How to Start Your Wedding Photography Business

July 26, 2018 dotcomwomen

The wedding photography business is a deeply satisfying and deeply personal industry. Not many other industries allow you to get up close and personal with one of the most important days of someone else’s life. If you love taking photos, and you want to photograph in places where it matters most and makes a difference, there’s no better outlet than a wedding. However, there’s a lot more to starting a wedding photography business than having a camera. Here’s four simple tips for starting your business the right way:

Get The Right Equipment

As a wedding photographer, your equipment is of the utmost importance. Consider all the essentials you’ll need and ask yourself if you’re fully prepared to begin work. For example, just because you have an expensive Canon camera doesn’t mean that’s all you need. Wedding photographers utilize several pieces of equipment over the course of the day, often switching back and forth and multitasking throughout. Here’s some equipment you’ll likely need to invest in:

Two cameras (your primary camera, and a backup camera in case something goes wrong)
Memory cards and extra batteries
Medium zoom lens (this lens is great for wedding portraits and has a wide aperture for extra flexibility)
Flash diffuser (for quick lighting setup)
Telephoto lens (to capture details from afar, such as during the wedding ceremony)
Wide lens (for photographing large groups or background landscape scenery)
Speedlight (for nighttime shots and darkly lit environments)
Software to edit your photos

Of course, the cost of all this photography equipment adds up. If you’re on a tight budget, you should consider purchasing used or refurbished equipment from sites with seller guarantees, like eBay. Research local shops that rent equipment for a few hours or days.

Create A Website

Your website is the home of your business, and is especially important for wedding photographers. Your potential clients will turn to your website to see the work you’ve produced, and will often make a decision on whether to contact you based on your professional website and portfolio.

Fortunately, platforms like WordPress and Wix make it very easy to quickly launch a website. WordPress is great for customization and optimal flexibility, and Wix is great if you’re willing to give up more creative freedom in exchange for an easy drag-and-drop setup. Take a look at these wedding photography themes on WordPress to help steer you in the right direction.

You should also take a look at other wedding photography websites for inspiration. Take note of the features that stick out to you, and don’t be afraid to emulate a style that you particularly like. You should also search Pinterest for wedding photos, and create a board of inspiration to give you ideas for future work.

Build your Portfolio

Your website is designed, first and foremost, to house your portfolio. Your online portfolio should represent your best work. If you’re just starting out, or aren’t happy with your current portfolio, volunteer to shoot someone’s wedding for free. This is a great way to get exposure without having to pitch hard for a sale.

To prime you for your first practice shoot, you should be taking your camera to all types of events, whether it’s a family reunion or a special occasion at your church. Experiment with different angles, subjects, lights, and compositions. And if a client agrees to let you shoot their wedding for free while still hiring a different photographer, always stay out of the hired photographer’s way. Meeting the hired photographer is also a great way to get some advice and check out the professional photos taken at an event you were physically shooting.

Market Your Business

Now that you’ve taken all the proper steps to get your business going, you need to market it. Marketing your photography business allows you to spread brand awareness, and attract more people to your site. Fortunately, in the wedding business, your buyer persona and niche is pretty much narrowed: you’re looking for clients who are getting married.

However, marketing any business can be a struggle. If you the have the budget and want to save yourself some time and energy, consider hiring a digital marketing agency like Cardinal Digital Marketing. You’d be surprised to find out how cost-effective marketing agencies can be, especially when you consider return on investment. Hiring an agency allows you to put your marketing in the hands of professionals, while you focus on your craft.

Facebook Ads is one of the best ways to market your business, especially locally. For example, let’s say your photography business is based in Atlanta. With Facebook Ads, you can target the potential clients searching for wedding photographers in the Atlanta area. Your entire market, at your fingertips. Other marketing ideas include:

Start social media accounts and be active. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are especially important, as many clients will turn to these accounts for your latest work, and to start dialogue with you.
Maintain a blog. Blogging increases SEO and allows you to be discovered much more easily.
Be where your audience is. If there are wedding-related events happening, be sure to attend, and come equipped with business cards. Check Meetup.com And Eventbrite to see what’s relevant in your area.