Wedding Videography: Capturing Profits, Not Just Moments

Shooting wedding films can be a lucrative business, but it's not easy money. It's a lot of work and can be exhausting. Before you start, you should know that it's not an overnight success and it requires a lot of upfront work and learning.

If you're just starting out, you can offer to be a second shooter for a discounted rate or even for free. This will help you gain experience and build a portfolio. You can also reach out to friends or family who are getting married and offer your services at a special family price.

Once you have some experience, you can start charging for your services. The amount you can charge will depend on your experience and skill level, where you live, your equipment, and how many shooters you have. For example, a beginner wedding shooter might charge around $1000-$2000 per wedding, while a higher-end wedding shooter can charge anywhere from $4000 to $7000.

To attract clients, you'll need to create a portfolio and market yourself through word-of-mouth, referrals, and social media platforms like Instagram. You can also post your services on platforms like Craigslist, Wedding Wire, and Two Bright Lights.

Remember, shooting wedding films is demanding work, but with the right skills, equipment, and marketing strategy, it can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

Build a portfolio by offering free or discounted shoots

Building a portfolio is essential when starting out as a wedding videographer. It can be challenging to get clients without an established portfolio, but there are effective ways to build one. Offering free or discounted shoots is a common strategy, but it's important to be cautious and not get in over your head. Start with small, easily manageable projects that are within your capabilities.

One approach is to offer free or discounted services to friends or family members who are getting married. This allows you to gain experience and build your portfolio without the same pressure as an official wedding videographer. You can also offer to do engagement shoots or be a second shooter at a wedding, which will give you practice and valuable footage for your portfolio.

Another strategy is to collaborate with other wedding vendors, such as designers, florists, bakers, or event managers. Offer to create promotional videos or product photography for their websites or catalogs in exchange for portfolio photos. This approach will not only provide you with portfolio-worthy footage but also help you build relationships with vendors who can vouch for you and refer potential clients.

Additionally, consider reaching out to a professional wedding videographer and offering to assist them as an apprentice or second shooter. This way, you can learn from a mentor, network at weddings, and gradually build your portfolio.

While offering free or discounted shoots can be beneficial when starting, it's important to be mindful of the potential downsides. Ensure that you don't take on more than you can handle, and always clarify ownership and usage rights of the footage to protect your work.

Create a website and social media presence

Creating a website and social media presence is crucial for anyone looking to make money shooting wedding films. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Build a professional website: Your website is your online portfolio and the face of your business. It should showcase your best work and highlight your unique style. Consider investing in a custom domain name and a user-friendly platform that allows potential clients to easily navigate your site and view your films.
• Optimise your website for search engines: Research and implement search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies to ensure your website appears in relevant search results. This will help potential clients find you more easily.
• Utilise social media platforms: Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be powerful tools for promoting your work and connecting with potential clients. Create a business account on these platforms and regularly post your films, behind-the-scenes content, and client testimonials. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
• Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages from potential clients and followers. This helps build relationships and shows that you value your audience's input.
• Network with other vendors: Connect with photographers, wedding planners, venues, and other industry professionals. Collaborate and cross-promote each other's work to expand your reach and gain referrals.
• Maintain a consistent brand image: Ensure that your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials have a consistent look and feel. This helps create a recognisable brand identity and establishes you as a professional in the industry.
• Provide clear and transparent pricing: Be upfront about your pricing and the services included. This builds trust with potential clients and avoids misunderstandings. You can include a pricing page on your website or provide pricing guides upon request.
• Regularly update your content: Keep your website and social media profiles fresh by regularly adding new films, blog posts, or other relevant content. This not only showcases your latest work but also demonstrates your continued activity and engagement in the industry.
• Optimise your website for mobile: Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and optimised for different device sizes. Many people access websites and social media primarily through their mobile devices, so it is crucial that your content is easily viewable and navigable on smaller screens.
• Utilise analytics tools: Use analytics tools provided by social media platforms and website hosting services to track the performance of your content. This will help you understand what types of content resonate with your audience and allow you to make data-driven decisions to improve your online presence.

