Do I need a qualification for Wedding photography?

One thing that has my mind rattling, I have never taken a course in photography, and I know some photographers who have never taken a course (though not doing weddings AFAIK) who are pros in their own right.

So, would I need a certificate to take photos for a Wedding? And I am not talking about being part of the audience with P&S and smartphones owners, I mean by being a pro

No.

Ok, lol

If I were to choose a photographer for shooting my wedding, my first question is not can I see your certification. I usually would ask to see their images.
In my corporate life, I have seen a lot of people come and go that had college degrees up the wazzoo. A piece of paper does not qualify you to push the shutter button.

sirquack wrote in post #16237158
If I were to choose a photographer for shooting my wedding, my first question is not can I see your certification. I usually would ask to see their images.
In my corporate life, I have seen a lot of people come and go that had college degrees up the wazzoo. A piece of paper does not qualify you to push the shutter button.

OK, so how do I go about getting clients to let me shoot their weddings? I've got a portfolio completely different to weddings i.e. music

Who cares about certification. You don't see artists landing commissioned work based on their art diploma. You first need a portfolio with a consistent style to attract the type of client looking for that style. Try to find a pro in your area who would let you assist and second-shoot with them (even for free). Do a lot of portrait sessions. You can ask friends to model for you or offer free engagement-type shoots.

amirg wrote in post #16237431
Who cares about certification. You don't see artists landing commissioned work based on their art diploma. You first need a portfolio with a consistent style to attract the type of client looking for that style. Try to find a pro in your area who would let you assist and second-shoot with them (even for free). Do a lot of portrait sessions. You can ask friends to model for you or offer free engagement-type shoots.

Meh, I think I tried that some time ago, not one reply, I know I shouldn't give up

amirg wrote in post #16237431
Who cares about certification. You don't see artists landing commissioned work based on their art diploma. You first need a portfolio with a consistent style to attract the type of client looking for that style. Try to find a pro in your area who would let you assist and second-shoot with them (even for free). Do a lot of portrait sessions. You can ask friends to model for you or offer free engagement-type shoots.

Always makes me laugh . In an ideal world this would be easy - in the real world, look for someone further away, no-one wants to train the local competition.

It's also easier to find people who have a small or no budget that are willing to take a punt on a newbie to save money (although no-one wants to admit it, it's how most people started). And don't listen to all those old timers who'll tell you that you can't successfully move up the price table, the data proves otherwise.

It's not the certificate that matters but the skills. What is the use of the certificate if you are not competitive enough for the job? Just focus on getting the right photograph and don't bother about getting such certificates.

Rich, I would say your best bet, talk to friend or friends of friends. Or if you are already taking music photos, reach out to those that like your work and see if they know of someone that is having any sort of party. It doesn't have to be a wedding to get wedding like shots.
Let your current customers be your advocates. Maybe offer a finders fee to those that refer you work. As you mentioned, don't give up. It will only take a couple of good wedding shoots for you do get your portfolio started.
Or, think about how you got involved in shooting music. What got you your first shoot? Did you do free, or just casual shooting there?
Just a couple of options.

Phil V wrote in post #16237617
Always makes me laugh . In an ideal world this would be easy - in the real world, look for someone further away, no-one wants to train the local competition.

It's also easier to find people who have a small or no budget that are willing to take a punt on a newbie to save money (although no-one wants to admit it, it's how most people started). And don't listen to all those old timers who'll tell you that you can't successfully move up the price table, the data proves otherwise.

Not sure about your market but where I am, I know a few people who've done this successfully. Didn't say it would be easy. Ideally you should also look for someone whose style you are aspiring to which means fewer choices.

amirg wrote in post #16238130
Not sure about your market but where I am, I know a few people who've done this successfully. Didn't say it would be easy. Ideally you should also look for someone whose style you are aspiring to which means fewer choices.

Where I am you'd have no chance whatsoever, it's already a vastly oversaturated market.

Some Pro's will add a little experience on to other training activities, some straight out charge for the opportunity, but many just can't see there's any benefit. Personally if I'm stuck for a 2nd I'd happily pay someone who will deliver, I don't want a passenger on someone else's wedding day.

I'm with Phil. If I want a second and the client is paying for a second I hire someone I know and trust to deliver.

These days I'm of the opinion that if someone wants to shadow or learn from me... they can pay for doing so. At least then it puts the onus on them to toe the line etc whilst I'm shooting the wedding. They are financially invested in being there. Taking someone along to shadow where I have nothing to gain is all risk on my behalf and all benefit to the person doing the shadowing.

I know some dislike this approach however people pay for courses, they pay for going to uni... in many areas you pay if you want to learn. Why should photography be any different?

In my book if someone is serious about wanting to learn from a photographer they won't just offer to "help for free". They'll pull their money where their mouth is and offer the photographer doing the training a financial incentive for training them.

The only time I've had people shadow for no cost to them has been when I have been assessing them to see if I would hire them as a second shooter or not.