Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding photography is a lucrative business, with couples willing to pay top dollar for the best. However, it is a serious matter, and photographers only get one chance to get it right. There are many things to consider when shooting a wedding, such as the venue, lighting, composition, and equipment. In addition, photographers must be mindful of any restrictions imposed by the venue, such as no photography during the ceremony. To increase their chances of success, photographers can enter their work into various wedding photography competitions, which can bring recognition and help establish their reputation in the industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Membership | Required for some competitions, e.g. Fearless Awards, Wedding Photojournalist Association, and International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) |
| Cost of membership | $149 for the first year for Fearless Awards, $150 per year for Wedding Photojournalist Association, $179 per year for ISPWP |
| Number of contests per year | Wedding Photojournalist Association holds 3 contests per year; ISPWP holds 4 contests per year |
| Number of entries | Wedisson Awards holds monthly competitions; Way Up North Awards held a competition in 2017; you can enter up to 50 photos in 25 categories for the free and fair annual photo contest |
| Prizes | Wedisson Awards publishes a list of the best international wedding photographers at the end of each competition year; Way Up North Awards published a sequel to their 2017 award |
| Workflow | Creating a workflow can increase your chances of winning a photography award by giving you more time and headspace to be creative |
| Judging criteria | Emotion or connection between subjects or with the viewer; originality; bold impact; good editing and post-production; relevance to the nature of the day |
| Preparation | Be prepared, organised, and knowledgeable; plan and understand how a wedding works; know the timeline of the day and any restrictions |
| Equipment | Wide-angle lens, flash photography |
| Business aspects | Marketing, finances |
| Training | FStoppers.com offers a DVD training series with 14 hours of content on lighting, shooting, finances, and marketing for $299.99 |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation and organisation
First, create a workflow. Having a structured workflow will give you more time and headspace to be creative and focus on taking stunning photographs. A good place to start is by checking out platforms such as ShootZilla, which offers a free workflow chart template.
Next, you'll want to choose your equipment carefully. Make sure you have the right gear, including a good wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the ceremony, and a camera with a long-lasting battery. It's also important to be dressed for the part; imagine yourself as a guest and dress accordingly, maintaining a professional appearance.
Before the wedding day, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Communicate regularly with the couple to understand their expectations and go through the timeline of the day. Scout the venue to find the best spots for photographs, considering lighting and background distractions. On the day, arrive early and set up your equipment, ensuring your batteries are charged and your memory cards are in your camera bag.
Lastly, be prepared to adapt on the day. Things may not always go according to plan, so it's important to stay flexible and be ready to capture those spontaneous moments. Remember to enjoy the process and immerse yourself in the moment!
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Camera and equipment
Wedding photography is a challenging task that requires the right equipment to capture the magic of the occasion. While a good photographer can make a good photograph using almost any camera, wedding photography demands the right tools for the job.
When it comes to cameras, wedding photographers should consider three key factors: sensor size, resolution, and autofocus capabilities. Full-frame sensors are essential for capturing clear, crisp images with low noise in dark conditions, providing the best possible image quality. Cameras with lower pixel counts perform better in low light, as each pixel has a larger surface area, allowing more light to be processed and resulting in clearer pixels and lower noise.
For wedding photographers, speed and responsiveness are crucial. The ability to shoot fast and reliably is essential, especially when capturing fast-moving, spontaneous moments. Cameras like the Nikon D5 are popular for their responsiveness and low-light performance, with a 20 MP sensor that balances resolution and low-light capability. The Nikon Z6 II is also highly regarded for its autofocus capabilities, achieving focus 9/10 times in low-light conditions.
In addition to cameras, lenses play a vital role in wedding photography. A versatile range of lenses is necessary to adapt to different scenarios, from portrait lenses like the Nikon 85mm 1.4 to wide-angle lenses for capturing the full scope of a venue.
Lastly, wedding photographers should consider the accessories and extras that will enhance their work. This includes items like extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning equipment, as well as "just in case" items like sewing kits and first aid supplies. A reliable bag, such as the ThinkTank Airport Express or a simple rucksack, ensures photographers can comfortably carry their gear throughout the day.
By investing in the right camera and equipment, wedding photographers can ensure they are prepared to capture the unique and irreplaceable moments of a couple's special day.
