How to Start a Successful Wedding and Portrait Photography Business

It seems these days that there is never enough money to make it to the end of the month. Everyone is always looking for more ways to make money. For some, it's additional income they are looking for, while for others it's a change in profession.

One avenue that can fit both bills is wedding and portrait photography. While this may not be a valid avenue for all, there are a few who may be willing and able to travel this path. With the right equipment and training, most should be able to have a successful career in this field.

The key to maximum earnings in this field is to own your own business. This will require some money up front to start, but it can easily earn the brave entrepreneur his capital back in a few short months. In some instances, it is also a field where the outlay of cash can be gradual, while the owner is getting his or her feet wet in the business.

So, how does one start a wedding and portrait business? The first step would be to decide between film and digital photography. The cost of these two different types of media is significant on the surface. As well as cost, the future of the business should be considered.

While there are professionals in both camps, even the most die-hard film photographer will admit that digital is the format of the future. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Film has been around longer and has become very advanced. There are professional grade films that are capable of capturing images and colors that digital is still trying to match. Digital has many advantages in terms of processing and flexibility. With digital, the photographer can switch between well-lit outdoor shots and dim indoor shots with the punch of a few buttons rather than having to change an entire roll of film.

Coming back to cost, film equipment has gotten relatively inexpensive. An entry-level film camera will generally cost between $200-300. This will usually include a nice mid-range lens. At the same time, an entry-level digital single lens reflex (SLR) will cost the buyer upwards of $1000-1200. This cost may seem to make the decision obvious until you begin to factor in film and processing, which the digital camera doesn't need.

When determining the ultimate cost of the camera, keep in mind that a typical memory card for a digital camera, 1 gigabyte (GB) will hold about 200-250 photos. The cost of this card can be as little as $20, and it's reusable. The cost of film is generally about $4 per roll, plus another $4 to process it. Thus, after about 90 rolls of film, the cost of the cameras is about equal. Keeping in mind that you may go through that many rolls before your first job, just learning the equipment, the cost is about the same.

One last thought on the differences between digital and film. From the learning standpoint, a digital camera provides immediate feedback. You can look at the back of the camera and see immediately if you have the proper amount of light and the right exposure settings. With film, this can take a few days. A digital camera also keeps the exposure data with the picture, making it easier to learn how to adjust these settings as you go.

After you have settled on a format, you need to then focus on learning to use it. This can be accomplished in a few ways. First of all, there are many reputable learning institutions that focus on photography. They can teach you the basics of photography through either classic classroom instruction or distance learning. There are also many community colleges that feature photography classes. Enrolling in either of these will give you hands on learning and an instructor to give you feedback on your work.

Another method of learning the trade is simply to find books and magazines that focus on subjects, such as, posing, lighting and equipment. Reading large numbers of these, taking notes, and practicing the techniques can help you pick up on what you'll need to succeed. While this may not be for everyone, it is possible for motivated, self-starting people to learn what they need to know this way.

As you are learning the tricks of the trade, it is a good time to begin to research the other equipment you'll need for wedding and portrait photography. This will include, but is not limited to, lenses, tripods, lighting, lighting control, posing props, backgrounds, etc. As you research, you'll learn what you will need. Then, as you visit photography stores in your area, you'll get a feel for how each works. From there you can begin to pick up what you'll need.

At this point, you'll be ready to begin advertising and getting clients. The first thing perspective customers will want to see is your portfolio. It's a good idea to begin building this as you practice and get the equipment. You'll want to get your friends involved for this one.

A photographer's portfolio is simply a sample of his or her work. As you take pictures and find some that really stand out, have 8x10 prints made and keep them in a special book, protected in a sleeve. Asking family and friends is a good way to build a portfolio. You will find that most will do it for nothing, but I usually offer them a free 8x10 for their time. For wedding photos for your portfolio, you can offer to do a friends wedding for a low cost or free, if necessary. In some instances, you can even get their hired photographer to let you take a few shots in between theirs.

With this portfolio, you are ready to advertise and talk to people about their pictures. Advertising in the phone book can be very expensive. Newspaper ads are generally more cost effective. Flyers and posters on community billboards are another way to get the word out. Also, visit some bridal shops and wedding planners. If they don't have a contract with a photographer, they may mention you to customers or allow you to post a flyer. Always offer commissions on weddings, it's the best way to get them to mention you.

You need to decide what you will charge for your services. I suggest looking at what other photographers are charging in your area. The value of wedding photography is varied in different parts of the country. From there decide what you will be willing to charge. You'll have to start out significantly lower to get work. As your portfolio grows, and your talent increases, you can charge more.

Portraits are a different thing all together. You will almost never feel you are charging enough for portraits. There is not as much profit in them as weddings, but they are a great way to build a customer base. Once your name gets more and more out in the community, you'll find your work increases and you'll be busy all day, making more money.

For portraits, you'll need a studio. This needn't worry you, though. You simply need someplace where you have relatively high ceilings and enough room for a wide background and a couple of lights. A garage or large living room will generally work well for a studio. There may even be times when you will want to go to a local park for some outdoor shots. Unless you are very busy and don't want the bother of people coming to your house, a full time studio is an expensive endeavor. As your business grows, you can get more and better equipment. These may slightly improve your quality.

You'll find that the practice will improve your quality just as easily. As you grow your wedding and portrait business, you can begin to branch out into other fields of photography, such as, stock photography, promotional photography, journalism, etc. The biggest key to having a successful photography business is to have fun. If you are enjoying your work it will show in the shots you take.