How to get first wedding gig?

[miss_miggy]

Hi all! I'm new to this forum and I've already read so many helpful things. I'm in a situation where I think I'm finally confident and good enough to take on my first wedding, however....I don't really know how to go about getting one. Any ideas? Of course I automatically think of any friends or family members getting married and I don't have any opportunities that way. It seems like that's often the way that wedding photographers get started. Also, I've been thinking about getting a job as a second photographer for the summer wedding season, just to get some more experience. Is this a good idea or should I just jump into on my own? Any comments are helpful. Thanks.

[Az2Africa]

I have the opposite problem. I don't really care to do weddings and people keep asking me to do them. I always do my best for them and they seem to love the shots. But, it's a lot of work.

[ArcticEOS]

Well, I dont take wedding pictures yet :) But I do know a couple people who do on this forum and they go by Tim and jamiewexler on this forum. Look them up and shoot them a PM and I'm sure they would be glad to give you great advice! I highly recomend these guys. Not that I dont like other wedding photographers that post here but I see alot of helpful techniques and beautifull pictures from them.

[jj1987]

Get a job as a second photographer first, period.

[tim]

Thanks Jeremy :)

Friends or working as a 2nd shooter are both great ideas. Another idea is to look on a wedding forum (theknot is a big one in the US) and offer to do wedding photos for free, or do it for only a small markup on prints (don't be greedy). If you do that make sure you specify that you want at least 60 minutes alone with the bride and groom to take photos, that will help you get good images for your portfolio, otherwise you might not get anything great. You really don't want people who are just too cheap to hire a photographer, for portfolio images you need people who really want good photos and are prepared to invest the time to help you make them.

[ArcticEOS]

Thanks Jeremy :)

Friends or working as a 2nd shooter are both great ideas. Another idea is to look on a wedding forum (theknot is a big one in the US) and offer to do wedding photos for free, or do it for only a small markup on prints (don't be greedy). If you do that make sure you specify that you want at least 60 minutes alone with the bride and groom to take photos, that will help you get good images for your portfolio, otherwise you might not get anything great. You really don't want people who are just too cheap to hire a photographer, for portfolio images you need people who really want good photos and are prepared to invest the time to help you make them.

no problem Tim, and I also just scooped this up if it helps :)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=75678

[PIXI_666]

I started out from friends & family...
But IMO it's best to go out there with a pro or even a semi-pro and be a 2nd shooter or an assistant? At least this way you will see for sure if it's really what you want to do.
Send some e-mails and call some photographer's in your area, see if they want some help, and don't ask for money - let them decide on if they pay you or if you just do it for experience and portfolio purposes.
I am actually trying to keep my weddings down to a minimum, with moving cities and also jobs, its very hard to keep up to date with weddings right now - especially when they take so much work AFTERwards!
Its a big job - and if your working full time like i am, very hard to stick to deadlines with Brides & Groom's, i say to them "Your photo's will be ready in 4 weeks" and then 6wks later im still either waiting from the lab or work has needed me to do overtime - so i have to say 8 weeks now JUST to make sure and if they get them early COOL!
Anywya let us know how you go - stick to being a 2nd shooter or asst for a while, i learnt the hard way and did it all off my own back - its hard but rewarding in the end :)

Del

[jamiewexler]

Wow, thanks Jeremy.

To the OP, there are really two ways to do it, and Tim and Adelle spelled them both out. I also recommend second shooting for at least your first wedding or two, just to know what you're getting yourself into and to get a few shots for your portfolio (if you happen to live near Boston, you can tag along with me). Then build a website. Doesn't have to be anything fancy/expensive, just something to legitimize yourself as a wedding photographer and give potential clients a point of reference. Then look for a few folks who want great photography but don't have $1,000's to spend. If you live near a metropolitan area, Craigslist is a great place to start. Offer "at cost" packages to cover your printing and gas costs, and build from there. Best of luck!

[song4themoon]

Are you member of a church? You could always put out the word there if you hear someone will get married

[miss_miggy]

thanks to all of you! What great advice!

[Arnie1]

Wow, thanks Jeremy.

To the OP, there are really two ways to do it, and Tim and Adelle spelled them both out. I also recommend second shooting for at least your first wedding or two, just to know what you're getting yourself into and to get a few shots for your portfolio (if you happen to live near Boston, you can tag along with me). Then build a website. Doesn't have to be anything fancy/expensive, just something to legitimize yourself as a wedding photographer and give potential clients a point of reference. Then look for a few folks who want great photography but don't have $1,000's to spend. If you live near a metropolitan area, Craigslist is a great place to start. Offer "at cost" packages to cover your printing and gas costs, and build from there. Best of luck!


I've pretty much done exactly as Jamie has spelt out here...although setting up a few faux situations with the help of friends can expand your initial folio and give you the chance to get more practice.

Good luck!
Simon