While I have been "official" photographer at anniversaries, showers, and weddings, I've yet to be paid for these services. That makes me a mere highly sought after amateur, who takes fabulous photos! While becoming the best wedding photographer that you can be, keep in mind that each artist has uniquely different gifts, that are strengthened through continued development over the fullness of time!
In order to become a professional wedding photographer, I suggest you select a camera, take a course in photography and photographic lighting, and then volunteer yourself out as an "unofficial" wedding photographer. Get your subjects to sign a release, granting you permission to use the photos to promote your "wedding photographer" for hire web site in exchange for some free photos. Volunteer your services like this for at least six weddings to develop your style, skill and finesse. Advise your clients to hire an "official" wedding photographer as you are doing it to build a portfolio and gain experience. This way, while you perfect your craft, you take no responsibility if they do not get what they want because you are not the "official" photographer.
I shot a wedding that produced the most magnificent photos I have ever taken. It was the last hurrah for my Yashika FXD which served me well from high school until now. I've yet to pick up a digital camera - and don't know if digital is better than film, but it costs less. Just make sure that you know your camera well, know your shots; close ups, long shots, and medium close ups. Get help from your newlyweds when creating a shot sheet with listing all people you want to photograph, and have plenty of film or disk space to take those photos.
It's important to find a good camera, take a basic photography course to get started, then let the photographs speak for themselves. People notice a job well done. Passion shows in every little detail of ones interpretation. Don't allow your clients to be photographed with a half eaten platter in front of them, it's unattractive. Every shot should represent a picture for a wonderful brides magazine.
It has never been necessary for me to use a photo retoucher. My couples have been picture perfect partially due to my watching to see when they need powder or lipstick or if a hair out of place is too much out of placet. I've yet to see a pimply faced bride show up without adequate concealer to take care of the problem. Use of professional retouching should be a decided by the couple after they've seen the proofs, because retouching can make people look so much unlike themselves that it could hamper the authenticity of a memory. For example, my own photographer retouched my photos once, without consulting me and removed all of the creases around my eyes which give my smile it's unique character. I did not look much like myself at all. In fact it was a blatant misrepresentation and I could not use the photo.
Hence, I can not reiterate how much the use of retouching is and should be a personal choice. Do offer it, as something that can be made available for an additional fee. It should suffice to offer a few recommendations and let the client take full responsibility for meeting with the retoucher to communicate exactly what they want so that nothing is lost in translation while relaying their concerns. Communication or lack thereof can make all the difference between what is acceptable and what is not, when retouching photos. Details, details, details.. I personally, don't allow even so much as a crumpled napkin to invade their space. It's just my style. The disposable cameras on the tables can take the unflattering shots - but never the professional photographer. Make sure that your videographer gets to every guest, even the little children and videotape their special greeting or best wishes to the bride and groom. This is a special day and you have agreed to document the memories that they hope to some day share with their children, maybe even their children's children; so treat it and them with the utmost respect.
I endorse the Wedding Photographer's Blue Print.
https://paydotcom.com/r/55812 /Chevalier/21007261/
You will find yourself referring to this program over and over again, for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, Chaunaka, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Valentines Day - all sorts of special events as you will find the information transfers and is relevant in many different situations. It's the best bang for your buck. You can utilize VistaPrint to make greeting cards from your fabulous photos too!
Cinti Laird is a published journalist, professional actress, produced playwrite and a singer/songwriter. Oh, and official wedding photographer for a lucky few!
