How to Start a Wedding Photography Business

You can focvus on wedding photography.

If you love weddings and love take beautiful photographs, and others have complimented your work, you may be a perfect candidate to start your own wedding photography business.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with DVD write capability
• High-quality digital camera
• Photo software
• Printer
• Writable DVD's
• DVD labeling software and photo paper
• Business cards
• Portfolio

Instructions

1. Purchase a high-quality digital camera for taking still shots at weddings. You will then download photos to DVD and print a label for the DVD. This DVD will be presented to the customers: bride and groom. You can allow them full rights to reproduce all images on the DVD, or you can print the images yourself -- or have them printed at professional studio -- and sell the images as a package and charge additional fees for reprints and enlargements. If you do this, you could "watermark" the photos on the DVD to prevent copying.

2. Set up all equipment and learn to use your camera. Once you are comfortable, start attending weddings of friends, family and even workmates, and strangers -- with their permission, of course -- and offer to take free photos. Present the happy couple with the finished photo DVD (no watermark) and your business card and sales flier. Explain that you are getting started and need their help in getting referrals if they like your work. Ask for criticism of your work.

3. Explain to the couples who are getting the free photos, that you will use some of their photos in their portfolio, that is how they can pay you back. Build a portfolio with all your samples. Once you have done about 10 such sample weddings, you will have the confidence to go forward and start making money.

4. Start getting some referrals and begin to take photographs for cash. Make sure your prices are within the range of industry. Shop around at some photo studios that you admire and get price lists. They will be happy to oblige.

5. Learn about portrait photography if you do not wish to attend weddings to take the photos. You can take pre-wedding or engagemnet photos. Scout out some locations in your city or town that are scenic and allow free picture taking. Take some practice shots of friends and family -- rent tuxes and gowns and have them dress up and pretend -- and then make a portrait portfolio.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept constructive criticism on your photos.

• Look through wedding magazines to see what sort of poses are used.

• Meet with the bride and groom ahead of time and make a list of the "don't miss" photos they would like to have, such as father/daughter dance.

• Get in close.

• Learn the importance of lighting, practice, practice, practice on this.

• If you have no photography experience, take a class.

References

• Digital Photography School: Wedding Photography: 21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers