Comprehensive Guide and Advice for Aspiring Wedding Photographers

I still get asked this same question more specifically for aspiring wedding photographers: how to start? A photographer wears two, sometimes three hats at a wedding. On paper, your job is to capture amazing memories your clients will never forget, but in reality, your unspoken job is to do all that while displaying the best interpersonal skills anyone has ever seen. To help you succeed, here are my top tips for those starting their journey.

Key Strategies for Starting Out

1. Share your photographs. Even if you are not yet currently photographing weddings, it is really important to share your photographs and talk about your passion, because you never know who may need your services. Remember that if you consistantly show people that you are a photographer by regular posting images online, they will think of you when they need a photographer.

2. Keep a portfolio. There is no excuse not to have a collection of your best images readily available as most of us now have smart phones. My tip would be to create an album of your best images and save it in the photos section of your phone so that if your having a conversation about your work, you can quickly pull out your phone and show your work. I booked quite a few weddings this way by having the images saved on my iPad or iPhone.

3. Educate yourself. I honestly don't believe it is necessary to attend a fancy photography course at college or university to become a professional wedding photography, but it is important to understand how your camera works - which means not shooting in auto mode. Luckily for us, we now live in a time where there is a lot of information out there on the web. The website, CreativeLive.com is also a great source of information and offers lots of free online classes.

4. Use social media. Start a Facebook Like page that is more specific to the work you want to attract. Instagram is also great for showcasing your work. It is a way that I started the ball rolling by regularly posting images online.

5. Assist a wedding photographer. Assisting is a great way to get used to being a wedding and seeing what is required and the possible pressures your may face without any of the full responsibility. If you want to assist a photographer, you have to ask and keep asking and think about what you can offer. If possible, get experience as a 2nd shooter to see how a professional team operates.

Professional Wedding Day Etiquette

A polite and kind photographer can help a client’s wedding day run smoothly, and that can do wonders for your referral rate. From wearing the right outfit to making the wedding party feel comfortable as you pose them, there are a lot of ways to outshine the competition.

Arrive Early and Respect the Venue

As the official wedding photographer, it’s not enough to be on time. You have to be early. Aim to arrive at the venue two to three hours early. These slices of quiet time shouldn’t be rushed, so make that your first act of wedding day kindness! Additionally, one of the best ways to respect a couple’s wedding day is to respect the rules and guidelines established by the venue. No matter what the restrictions are, be flexible and think of creative ways to get the shots you need.

Dress Professionally

When you reach for an outfit, your main goal is to find something discreet and comfortable yet still professional. Opt for blacks and dark blues that will help you blend in rather than stand out among wedding guests. Above all things, make sure your outfit doesn’t upstage anything worn by the wedding couple.

Summary of Professional Guidelines

The following table outlines the essential standards for aspiring wedding photographers based on industry experience:

As you progress, remember that clear communication with your wedding photographer mentors and clients is key. Whether you are assisting or shooting your first event, making it easy for someone to work with you will help you book more weddings organically through word and mouth.