How to get started as a wedding photographer | Samson images

After photographing a massive range of weddings for over 10 years, both as the main shooter and assiting, one of the most common questions that I get is "how do I become a wedding photographer?". There is no one answer to this question. Like most things in business it requires persistant, putting your self out there & dedication to the craft. Though believe it or not it is not always the best photographer that get's the wedding bookings, charisma and confidants also play a huge part as these put your wedding couple at ease, they need to know that you are in control.

Chasima is a personal trait that you can practice, but how can you have confidence when you have never done a wedding or have zero Professional photography experience? I gained all my wedding photography experince whilst working as a cruise ship photographer where I was thrown in the deep end and photographed 2/3 weddings per week at times. During this time I also had the opportunity to work with and learn from other photographers with years of experience.

Here are a few tips to help you get started as a wedding photographer:

1: Learn the basics of photography: Before you can become a wedding photographer, you need to have a solid understanding of the basics of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and composition.

2: Take a class or workshop, or study online tutorials to learn the basics.

3: Build a portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card as a photographer. It should showcase your best work and demonstrate your skills and style. Build your portfolio by shooting engagement sessions, family portraits, and other types of photography to showcase your versatility.

4: Network: Building relationships with other wedding vendors, such as planners and florists, can help you get more clients. Attend bridal shows and networking events to meet other professionals in the industry.

5: Get experience: Start by assisting other wedding photographers, or by photographing small weddings or elopements. This will help you gain experience and develop your skills.

6: Develop your own style: As you gain experience and build your portfolio, develop your own unique style. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.

7: Understand the Business: As a wedding photographer, you are not just taking pictures, but you are also running a business. You will need to know how to market yourself, create contracts, price your services, and manage your finances.

8: Invest in the right equipment: Having the right equipment will be crucial to your success as a wedding photographer. A high-quality camera and lenses, as well as lighting and back-up equipment, are essential.

9: Find your niche: As a wedding photographer, you will have to be able to adapt to different cultures, lighting conditions and styles. Finding your specific niche in the wedding photography industry will help you stand out from other photographers.

It's a challenging career, but if you are passionate about photography and have a good eye for capturing the beauty and emotion of a wedding, you can be a great wedding photographer.

Samson.