Expert: Elegant Images Weddings - 1/12/2010

Question
im thinking about becoming a professional wedding photographer. But i want to know whats a great way to start and to get noticed as a photographer? do u work a a picture place? get a degree? how do you start? thanks!!!!!

Answer
There is no program (that I am aware of) that offers a degree in wedding photography as a specialty.  There are several great schools that do offer photography degrees.  One of the best is Brooks in Santa Barbara, CA.  The vast majority of wedding and portrait photographers are self taught.  Many classes are available where you can learn from industry leaders.  Bambi Cantrell, Gerry Gehonis (probably misspelled), David Williams, and others can teach you more in three days than you will learn on your own in three years.  Read books on basic photography.  If you are not shooting manual or willing to learn, forget it.  You have to be competent as a manual shooter to work in harsh light conditions that weddings present.  The program or auto modes on most cameras will not work in difficult lighting.  Weddings are almost always difficult lighting.  Great wedding photography almost always involves two shooters.  A woman can work with the bridal prep far better than a man.  Bride prep time with her girls is at least 50% of the important shots.  Don't be fooled into thinking that wedding photography is about making $1500 or $2000 or $2500 or you put in a number in five hours or eight hours.  Between marketing, the sales time with the bride, shooting the wedding and engagements, post production, and other things you will do will be closer to 40 or even 60 hours per wedding.  It isn't easy money!!!!

Great photographers fail because they have no business experience or knowledge.  Getting noticed as a photographer is not easy!  It takes a lot of networking with other wedding professionals (planners, venues, and other photographers) to be a part of the wedding "community".  You have to put together a great website, too.  

Where to start?
Work for another photographer as a backup or second shooter.
Save money for top quality equipment
Go to all the training you can afford.  Local profession photography and national groups like WPPI, PPA, and others can lead you in the right direction.
Make a commitment to becoming a good business manager.  Photographers generally have to be jack of all trades.

Good luck!  Photography is a great profession but not "easy money"

Louie