Photography as a business. What advice would you give me on getting started in...

M

Maxi R

New member
...wedding photography? To professionals.
I have recently been made redundant I was considering a new career in wedding photography.
What would be the minimum equipment I would need to have professional results and make a profit?
IE what would you consider the minimum camera spec or modal
What computer equipment would I need? What printer or would I be better off using an online printer?
What should I charge for a wedding shoot everything else being fine?
Is it possible to eventually made a decent living out of it if I am competent?
Thanks Jeannie and I know you're right.
To be fair i have really thought about this hard as I will be spending my redundancy money on a new camera.
I own a 400d which I am not suggesting could be used as a main camera, maybe a back up for not so important shots. I am thinking of buying a 5d mark 2 as this will give me hd video into the bargain as well. I have experience in all that you have mentioned including photoshop work and printing my own prints, though my printer is good for personal use I know it is not up to the job for quality wedding pictures.
I have thought about everything you've written and appreciated the advice so thankyou.
Thanks Nathan. Keep Centered that way as you get older and you'll be a success in whatever you do.
 
"If I am competent?"

If you don't know, you should not be contemplating this. Most wedding photographers have years of education and at least 2 years assisting a working pro (an apprenticeship.)

Despite what the TV ads say, buying a camera does not make you able to shoot professional quality images anymore than buying Turbo Tax makes you a CPA. The comparison is indicative of the level of skill one needs to be a wedding photographer: you need to be completely trained to do it right. Doing it wrong can get you sued, big time.

The fact you have no idea what equipment you need or any idea as to the printing (most pros have the pictures printed at a lab - it costs less in the long run, and is seriously less time consuming.) Speaking of that, how are your computer photo editing skills? Can you correct color and density and make a print that actually looks like it came from a lab? Do you understand how to profile for printing?

What about lighting? Do you know how to use strobes, softboxes, flash units, reflectors?

Do you know how to run a business? Self - employment is hard, and a lot different than wage employment. You have to keep accurate records, pay taxes quarterly, deal with employment and insurance issues.

This question comes up a lot, but you asked in a more thoughtful and respectful manner. So I would urge you to contact local wedding photographers and ask if you can shadow them (volunteer to carry gear.) You will get an idea of how much work it is, and what is expected. Then ask them about the business end. You will see this is much, much more than just pointing and clicking.

Good luck.
 
You sound you like you have no experience whatsoever, and just want to jump into upsetting clients. I'm fifteen, but i know it's not that easy. I mean, you don't even know what kind of equipment you need. This, in and of itself, tells us you are not ready for this type of photography whatsoever. Slow down. It will take you a while to learn. Thinking you can just jump into being a wedding photographer is a bit naive, no offense. It takes a very long time to get to that level.

You will end up ruining somebodies wedding day. It's not like accounting, it's not as 'easy' as it sounds (although accounting can be hard sometimes too). It will take you years to have the experience to get a job like this. You would need to spend several thousand dollars on GOOD, PROFESSIONAL level equipment. Good luck, but it's not going to happen that easily. Sorry about being laid-off, it's happening to a lot of people.

Try getting a job in another (and more promising) field, i know how troubling this economic situation is. Photography isn't a very dependable as a primary source of income. Most people do it as a side-job. Get a good job you can depend on to put food on the table. Once again, the best of luck.

*******EDIT

Sorry, it seems as if i've underestimated you. Here, hundred of kids my age a day ask 'how much should i get paid for my photography', and things of that nature, when they have no experience or talent. I guess you aren't one of those people. Good luck, and sorry again. If you ask a question like that, mention those additional details and your experience. You're lucky Fishmeister wasn't here tonight, lol. He would have been brutal. BEST OF LUCK

Good Luck
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You sound you like you have no experience whatsoever, and just want to jump into upsetting clients. I'm fifteen, but i know it's not that easy. I mean, you don't even know what kind of equipment you need. This, in and of itself, tells us you are not ready for this type of photography whatsoever. Slow down. It will take you a while to learn. Thinking you can just jump into being a wedding photographer is a bit naive, no offense. It takes a very long time to get to that level.

You will end up ruining somebodies wedding day. It's not like accounting, it's not as 'easy' as it sounds (although accounting can be hard sometimes too). It will take you years to have the experience to get a job like this. You would need to spend several thousand dollars on GOOD, PROFESSIONAL level equipment. Good luck, but it's not going to happen that easily. Sorry about being laid-off, it's happening to a lot of people.

Try getting a job in another (and more promising) field, i know how troubling this economic situation is. Photography isn't a very dependable as a primary source of income. Most people do it as a side-job. Get a good job you can depend on to put food on the table. Once again, the best of luck.

*******EDIT

Sorry, it seems as if i've underestimated you. Here, hundred of kids my age a day ask 'how much should i get paid for my photography', and things of that nature, when they have no experience or talent. I guess you aren't one of those people. Good luck, and sorry again. If you ask a question like that, mention those additional details and your experience. You're lucky Fishmeister wasn't here tonight, lol. He would have been brutal. BEST OF LUCK

Good Luck
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