on cameras; circulate among wedding guests, asking and directing them to pose for photographs or merely capturing candid moments
• Use and maintain an extensive range of photographic equipment including cameras, lenses, specialized lighting, mounts, and editing software
• Process captured pictures according to processing standards; digitally enhance them for maximum effect
• Assist clients in determining the best photographs; create digital album prints to keep as memories
• Perform market analysis to determine new trends in wedding photography and to keep up with the competition
• Generate business, especially if they are freelancers, by setting up a website, attending wedding fairs, and seeking recommendations from satisfied customers
• Have a basic understanding of business finance, marketing, pricing, copyright laws, and contracts
• Interact effectively with couples and their families during a stressful time

The work environment is diverse depending on the location of the wedding and the discretion of the clientele. You may have to undertake across-the-border journeys for destination weddings. Work may happen both indoors and outdoors for pre-wedding and wedding shoots. The Wedding Photographer’s dress code can be formal or casual, depending on the wedding. However, you should always dress practically and like a professional.

The working hours and days vary with each project, and the business usually peaks around spring and summer, which are the wedding seasons. Weddings usually mean eight hours of shooting at the very least. They stretch to 14 hours most often, and sometimes the shoot may even last up to 21 hours.

When most of the weddings happen over a weekend, it is normal for Wedding Photographers to pick some other day to relax. After the wedding, a Wedding Photographer would usually need to spend hours on his computer, editing the pictures to submit them to the clients before a set deadline.

Wedding Photographers are usually self-employed. Sometimes, they collaborate with wedding planners.

Wedding Photographers are generally employed by:

• Private Clients
• wedding photography Agencies
• Wedding Planning Companies
• Photo Studios
• Wedding Venues
• Cruise Liners
• Luxury Hotels & Resorts
• Wedding Magazines

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Wedding Photographers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as a Wedding Photographer.

• Constant work and long hours during a wedding, in what is often a high-pressure environment
• Continual mental and physical effort to follow the bride, groom and guests, while documenting the event
• The strain on one’s back and shoulders from carrying around heavy gear and on one’s feet from standing or walking about for extended periods
• May have to work in harsh weather conditions, with the risk of dehydration if the weather is hot and work outdoors
• Staying away from home at a stretch may be required, especially for weddings that last for more than three days which can be tiresome

Working as an apprentice for or interning with a seasoned Wedding Photographer can teach you the tricks and trades of the business. Interning under any professional photographer would help you get a better understanding of the technicalities before you can start working to develop a strong portfolio and specializing in wedding photography. You may attend conferences and seminars to learn more about the art and build contacts.

Wedding Photographers come from various educational backgrounds. Some hold a high school diploma while others have a diploma in the technical aspects of photography. Vocational training or certificate courses give you an essential understanding of the basics. At the same time, specialized programs in wedding photography will help you prepare further for your career.

Some take post-secondary courses or obtain a degree in photography, art, or a related field. An associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in photography can help you build experience, skills, contacts, and a strong work portfolio.

Technical knowledge is taught through constant guidance. Learning about marketing and business is also helpful as most Wedding Photographers are self-employed.

Individual government entities do licensing, and typically requires the passage of an examination and interview in addition to fulfillment of eligibility requirements. Since local, regional, and national laws differ, inquire with the authorities, before setting up your business, if your local government requires you to possess a photography license.

You may also need to acquire a sales tax license and business license, permitting you to legally run a profitable wedding photography business or run a studio from your home. With specific qualifications, you may be eligible for certification by associations of professional photographers.

Most Wedding Photographers begin with general photography before their interest turns towards specializing in this particular field. An aspirant usually assists established Wedding Photographers on a freelance basis, gaining skills, knowledge, experience, a chance to build a strong portfolio, exposure, and networking opportunities to attract potential clients.

Assistants working full-time for a single photographer generally get the equipment to the studio or location, set up lighting, take light meter readings, catalog, and optimize digital files.

After a certain period of working with seasoned professionals, you may open your own business and expand your clientele base. You may choose to join a wedding planning company where people from various fields collaborate to offer their clients all the services required to organize a wedding.

Wedding photography is incredibly competitive, and getting your foot on the ladder can prove to be challenging.

Full-service websites can help independent contractors find new clients through sample galleries and provide an easy way for clients to access their photos. Self-employed Wedding Photographers must have appropriate photography equipment. Photo editing software is a must, and these programs can be complex, which is another reason why formal education can be beneficial to a Wedding Photographer.

Developing a portfolio of your projects is an important step to take to further your professional development.

A basic understanding of business finance, marketing, pricing, copyright laws, and contracts is necessary for freelance Wedding Photographers.

Showcase Your Unique Style

There are many wedding photography styles that you can choose from or blend according to your artistic preferences and the client’s requirements. Some examples of these styles are traditional, contemporary, reportage or photojournalistic, portrait, nature, and black & white.

Most importantly, wedding photography is an extremely competitive field due to the business it attracts, and you must showcase a unique style of photography to stand out. Even so, job security is not high, especially in the early days when you're still building reputation and a solid client base.

Additional Responsibilities

A self-employed Wedding Photographer needs to be responsible for their marketing, branding, paperwork, pricing, and bookkeeping work. Since many events at a wedding cannot be staged and have to be captured as they happen, the Wedding Photographer shoulders a huge responsibility. Also, you must ensure that your work has copyright protection.

If Wedding Photographers could choose when to capture photos, they would go for pre-sunset, a time known as the “Golden Hour,” when the soft light gives photos a unique glow.

Your success lies in capturing not just a few key moments, but also little details telling a memorable story that will be treasured by generations.

Your success lies in capturing not just a few key moments, but also little details telling a memorable story that will be treasured by generations.