Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tips for Your First Wedding Photography Gig

By Samuel Jackson

As you gain more knowledge on wedding photography, you will become more comfortable with it. And the happier your customers are with your work, the more your wedding photography business will continue to grow. Right now, you may feel like you don't even know where to begin. Well, read through these general tips, and you'll be ready in no time to start booking gigs at weddings in your city.

As you meet with couples who are looking for that someone to photograph their big day, you want to be as prepared as possible with your pitch. You should be ready to show them an album of the photos you've taken - pictures that you are most proud of. Make sure you vary the types of photos, because you don't want your client to think you are only one-sided. People like artistic, creative, and original photographers. They are looking for a person who will make their wedding day something to remember for years to come. Having a website dedicated to your photography can also significantly help your business.

When meeting with possible clients, be open and honest with them. Being friendly helps, and knowing how to talk to people in a genuine but persuasive way is always a plus. Show them your work, so that they can get a general sense of your style and technique. Find out what they are looking for in a wedding album, and be prepared to photograph in the style they request, while also staying true to what you're comfortable with. Negotiate a specific pricing or a possible package deal, but don't try to charge too much, since you're just a beginner.

If you aren't completely comfortable with taking wedding photos, you should take some inspiration from wedding magazines a few weeks before the wedding is held. You can gain motivation from the internet, that might help you to think of creative spins on picture ideas. Feel free to take any types of photos you like. You can try different angles and lighting. Experiment with different scenery and backgrounds. Think of various uses of color and texture. There are so many ideas to explore.

As you're heading out the door to the wedding, be familiar with the location, the estimated travel time, etc. Double check that you have all your belongings that you'll be needing for both the wedding and reception. It would be horrible to show up at the wedding with dead batteries in your camera and no spare set. Wedding photography can be a lot of fun, as long as you're willing to put a little extra effort into it. The more satisfied clients you produce, the better your wedding photography business will be. - 16039

About the Author: