Best way into wedding photography?

StroboPhil · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

I am just starting out and want to do the typical portraits and such, but would love to get into weddings. Do you pretty much do them for free at first to build a portfolio? Is that crazy? I figure it's hard to charge money for a wedding if you have no history to show? How did you guys get into it?

krb · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

Apprentice with an established shooter.

StroboPhil · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

I am also talking about in the future and not starting tomorrow, I have tons to learn still. So basically knock on some doors and work for them for free?

SuzyView · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

I moved this to TALk as you don't have an image to SHARE.

I shoot for free, so I have to say yes, and try to find a pro to be a second for free. You may find out before you invest too much time and money, that it really isn't for you.

krb · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

Quote:

Originally Posted by StroboPhil

I am also talking about in the future and not starting tomorrow, I have tons to learn still. So basically knock on some doors and work for them for free?

Pretty much, yeah. At least to get your foot in the door.

And don't forget that there's a lot more to running a photography business than just taking pics.

tim · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

I started by photographing a wedding for a friend who wouldn't have had a photographer otherwise. I told her "If I forget to take the lens cap off, tough", but she was so happy she cried when she saw the photos. I spent a HUGE amount of time reading many books, forums, trying things out, etc before the wedding to make sure I was prepared - most of my free time for three months.

Working as an assistant/2nd shooter is another way in. I have an assistant now who has a HUGE advantage over other photography graduates because she has so much practical experience.

StroboPhil · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

I was asked to take some shots at a wedding a couple weeks ago and wasn't the main shooter, but it was dark and they only had on camera flash. This was a good test for me to use my cybercyncs and off camera lighting. Some shots turned out decent, at least gave me something to go on.

StroboPhil · 14th of October 2009 (Wed)

All I could get were random shots so I did the best I could with no other lighting, but my own. Reception was outside with almost no ambient.

14th of October 2009 (Wed)	#1
StroboPhil Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: OKC Posts: 210	Best way into wedding photography? I am just starting out and want to do the typical portraits and such, but would love to get into weddings. Do you pretty much do them for free at first to build a portfolio? Is that crazy? I figure it's hard to charge money for a wedding if you have no history to show? How did you guys get into it?

14th of October 2009 (Wed)	#2
krb Cream of the Crop Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Where southern efficiency and northern charm come together Posts: 8,693 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Best way into wedding photography? Apprentice with an established shooter. __________________ -- Ken Comment and critique is always appreciated! Flickr Gear list

14th of October 2009 (Wed)	#3
StroboPhil Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: OKC Posts: 210	Re: Best way into wedding photography? I am also talking about in the future and not starting tomorrow, I have tons to learn still. So basically knock on some doors and work for them for free?

14th of October 2009 (Wed)	#4
SuzyView Ms Moderator and Grandma Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 31,485 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Best way into wedding photography? I moved this to TALk as you don't have an image to SHARE. I shoot for free, so I have to say yes, and try to find a pro to be a second for free. You may find out before you invest too much time and money, that it really isn't for you. __________________ Suzie - Still Speaking Canonese! *5D2* *7D & G12, the new iPad, iPhone 5 , 5 L's & 2 Primes* 23 bags - 4 Domke, 3 Lowepro, 1 Crumpler, 2 Tamrac, 5 Kata, 3 Thinktanks, 1 Pelican, 1 Tenba bag, 1 Epiphanie Paris & 2 Coach Handbag! And no excuses. My children are the reason, but it's the passion that drives me to get the perfect image of everything. My Gear and Wishes

14th of October 2009 (Wed)	#6
tim Light Bringer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 47,923 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Best way into wedding photography? I started by photographing a wedding for a friend who wouldn't have had a photographer otherwise. I told her "If I forget to take the lens cap off, tough", but she was so happy she cried when she saw the photos. I spent a HUGE amount of time reading many books, forums, trying things out, etc before the wedding to make sure I was prepared - most of my free time for three months. Working as an assistant/2nd shooter is another way in. I have an assistant now who has a HUGE advantage over other photography graduates because she has so much practical experience. __________________ NZIPP Qualified Professional wedding photographer. Camera and Lens Reviews ~ Wellington Wedding Photographer Wellington Wedding Photographer (site2) ~ Wellington Wedding Photographer (site3) Read all my FAQs (wedding, printing, lighting, books, etc)

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