Wedding Photography: 10 Tips On Transitioning From Hobby Career

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

Wedding Photography: 10 Tips On Transitioning From Hobby Career



1. Have a business plan

It doesn't have to be a formal 30+ page document, but put down what you plan on accomplishing in 1, 3, and 5 years. Be a bit ambitious but also realistic at the same time. Make note of what investment you would need to make (equipment, website, marketing, etc.). It's okay if you're not sure how exactly you're going to book weddings or even who to ask for second shooting opportunities. Just put down everything you do know and what you need to find out in this plan. Also make smaller goals, such as what you plan to accomplish in a month, 3 months, 6 months, etc. It can be something straight forward as "Purchase the 50mm/1.2L lens." or a bit more complex and qualitative such as " Have my logo and website completed."

2. Start networking right off the bat

You don't need to be a "rockstar" wedding photographer in order to have others want to work with you. Let others know what you do and see if there's anyway your camera and creative eye can lend a helping hand to them. Maybe it's photographing your co-worker's mom's birthday party or taking some portraits of a wedding coordinator's son. Who knows, you might even make a few bucks to pay for that new lens or website. There's also networking events for wedding vendors. Look for your local ones and try to participate in what they're doing.

3. Ask to assist, not second shoot

In a society where there's a new wedding photographer every second (slight exaggeration), it's becoming more difficult to finding second shooting opportunities. In addition, most season pros already have their small group of trusted colleagues that they call upon to second shoot. Asking to assist (holding lights, carrying the bags, and even getting water) allows you to observe and learn the dynamics of a wedding without the pressure of getting quality photos. It also comes off as a more humbling and genuine request to the main photographer.

4. Don't skimp on equipment

Chances are if you're looking at photography as a hobby, you may not need the finest glass or DLSR body; you probably won't need back-up gear and lighting equipment. But as soon as you make the jump to be a full-time wedding photographer, especially when you're liable for the quality of work you produce, purchase the best equipment in the market. It may mean biting the bullet and getting a small loan or paying a bit of interest over the next year or two. But remember, you're starting a small business.

5. Getting your brand "right"

It's more than just a logo, website, or your photos. It's literally everything about who you are and what you do. Most couples, before booking their photographer, will read your reviews online, ask their family and friends what they think of your work, and most likely want to meet with you in person to get a sense of your personality and whether or not you'll mesh well together.

6. Study what inspires you

There's a reason why you like certain (wedding) photographers' work more than others. Or why you prefer one television show to another. Perhaps it's where you shop for clothes, types of food you eat, genre of music you listen to, etc. Ask yourself why is it that you love each one and write those reasons down. Through that you'll start finding out your style of photography, your brand, and most importantly, who you are. When potential clients view your work, you want them to see a reflection of you as an artist and individual.

7. Take workshops and go to seminars

There's no shortcut for great wedding photography. No equipment or Photoshop actions are replacements for learning from the best and going out and improving your craft. Just like how we go to college to become an engineer, doctor, or any other profession, it takes time and dedication to become a great wedding photographer. Invest in quality learning that will aid you in become a better artist and businessperson. Seek out your favorite wedding photographers and see if they're having any upcoming workshops; chances are if you invest in them, they'll invest so much more than the money you spend back in you.

8. Critique your work after every shoot

Whether it's your first second shooting gig or your 100th wedding, you should always take a moment to review the quality of your work. Don't just ask yourself (and others) if it was a great photo or not, but why. Study the lighting
composition, mood, and ask yourself if the image speaks for itself as well as if it adds value to the entire story. The sooner you do this on a consistent basis, the sooner the overall quality of your photography will improve. Compare your most recent photos with the ones from your earlier shoots and be proud of the improvements you've made.

9. Get insurance and a license

It's something most beginning wedding photographers overlook and regret doing so if the occasion arises for one. Compare to how much you'll spend on gear and the protection that you'll get, there shouldn't be a second thought on getting liability and equipment insurance as well as a business license. Most wedding venues are requiring that all the vendors show proof of these items to them so they, the couple and their guests, nor you, would get in trouble if an unfortunate incident arises. Sign up for insurance through your home/auto company or go to some trusted ones in the industry (Marsh, Hartford); then march on down to your local business area and get a license to run your photography company legally.

10. Always stay true to yourself and your passion for photography

Photographing weddings can be one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences in your life, especially when you think of the impact your work has on those in them and their loved ones. But the day-to-day activities, such as dealing with the finances and culling thousands of images, or even not finding the "right" clientele, can take a toll on your body and mind. No matter what happens, never lose sight of what got you on this path: your passion for photography. Don't ever let anything or anyone deter you from doing what you love.

Source:http://shorturl.at/DGJKS