Expert: Wedding Photographics - 11/18/2007

Question
Hi John,

I am 55 years old (hopefully far from dead!) and am thinking of a career change that could have me working for a living (as self employed) doing what I love most:  photography.  I have been shooting as an amature/sort of advanced amature for over 30 years.  I enjoy what I do, immensley.  Becoming a self-employed photographer could maybe involve my wife, as well, as she is currently not working outside the home but could maybe assist me.

Here's the question:  Where would I go to learn or read about learning what it takes to open a portrait studio (then maybe weddings)and begin my mid-life new career?  Oh...and I'd like to nail it down in less than a year!  :-)

I read a lot about equipment.  I have amature gear at the moment:  Canon Rebel XT-Digital; 3 sigma lenses and a Canon 28-135 IS f/3.5 - 5/6.  No lighting at the moment but need to learn about that, of course.

Any suggestions?  I am easily taught.  I can learn lots by reading but I learn MORE by being shown what to do, then doing it-hands on.

Have a nice Sunday.

Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,

Thanks for the photography career questions. Learning from books doesn't work for everyone. Like you and so many other people, it can be faster and easier to learn in person from others teaching.  Well, the vast majority of what I've learned comes from studying wedding photography books over the past 30 years and photoshop books during the past 5 years. Then applying the new things I've learned with each wedding I shoot.  I'm still buying and studying every book on wedding photography I find.  You can also read the following pages of my website for some very useful photography business tips: Cutting Edge, FAQ, Gallery 16, Gallery 62 and Gallery 31.  My website is www.weddingphotographics.net

You mentioned wanting to nail it down in less than a year. It's not that complicated actually.  Most people with the years of advanced amateur experience like you have already have a bunch of happy and satisfied "customers" with which they can quickly open shop.  Just buy your business license and check the zoning requirements if you want to work from your home or look into leasing/purchasing a commercially zoned location.

Your chances of success of course will be greatly increased by offering high quality creative photography, having your talent fairly priced, cost-effectively promoting your work with a search engine friendly website and as far as weddings, attending the biggest annual Bridal Shows that are close to you.

Hope some of this information may help.  Best of luck to you.

-Wedding Photographer John Wilson
www.weddingphotographics.net