How to Sell Wedding Photography
As a wedding photographer, you are hired to capture some of the most important images of two individual's lives: the bride and groom. These images may include photos of the ceremonial kiss, bridesmaids and groomsmen and the procession into and out of the wedding venue. Wedding photography is one of the more lucrative forms of photography and you can expect to make between $1,000 and $3,000 as a budget wedding photographer--as much as $10,000 for luxury wedding photographers. However, the field is very competitive and knowing how to sell your photography and services can greatly improve your prospects and income.
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Things You'll Need
- Wedding photos
- Model release form
- Website
- Computer with internet access
- Telephone
Instructions
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Instructions
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Put together a portfolio of your best wedding photography. Create a diverse portfolio showcasing your ability to capture people and moments. Also, include photos from various types of weddings such as formal weddings, informal weddings, theme weddings and military weddings.
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Print a model release form, which should include information that gives you permission to use an individual's name and image for media, advertising and any other purposes. The form should also require a signature from you and the other party in addition to asking if the individual is at least 18 years old and legally able to sign the document. Have each individual photographed sign the form. Collect the forms and store them where they can be easily accessed if needed.
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Advertise your services in bridal magazines and include your photos. Contact a web designer to design a professional website complete with your photos. Crop the photos so that they are visible on your website and large enough for all viewers to see. Consider asking your web designer to include a thumbnail mechanism that allows viewers to enlarge photos by clicking on them. Put together wedding packages that include the services you provide along with the costs. Also, write a short biography about yourself noting your experience and career highlights. Have your web designer post thems items on your website.
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Get a Paypal account (see Resources). Along with your web designer, create an online store for your wedding photos that will allow you to collect payments online. Arrange your photos categorically into albums if possible, to make them easier to find for viewers.
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Sell your photos to stock photo companies. (Fotolia, Shuttershock and iStockphoto are examples of reputable stock photo companies). Expect to earn as little as twenty-five cents to a few dollars each time your photo sells. Some companies may offer a few thousand dollars for a stock photo but this is rare. Contact these companies and complete the steps needed to sell them your photos.
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Tips & Warnings
Photographers are paid by commission from stock photo companies, which vary depending on the company.
Stock photo companies require great technical proficiency in photos which include proper composition, megapixel size, lighting, etc. Additionally, many look for original concepts when capturing photos.
Failure to obtain model releases can result in you being sued if you sell images of individuals without their written consent.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
