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12/31/2007 09:04:22 PM · #1 |
| how do i get hired to do weddings if i dont have any direct expirience to show potential clients. ive taken all the kinds of pictures a wedding generaly entails however no actual wedding expirience. how do i get it. |
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12/31/2007 09:36:23 PM · #2 |
check with your local pros and see if they will allow you to tag along and do some candids.
Another good avenueis the local Camera club/photographic society many members of these do weddings part time and I am sure would let you lend a hand. If all else fails jump i at the deep end and tell family and friends you may get work from that area' if you keep your head you will be ok.Dont listen to the doom and gloom merchants they are simply protecting their income from new comers. Study a few wedding photography books and life will be sweet
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12/31/2007 10:28:13 PM · #3 |
Join your local PPA.
Go to the meetings, attend their shool (most have one once a year)
You also have a state PPA. Attend those meetings.
Get to know your other local photogs, and as a local member you will get a directory. In a class you will spend a week with 15-25 other photogs like yourself - so you have a network!
You can then offer to assist or second shoot for nothing to learn. PPA's code of ethics stress the 'pay it forward/pass it on' philosophy.
Just cold calling photogs is not likely to success, but being able to say, especially face to face in the bar after a meeting, or over the lunch table "I'm new to Unionville PPA and interested in getting some wedding experience and knowledge. Tom, I say your album/print/seminar and really like your work. Could you spare some time for me to pick your brain?" Ask 5 people and 2 or 3 will say yes.
In the mean time, read some books, get some DVDs on wedding photography (buy them, perhaps the local PPA has a lending library, some pro stores rent them, etc). Spend as much time learning as you can - so when you ask questions they'll be specific enough that you'll get a useful answer and not just blown off.
Learn the craft, learn the business aspects, get your plan together THEN and only THEN should you seek paying clients.
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12/31/2007 11:30:17 PM · #4 |
If you are going to advertise anywhere, make sure to use correct grammar and spelling.
Some people won't even finish reading your ad if it is full of errors (including something resembling "cyber chat" abbreviations).
I would be one of those people :-) |
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01/01/2008 01:27:47 PM · #5 |
Pretty much what Prof_Fate said.
Also, you're young and you don't have many responsibilities yet (need for money). Now's the time to find some pro in your area to work with.
When you start to a have a morage and kids to pay for, it get's harder to go out on your own. |
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01/01/2008 01:36:58 PM · #6 |
Back in my day, at least, practically everybody broke into practically every type of photography by apprenticing themselves to a local pro. This isn't just an issue with wedding photography, it's an issue with commercial work, architectural work, you name it. So Prof's advice is right on, at least based on my experience. I started out as a wannabe-photographer with zero experience and a quirky portfolio of personal work. I got hired on as a gofer at a local commercial studio, advanced to darkroom guy, then to assistant, then to second shooter, all in a matter of 18 months. Then I left them to go with another photographer, an older one, who wanted a partner so he could slow down, and we worked together for 18 months or so, then he moved away and I went out on my own, 3 years after starting out at the lowest level.
That's how it worked for me.
R.
Message edited by author 2008-01-01 13:37:26.
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01/02/2008 12:42:45 PM · #7 |
i responded to craigslist ads for wedding photogs. be honest and tell them what you have done and that you have not done any weddings. show off what you got and price yourself accordingly.
i booked my first wedding that way.
make sure you have the equipment to actually do weddings in all types of venues. if you don't have a backup camera don't even bother trying to book something, its stupid, dangerous and very unfair to the couple.
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01/06/2008 11:14:03 PM · #8 |
I jumped in head first because I didn't know anyone who I could tag along with and everything was ok. Granted I had a friend who has been in the photography industry for 15 years helping me learn the techniques for several months before booking the first wedding.
A friend of mine got married in Sept 07 for the third time and I offered to shoot her wedding and provide prints at cost to get experience. I had 6 months to prepare and plan. I was very nervous and got some good shots. She was happier with them than I was. Her aunt whi is a hobbyist photographer absolutely loved them. I also shot a wedding in October and November. With each wedding you will notice an improvement and you will start to hone in on your style.
The main thing is to be honest with your client about your abilities and experience.
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