Tips for starting out photographing weddings

jojoman2
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tips for starting out photographing weddings

Hi FM, I’m looking for advice on how to get started with wedding photography without prior experience other than 10 years of street photography—I have a street portfolio but virtually nothing for weddings. Currently I own a canon 5d mark I and a rolleiflex, as well as a Leica m for my personal work that I am most familiar with. I am in the NJ area by a park where I occasionally see photo shoots. I briefly worked photographing events for a local university so I have a little experience delivering work to clients.

Thank you

Oct 01, 2024 at 07:46 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tips for starting out photographing weddings

You should work on 2nd shooting for an established photographer to see if 1) it's up your alley and 2) you're any good at it.

Your gear isn't up to par, so unless that 1st shooter has gear you can use, you're looking at a significant outlay at the beginning.

The "traditional" path is normally portrait photography that leads to event photography that leads to wedding photography, because all of those skills compound and build. Street has very little practical application here.

Oct 01, 2024 at 08:49 AM

johnld
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tips for starting out photographing weddings

Try connecting with a few local wedding photographers and offer to shoot as a second. You may have to shoot a few for just the credit, but at least you can start building up a portfolio. Bridal shows are a great way to meet local photographers. Your camera gear is fine as the 5D MK1 has nice fat pixels and great color that’s perfect for table displays, settings, dress details, flowers and other scenes that a second would normally shoot. We shoot with Canon R6’s @20mp and it’s more than enough for up to 36” on the long side. If anything, I’d invest in fast EF-L glass like the EF 85mm f/1.4 and EF 35mm of 24mm f/1.4. We actually like these over the RF versions. Actually, film wedding shooters are in demand in some markets and are enjoying a revival so to speak and get paid nicely too. When we started, we asked a few friends to wear their wedding dress again and pretend to shoot formals. Candid photography is the most requested style we’re asked to shoot, so imo, street photography might serve you nicely here too.

Oct 01, 2024 at 11:32 AM

Ziffl3
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tips for starting out photographing weddings

I would not say street shooting is not useful... I would say it is a small part of wedding shooting.
Well .. .wedding shooting from a view point you want to be seriously talented, deliver consistency and bring joy /tears - in a good way to clients because of the quality of images (moments/family/creative shots/couple images) and key: provide a fabulous experience.

gear does not have to be the top of the line.... but canon R6 is a great place to start if you drive canon.
there are Nikon, sony, fuji gear you can use and be fabulous.

The portrait route is good... helps with posing and lighting. editing for skin tones.
also need to give your time in exchange for experience.

Basically, get to know your area shooters. see who offers a day class. take it... get to know them... basically build your network.

Oct 02, 2024 at 08:30 PM


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