Getting started with wedding photography
Do your research.
Find the right contract words for you. Strange goods, laboratory boats, etc. Also pay in advance. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT USE IT. Plan ahead with the couple using a detailed checklist; Many examples can be found online. Handle a variety of family photos and portraits as well as standard memoryfilming event photos. A dry run before marriage is important. By dry I mean traveling to the location, finding a parking space, and getting multiple exposures of the human subject at different distances. Then familiarize yourself with your surroundings and prepare for the big day. You won’t need to do this as you gain more experience.
If you’re shooting film, the brand and type is a personal choice. Film printing, when processed and printed in a good laboratory, includes color compensation to remove colors emitted by light sources such as fluorescent lamps. The bride’s wedding dress will be pure white. I read online that Fuji is greenlighting the film…still can’t see it! Her movie Rila is ugly with beautiful skin tone. Other movies are mentioned in the links section below. Use cling film in the fridge.
I stress the importance of using a professional lab to process and print your photos…many hourly shops and chain stores don’t maintain the quality control they think they do. Most people seem to be satisfied with grainy, unprocessed prints because of the delay. After being introduced to a quality product from Pro Labs, I’ve never looked back… super sharp images, less grain, better color balance, etc. My subjective experience is that military film printed on military paper is the best. Now that I’m digital, my albums are posted with high-quality photos and printed at my favorite local lab. Most labs have a web interface for uploading images for printing, which is often ready within two business days.
Another good practice is to look at other people’s wedding albums to learn how to take key shots. Remember, you are the sponsor, so don’t worry too much about getting to the event. Search the web for “wedding photography”… and you’ll get tens of thousands of hits, with lots of sample photos.
Experiment
Invitations to more weddings! Bring your own camera equipment so you know the photos you are taking are not taken by an “official” photographer. Give your prints (or… copies) to couples and you’ll be amazed at the results. Word will spread, or at least you’ll get a tip or two.
Hiring an experienced photographer is a great way to get your feet wet even if you don’t get paid. I didn’t start out that way, but I see ads here occasionally. Send if you like.
When you’re ready, create a website and start advertising. Browse the Internet for other examples, and if you’re not a web expert, ask a friend to do it for you, or hire someone who is. I have saved so much time with my site, it will be worth the effort and expense next time! Also, if you are into graphic design and creative writing, this is another creative outlet.
Evaluation
Generally, wedding packages are offered at three levels: Basic, Deluxe and Premium. The latter are budget conscious and range from $400 to $1,000. It covers event basics, personnel, candidates, preparation and more. – First, somewhere under 250 exposures. Level 2: $800 – $1,200 or $1,500, usually for bride and groom (at home or church), wedding ceremonies, etc. Some attend receptions. It will also highlight photos. Working time: 2 – 4,350 hours These figures are very general and some wedding photographers charge more and show more.
All day for the big kahuna: ceremony, ceremony, formal photos, including a walk in the green park, lots of family photos, and more. Includes powerful studio lighting. Then before going to the couple’s reception… maybe 10pm! Be prepared to perform 400 or more. The cost of a day of such shooting can start from 1,500 dollars and can rise to three to five thousand depending on various variables, such as another shooter, a special leather album.
Most wedding photographers fall into this price range, but there are exceptions…this is a rough guide. Some photographers (like me) only charge by the hour.
