HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

1. How to Become a Professional Wedding Photographer

2. Practice to determine your style Some things to consider when starting out. What makes your images unique, for example, are your images more of a photo-journalistic style capturing candid moments, and working in all natural light? or do you enjoy working with off camera flash in a studio like setting. Always be true to yourself, find your own creative style. If you perfect your skills in a certain style of photography you're passionate about this is the best way to building confidence in yourself. Practice on friends and family, but don't take their word for how good your work is as naturally they are going to be bias. The average customer you will get as a wedding photographer is going to be more critical about your work.

3. Gain experience You might be wondering how to get exposure out in the field? You currently have no portfolio to show potential clients, and no experience dealing with new clients. From my experience, one of the best ways to start out in the Wedding Photography business and start building your portfolio is to find work as an assistant or second shooter for an already established photographer or studio. This is the best way gain confidence, and get firsthand experience not just for producing some great images, but also customer service and learn how to direct a shoot. Even at this early stage you should always carry a backup camera. I wouldn't recommend taking on a friend's wedding as the main photographer, this is way to much of a responsibility, even if you think you are well prepared. Its their special day and shouldn't be time for you to practice wedding photography.

4. Be critical of your photography Know that you're good, but also know where there is room for improvement. Rather than trying to compete with a million other wedding photographers out there, set yourself a personal high standard. If you're not at the level you need to be at, find a photographers work that you admire, research what makes them successful, understand the quality of work they have to offer and know what's involved in producing it. Forget about the rest, there are a lot of ordinary photographers out there too. Remember you need to aim high. Research what you need to get to that high level. You can never spend enough time researching new photographic methods and the latest equipment on the market. Always use your camera in manual mode, know your equipment like the back of your hand. This will give you the confidence and practical skill that you will need as a professional.

5. Advertising & Branding Make sure you have a logo, and business email, its these finishing touches that make a big difference in how you present your business. When running your own wedding photography business, start locally. Pick an area and start advertising with local business linked to weddings. That includes: Dress makers, Cake makers, limo drivers, wedding planners, wedding venues etc. Get some quality business cards and brochures made up to give to them. A good idea is to offer a finder's fee for any referrals. 10-20% is a good amount. This will mean that they will be actively promoting you by passing on your business cards, and brochures and recommending your work to new customers looking for photographers.

6. Provide great customer service A very important aspect of being a wedding photographer is your customer service skill, always be on the ball and be very clear with your clients, don't wait to long to reply to their emails, and keep them unto date with what's happening by confirming their payments, and delivering contracts to them. Its very fulfilling when you start your business from scratch. Your images should speak for themselves when it comes to marketing yourself, but with wedding photography producing great images is 50% and the other 50% is great customer service. If they loved working with you they are going to pass on the good word to their friends and family. Do your job well, and you will find most of your work is in referrals.

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