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How to Become a Successful Wedding
Photographer
By Juan Carlos Torres
Once in while I receive e-mails or
phone calls from aspiring or beginner wedding photographers
asking me for advise on how to become successful in the wedding
field. My first question is always what their motivation is to
become a wedding photographer. Some will reply that they heard
from somebody that it is easy money, or that they got a cool
camera that takes great photos or that they would like to make
some money on the side etc. While it is true that wedding
photography can be a very profitable business achieving success
in the wedding industry is not just a matter of getting a camera
and start shooting. Wedding photography involves artistic talent,
human sense, complete mastery of photographic techniques,
business knowledge, and a strong desire to learn and deliver the
best to the wedding couple.
Here I have summarized some points
that I believe will guide beginner wedding photographers:
1. Learn photography before
anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a master
of the craft. You will be in charge of capturing people's most
precious life moments. The wedding day is not the place to learn
photography.
2. Just because you got a brand
new camera it does not automatically make you an effective and
reliable photographer. Photography goes beyond cool toys and
gadgets. Learn composition and develop a unique artistic vision.
Some of the great photographs of all time were taken with manual
cameras.
3. Master the digital workflow,
including color management, digital image processing, file
management and image correction and enhancement.
4. Learn to love photography more
than anything else. Don't come to the wedding photography field
with just dreams of making money. It is true that there are many
successful wedding photographers that make a lot of money.
However according to the Professional Photographers of America
the average photographer in America makes about $24,000 a year.
5. Focus on delivering quality
more than quantity. Seek with all your heart to capture unique
photographs.
6. Develop a style that is
recognizable and unique. Don't try to be like somebody else.
Clients look for unique photographers, with a unique vision.
7. Give wedding photography all
your heart and effort. Long when you are gone your photographs
will last forever. It is a great way to be remembered.
8. Open your heart and your mind
and great photos will happen. Concentrate on the human aspect of
weddings, the details, and emotions and be ready to capture them.
Let the camera become an extension of you.
9. Share your technical knowledge
and make connections with other wedding photographers.
10. Participate in wedding
photography image competitions. It will give you the opportunity
to have your work evaluated by peers and the motivation to
improve your work quality.
11. Learn something new everyday.
Take advantage of professional photography organizations such as
Professional Photographers of America (PPA), WPPI, etc. Attend
their seminars, workshops. Participate in Internet wedding
photography forums and learn and share tips, tools and
techniques.
12. Don't neglect the business
aspect of wedding photography. Learn to manage your business
effectively. Take business courses and seminars.
Juan Carlos Torres is a
very respected and awarded wedding photographer in
Oregon. He has a Masters Degree in Remote Sensing with
a strong background in digital image processing and
photography. He is a member of the several
professional photographer organizations including the
Professional Photographers of America, the
Professional Photographers of Oregon, the Wedding
Photojournalist Association,and the Oregon Wedding
Photo Guild. His wedding photographs are unique and
very artistic and have been featured in national and
international magazines. For a sample of his works
please visit Portland
Oregon Wedding Photographer and Eugene
Oregon Wedding Photographer
For a discussion on
wedding photography see our Blog at Oregon
Wedding Photographer
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