I shoot mostly nature and landscapes and I have no portraits in my portfolio, but I would like to try shooting a wedding. How do I get into this? Maybe I could offer to be a second shooter for a lower end but established wedding photographer in the area?
Also, I am shy and uncomfortable with people having fun at parties.
Hi. As a wedding photographer myself I started out talking portraits of friends. I then did a wedding for $200.00. You have to get practice though. Try different backgrounds and locations. Just focus on people for a few weeks. I would also recommend browsing other photographers websites like this one: http://pinpointphoto.net. Practice makes perfect!!! Good Luck!!
5 Responses to “How do I start in the wedding photography field?”
Hi. As a wedding photographer myself I started out talking portraits of friends. I then did a wedding for $200.00. You have to get practice though. Try different backgrounds and locations. Just focus on people for a few weeks. I would also recommend browsing other photographers websites like this one: http://pinpointphoto.net. Practice makes perfect!!! Good Luck!!
References :
http://pinpointphoto.net
If you are uncomfortable around people who are celebrating maybe wedding photography is not for you. Not to say that you shouldn’t try, but you should definitely keep it in mind if you just aren’t able to do it. I would start by photographing strangers. You are probably comfortable around your friends and family. Try some street photography to see how comfortable you can get around strangers.
References :
Start shooting pictures of your family and friends during regular gatherings, then start shooting pictures of family and friends during more formal occasions (weddings, graduations, parties, birthdays, confirmations, bar mitzvahs, family reunions, etc.) to get a feel for how to mingle without making people nervous. And also to help your technique. Learn to properly use flash (a white wedding dress will throw your exposure off, as will a bunch of black tuxedos). The key is being friendly but unobtrusive.
However like someone else said – if you are shy and uncomfortable then wedding photography is not for you. You will have to overcome your shyness first. And learn to smile.
References :
I’m not going to tell you not to be a wedding photographer because you are shy. I know some fantastic photographers who are shy, except when they are behind the camera. Somehow the camera allows you to feel more at home in a situation, since you have a reason for being there.
I am going to suggest that you consider finding a wedding photojournalist who will accept you as a second shooter. The photojournalistic style would be a lot more in line with your personality, since photojournalists take a "fly on the wall" approach and shoot events as they happen, instead of directing people throughout the day as traditional wedding photographers do.
Try the Wedding Photojournalist Association to see who is in your area. You can also start photographing friends and family to hone your portrait skills.
References :
http://www.wpja.com
Hi,
You are on the right track to think about assisting another photographer, but may I make a very important suggestion?
Instead of a "lower end establishment" why not find the absolute best wedding photographer you can to assist? What you’ll learn from a "lower end establishment" is all the bad habits and procedures that will make you a lower end photographer. What you’ll learn from a great wedding photographer is how to become a great wedding photographer!
So shoot a little higher in who you want to learn from!
Don’t worry about being shy. Everyone is shy when they don’t have much experience or skill at a particular task, like photographing weddings. As you learn and practice, you will not only become more skilled you’ll be more at ease knowing that you can consistently take great wedding photographs.
And while you’re learning, read everything you can – in print and online -about the art and technology of photography.
Best wishes for success,
George Delgado
Certified Professional Photographer
http:www.NYPortratis.com
References :
http://www.NYPortraits.com