Expert: Tricia Scott-Sahler - 3/10/2008

Question
Hi, I'm 17 in South Ontario and I am determined to become a nature/wildlife photographer. But I would like to start out as a wedding photographer because I read somewhere they make over 200% more than a landscape photographer. I want to work freelance and have no commitment to be anywhere else. I would literally spend all day working on finding shots because its what I'm good at and what I like to do. When I earn enough from the "wedding category" I want to move to Torrance CA near Redondo beach and move into the "Nature Category". That way I have more settings to take photos of(also to isolate myself from home stresses and whatever). But what I need to know is if this would be wise. When I look at the numbers I try to cut the finances so close until it works. I consider it by year. Groceries = $2400, A Car = = $18000, rent = $84000. All together its over 100K. But i still don't know about the equipment and all that. How much will the equipment cost and i have already taken 3 classes and am ahead. Now i want you to tell me what my approximate income would be from three years on wedding shots and subtract equipment and all of the stuff I had mentioned before.

Wedding income by year x 3 - 104000 - equipment = ?????
I'm just a little frustrated and don't know what to expect from this. Thanks so much. Adam H.

Answer
Adam,

For 17 you seem to know what you want.  Wedding photography can be very lucrative if you are a smart business person.  I am not in the wedding business, so I can't really tell you what kind of income to expect.  I can tell you that it would be wise for you to assist for wedding photographers for a while to see how it is done.  Find the best wedding photographer's in your area, and call and ask them if they need assistants.  Experience can be the best teacher.

Equipment is expensive, as these days most photographers shoot digital, and you'll need lighting.  Again, I can't speak to wedding expenses so finding a wedding photographer to talk to would be best.  I know there are wedding photography blogs on the internet also, you might want to check them out.

Hope this helps a bit.

Tricia