What it Realistically Takes to Run a Wedding Photography Business

You are pretty handy with a camera. Maybe you have even shot a wedding or two for family or friends. Perhaps you have considered being a professional wedding photographer. Keep in mind there is a lot more to being a wedding photographer than shooting great pictures. Hopefully this article will help you understand the realities of running a good business and being a successful photographer.

Do you have the right equipment?
With quality digital SLR cameras working their way into more and more people's hands many people are getting excited about photography and attempting to shoot weddings. Digital has its pros and cons. Digital cameras have the ability to show you immediately on a screen in the back the image that you just took. Professionals call looking at the back of your camera to check the image "chimping". The other great thing about digital cameras is the lack of film. Film can be expensive and photographers that use it have learned to not waste it. As long as you have enough memory you can happily shoot as many images as it takes to get it right. Keep in mind, though, that every image you shoot will take up time after the wedding in what is called "post production".

The camera is not the only equipment you will need. You will need a good tripod with a quick release attachment for your camera so you can take it off and on quickly. It is also helpful to pick out a head for your tripod that is easy to use and moves smoothly and that locks quickly and securely. You will also need a good flash for shooting in dark reception halls. No, the built in flash is not sufficient. Look for a flash that has a lot of power and that recycles quickly. You don't want to miss shots because your flash isn't ready yet. Bring several extra batteries for your flash! You will also need a light meter. An incidental meter will be the best. A reflective meter can be fooled by a bright white wedding dress and a dark black tux. Assuming you are shooting digital you will also need several memory cards. It is better to have more than one just in case something happens to one of them, you will not have lost all your shots. Remember the saying about having all your eggs in one basket. You will also need a computer and Adobe Photoshop, which is recognized by professionals as the premium photo editing software. These are the basic necessities for on location shooting. You will also probably want a nice camera bag and a large reflector and perhaps a diffuser for the flash.

Can you run a business?
Professional photography is very much about running a business. You can take the most amazing photographs but without a good solid business plan and great customer service you will never make any money. You will need to know all applicable laws in your area pertaining to running a business. You will need a business license and a tax I.D. number. It is also helpful to have both insurance on your equipment and liability insurance. Liability insurance will cover any accidents like someone tripping over your tripod or your flash lighting the church on fire (it has happened).

You will also need to think about marketing. You will get referrals as your business grows and as you prove yourself to customers. In the meantime you will probably be amazed to find out how expensive advertising can be. A small advertisement in the phone book is a good start. It is also helpful to exhibit in a bridal show each year.

Are you organized?
Organization is very important. You will need to schedule weddings, engagement and bridal sessions as well as keep track of who has paid for what. You will also need to have each client sign a contract and a model release form. You will need a model release form if you intend to use images of your clients on your website or in advertising.

You will also need a good way to store images. If you are shooting digital you will want a backup copy of your images either burned to a CD or on an external hard drive. If you choose to release the high resolution images to your client you may not choose to store your images for very long.

What about pricing?
It is hard to find a perfect pricing structure. Should you have packages or offer your services a la carte style? If you choose to offer packages you should provide a range of packages that will fit all styles and budgets. Offering services separately may seem appealing but customers often will ask for packages because it makes it easier for them.

You will want to adjust your prices according to your experience and your market. One of the biggest mistakes that new photographers make is not estimating correctly the amount of time a wedding takes. There will be many hours of work after the wedding is over.

Do you know what is expected?
There are many different types of wedding ceremonies and customs. You will need to be familiar with what the important aspects are of each wedding you will shoot. You also need to be informed about what is allowed. You are often not permitted to use flash inside churches and temples. Check with the person conducting the ceremony before it starts so you don't make any mistakes.

There are many books and websites you can check out that give comprehensive lists of the shots you should be getting at the ceremony as well as recommended shots for groups. Look these over and also discuss with the bride and groom what their preferences are.

A wedding photographer has to be good at all aspects of photography. Like a photographer that specializes in family portraits, you will need to be good at posing large groups quickly and working with everyone from babies to grandparents. You will also need to use the skills of a great portrait photographer and a fashion photographer to photograph the bride and groom. Like a product photographer you will need to take still like photos of the cake and other details. And finally, like a photographer that specializes in photojournalism you will need to tell the story of the day with the images you create.

Photographing weddings is one of the hardest jobs but can also be one of the most fun. You will be sharing in a special day and witnessing beautiful moments that are very rewarding to photograph. Good luck!