I am a professional wedding photographer.
What does this mean?
Quite simply, I get paid to take photographs at weddings. I know that quite a number of people are searching for a breakthrough to finally be paid for vision, creativity and style – for how you see the world. You have access to a vast amount of information; let me coach you with what I have learned in my five years as a professional photographer.
First, a wedding is a milestone in any couple’s life – Don’t screw up their memories by marketing yourself as something you are not. Owning a good camera (more on that later) is a step towards professionalism, but the simple fact of owning a ‘fancy’ camera and couple of lenses alone does not make you capable of mastering the wide gamut of a wedding day. I understand that differences in style are subjective, and that you are a unique artist with a vision. However, if you are unable to achieve consistent exposures, get accurate white balances free of color casts, capture shake-free images, and adapt well to dramatic changes on the fly, you must work on your skills before you try to immerse yourself into a couple’s wedding day. Let me stress that an outdoor sun-filled portrait or engagement session is not a test of your wedding-photography abilities: They are two completely different animals and it will not be pretty if you try to test your abilities at someone’s wedding.
Second, building on cameras: There are two main views in photography as a whole, and a few lesser discussed that I won’t go into detail about. The first view is that your equipment does not matter; it’s all about your artistic ability. The other is that equipment is everything, and without good camera equipment you will produce junk. Let me tell you now and do not forget it: This is a false dichotomy. You need access to top-quality, professional-level equipment, and you need talent, unique vision, and an artistic flair. Please don’t misunderstand: Your Canon Rebel T1i with kit lens and a telephoto zoom is not a professional setup. It is entry level. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but that’s just how it is. You are capable of capturing breathtaking images in ideal conditions, but weddings are almost never in ideal conditions. Consider researching top-of-the-line equipment in whichever brand you are using. You may not be able to afford a $25,000 setup right now, but if you mean to go professional, you will ultimately get to that price point, and it’s better to know ahead of time and plan for it.
Third: Do your business homework. I cannot stress this enough. You may be a true talented professional in every way, but if you’re late on promised products, or spend clients’ deposits on yourself, or forget to charge sales tax, or keep lousy records, or cheap out, you will eventually get in trouble. Maybe not immediately, but you will find yourself on the business end of your clients’ anger, or the IRS, the BBB, or your county/city tax collector. You absolutely do NOT have the option of messing up. A bad name in the photography business will follow you like stink on a possum, regardless of what you may have done to repair your name. One hundred percent of my photography business in the last five years has been from word-of-mouth referrals or indirectly being seen by friends of friends.
Lastly, take pride in what you do. Always, always take pride in what you do.