Network with other photographers, wedding coordinators, venues, and industry professionals

Networking is one of the best ways to market your wedding videography business and build relationships with potential clients. Here are some tips to help you network with other photographers, wedding coordinators, venues, and industry professionals:

• Build Genuine Relationships: Networking is about more than just exchanging business cards. Take the time to get to know people and build genuine relationships. Be friendly, confident, and curious about their work. Ask them about their business, their experiences, and any interesting stories they may have. People love talking about themselves, so be sure to ask intelligent questions!
• Attend Industry Events and Meetups: Join local industry groups, such as photography clubs or wedding planner associations. Attend bridal shows, exhibitions, and conferences to meet potential clients and collaborators. These events provide excellent opportunities to introduce yourself, exchange contact information, and showcase your work.
• Utilize Social Media Platforms: Make use of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to connect with other professionals in your industry. Follow wedding photographers, videographers, and planners in your area. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing. Send direct messages to those you'd like to collaborate with and suggest meeting up for coffee or attending an event together.
• Offer Your Services: One way to build relationships with industry professionals is by offering your services. For example, you can offer to take free headshots for vendors, bring them coffee, or take photos of their work or venue. This not only helps you connect but also showcases your skills and builds goodwill.
• Host Styled Shoots: Plan and host styled shoots to connect with other vendors and build your portfolio. Invite vendors, such as florists, caterers, and wedding planners, to collaborate on a styled shoot. This will allow you to work together, showcase each other's talents, and build relationships that could lead to future referrals.
• Share Your Work: Don't forget to share your work with the vendors and professionals you meet. Send them images or videos from weddings you've worked on, especially if they were involved. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team.
• Follow Up: After meeting someone new, follow up with them to continue building the relationship. Send a handwritten note or email, invite them for drinks or lunch, or connect with them on social media. Maintaining contact will help keep you top of mind for future collaborations or referrals.

Develop a unique style

Developing a unique style is crucial to standing out in the wedding film industry and attracting clients. Here are some tips to help you develop your own distinctive style:

Experiment with different film types

Don't just stick to one type of film. Experiment with various options to find the one that suits your creative vision. This will help you avoid a generic feel and set your work apart.

Find a unique subject

Even if you love a particular style, such as the pastel fine-art wedding approach, you can make it your own by choosing a unique subject. Combine your passions and interests with your film style. For example, if you love hiking, you can shoot personal projects on your hiking trips, and soon you'll become known for your stunning landscape shots.

Look beyond photography for inspiration

Don't limit yourself to seeking inspiration only from other photographers or filmmakers. Explore other art forms, such as exhibitions, galleries, music, books, and new hobbies. This will help you develop a fresh and original approach to your wedding films.

Develop your own work

Consider investing in the equipment needed to develop and process your own films. It's labour-intensive and not cheap, but it gives you complete control over the final look and feel of your work, ensuring a truly original style.

Focus on storytelling

Craft a narrative that is unique to each couple and their relationship. Every wedding is a love story, and your film should capture the emotions and pivotal moments that will make the video engaging and memorable. Use techniques such as shooting through a mirror or using insert shots and close-ups to add creativity and cinematic flair to your storytelling.

Developing a unique style takes time and patience, but by following these tips and continuously refining your craft, you'll be well on your way to establishing a distinctive and successful brand in the wedding film industry.

Set up a passive income stream by selling your films independently

Selling your wedding films independently can be a great way to set up a passive income stream. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Build a portfolio

Start by building a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Offer to film weddings for free or at a discounted rate to build your portfolio and gain experience. You can also create teaser trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, or "making of" videos to generate interest in your work.

Utilize crowdfunding platforms

Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and IndieGoGo can be a great way to fund your film distribution. By creating a compelling campaign and offering incentives such as early access or exclusive content, you can attract investors and build a fan base for your film.

Prepare your film for distribution

Ensure your film is in the correct format for distribution. Standard formats include .mp4 and .mov files, with specific codecs and resolutions depending on the platform. Research the requirements of your chosen distribution channels to ensure your film is ready for release.

Choose your distribution channels

There are several distribution channels available, including third-party aggregators and VOD platforms. Third-party aggregators can help you secure deals with VOD platforms, but they may charge fees and require partial ownership of your film. VOD platforms such as Hulu, YouTube, and iTunes allow you to retain ownership and set your sale price, but you will need to handle encoding, packaging, and delivery yourself.

Promote your film

Creating a trailer, press kit, and website can help generate buzz for your film. Utilize social media advertising to reach a wider audience and consider using email marketing to build a list of fans who you can update about your film's distribution and future projects.

Explore other revenue streams

In addition to selling your wedding films, you can explore other revenue streams such as creating tutorial videos, selling stock footage, or renting out your equipment to generate additional income.

Frequently asked questions