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 p.4 #15 · Learn wedding Photography? | |
Mike,
What he said below and above is well put. I think what you really need to do is find a pro photog. See if he or she would take you under their wing.
Good luck with your decision.
But you really need to post your work. I remember when I first posted I got ripped apart BUT I learned and moved on.
If you were in California Orange County I would show you the ropes. But the only thing I ask is that you do what I say.
thebeginning wrote:
While I think this whole thread is largely a hilarious mix of misunderstanding and miscommunication, there is also a good bit of pride (on both sides) that is likely not warranted.
That being said, here is my advice. Beware, it has some hard truths.
1) Unless you plan on having sales and reception employees do all of your talking for you, you'll need to have excellent communication skills. I truly believe I got where I am today because I know how to be tactful but also how to be a complete goofball with the right couple. Your personality needs to be malleable. You also need to be able to write professionally, as many of your brides may be college graduates, who WILL write you off if you seem unprofessional. Based on what you've written so far, that's not a strong point for you, so you'll need to work on it.
2) As has been said before, you need to be able to know your gear front and back, and be able to use it proficiently at a moment's notice. That is all you get sometimes - a split second. Being able to take pretty pictures is one thing, but being able to catch moments (attractively, in poor light and perhaps an ugly location) is what truly separates portrait photographers from wedding photographers. If you're predominately a portrait or studio type photographer, this will be VERY difficult. No time for metering, no time for posing, no time for lighting changes, you have to be able to take any picture at any time.
3) You will need lots and lots of practice. Bar non, second shooting is the best way to do this. It gives you all the opportunities of being a main photographer, without the stress of having to do everything yourself. There is no real reason not to do it, unless you're already putting out lots of quality wedding work on your own and feel completely comfortable with it. Even then, it's a good exercise.
4) Equipment. Unfortunately, equipment can make a HUGE difference in wedding photography. Not necessarily in the quality of the images per se, but in what images you are able to take. You'll need a new(ish) dslr, and a good selection of fast lenses. Bonus points for multiple speedlites. Also, backup gear.
5) A great outlook and some solid endurance. After you've shot your first 10 or so weddings, if you don't love it, you're probably in the wrong market, because it will show in the images. You'll need to be prepared to be on your feet for up to 10 hours at a time, sometimes with no food, being constantly focused. THAT'S why you need to love it, otherwise you'll burn out immediately.
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