Are you thinking about expanding your photography business to include weddings?If so, congratulations!You are about to embark on a whirlwind journey!Weddings can be profitable and fun, but remember, they can be a lot of work, too - and aren't for the faint of heart! Weddings present a number of challenges for the photographer.
Difficult lighting situations, uncooperative guests, angry brides, drunken fathers..
..
the list goes on.
At the same time, you have the opportunity to capture images that will be treasured for generations to come, on one of the most important days of a couple's life.
The best piece of advice I can offer you when starting your wedding photography business is this:Be Prepared!I like to record all the info about the wedding and keep it in a little notebook that I can carry to the event.
Consultation You should have at least one face-to-face consultation with the bride and groom.
This is where you will get to know them and find out what they want out of their wedding photos.
It is also a time for you to tell them your requirements (are you paid hourly or charging a flat fee for the entire event from beginning to end?) and expectations.
This is also the best time to collect your deposit and have them sign a contract.
NEVER do a wedding without a contract, period! Number and Types of Photos Depending on the package the couple purchases, you will need to have an idea of how many proofs/previews to offer - therefore you will need an idea of how many shots to take.
This is much easier now that we are in the digital age...
you can shoot everything you possibly can without worrying about the number.
If you go over, it isn't a big deal.
However, you DO need to worry about the number of flash memory cards you have.
I say take more than you think you'll need.
You also need to consider the types of photos the couple wants.
Do they want a photojournalistic approach or more posed shots?These days, I think it is best to do a mixture of the two.
Location Get addresses, phone numbers and directions to all wedding locations (bride's home, church, reception, etc.
).
My advice is to find all of the locations BEFORE the wedding day, so you know where you are going ahead of time and you will know how long it will take you to get there.
Another good reason to scout out the locations (and do this at the same time of day that the event will be) is to check out the lighting situations.
More often than not, you will not be allowed to use your flash during a church ceremony.
If it makes you more comfortable, do some test shots.
Type of Wedding and Reception Different religions have different traditions, and many times you will need to be alerted to particular shots that the couple wants during the ceremony.
Make sure to ask.
You should also know the number of guests expected and the number in the wedding party.
Also make note of the reception (formal or informal, dinner, dancing, etc.
) A List of Must-Haves Make a list of all the shots that the couple really wants.
Bring this list with you so you don't miss anything.
Ask About Family Relationships You need to know the following in order to get the best images and not cause embarrassment to anyone (especially yourself): -Are the mother and father of the bride married? -Are the mother and father of the groom married? -Will there be step-parents in attendance? -Does the bride have children? -Does the groom have children? Equipment Make sure to have an equipment check list so you don't forget anything.
Test your equipment well before the event, and make sure you have backup! Look for part two in this series soon!