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Lighting and shooting
Wedding photography is a challenging task that requires a lot of preparation and technical knowledge. Here are some tips on lighting and shooting to help you improve your wedding photography skills and perhaps even win a competition.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, it is essential to work with the available light and use additional lighting equipment wisely. Here are some specific tips:
- Use realistic lighting. Avoid studio lighting, and instead, focus on using natural light or ambient light effectively.
- Take test shots. Before the wedding, visit the venue and take test shots to understand how your camera and equipment perform in that specific lighting condition. This will help you make any necessary adjustments and experiment with different settings.
- Manage colour temperature and flash intensity. During the reception, the lighting conditions can be challenging due to dimmed lights and DJ setups. Adjust the colour temperature and flash intensity to avoid "raccoon eyes," a term used to describe when the light reflects off the subject's head, creating dark circles around their eyes.
- Avoid harsh shadows. Bright ambient light or direct sunlight can create harsh shadows and loss of detail. Use light reflectors to fill in the shadows and create even lighting across your subject's face.
- Backlighting. Position yourself so that the light is coming from behind the subject. This creates a halo effect, separating them from the background and avoiding unwanted shadows on their face.
Shooting
Regarding shooting techniques and composition, here are some suggestions:
- Storytelling. Whether entering a photography competition or capturing a couple's special day, aim to tell a story with your images. A single image should be able to stand alone as a narrative and draw viewers into its intrigue.
- Composition. Consider the rules of composition, such as the rule of thirds, to create visually appealing images.
- Camera settings. Understand the relationship between aperture and depth of field. A larger aperture, such as f/1.4 to f/2.8, creates a shallow depth of field, keeping the focus on your subject and blurring the background.
- Lens choice. Select lenses that suit your style and the lighting conditions. Faster lenses (wider aperture) can capture more available light, while zoom lenses offer versatility.
- Be prepared. Have a range of lenses at your disposal, including prime lenses and zoom lenses. Practice with your equipment beforehand, and consider renting professional gear if needed.
Remember, lighting and shooting techniques are essential aspects of wedding photography. By mastering these skills, you can create captivating images that stand out and, who knows, maybe even win a competition!
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Editing and post-production
Select Your Images
Choose images that stand out and showcase your unique perspective. Opt for photographs that tell a story, evoke emotions, or display exceptional technical skills. Think about the narrative you want to build with your collection of images. Remember, judges will be looking through numerous entries, so grab their attention with something unexpected and impactful.
Research and Adhere to Guidelines
Thoroughly read and understand the competition guidelines, including format, size, and resolution requirements. Pay attention to the specific categories outlined by the awards and select your images accordingly. If the competition is associated with a magazine, consider submitting images that would sit well on a page or work effectively beneath a header. If it's primarily for Instagram, choose images that fit well into the grid.
Peer Reviews
Before finalizing your submission, seek feedback from your peers or fellow wedding photographers. Share your images in a private group and observe which photos get the most reactions. This will give you valuable insight into which images are likely to stand out in the competition.
Caption and Context
If the competition allows or requires captions, craft killer captions that complement your images. A well-written caption can enhance the impact of your photograph and showcase your ability to provide a decent soundbite.
Organize Your Workflow
Create a structured workflow to increase your chances of winning. Make it a habit to select your favorite images from each wedding and organize them in a separate folder. That way, when it's time to enter a competition, you can easily review this folder and make your selections.
Continuous Improvement
Remember, even if you don't win, the process of entering competitions is an excellent opportunity for growth and development. You can receive constructive feedback and critique from industry experts, which can help improve your skills and knowledge. Stay persistent and keep entering competitions to increase your chances of success.
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Business and marketing
Building a wedding photography business requires dedication, diligence, and a strong understanding of marketing and branding. Here are some key business and marketing strategies to help you succeed:
Building a Portfolio
Your portfolio is your resume as a wedding photographer, and it plays a crucial role in marketing your business. Working as a second shooter at weddings is an excellent way to gain experience and build a diverse portfolio. You can also offer to shoot for free, especially if it's a fair exchange, like modelling for a styled shoot. However, be selective about when you offer your services for free.
Defining Your Brand
Developing a strong brand identity is essential before promoting your business. Define your target market and the types of weddings or elopements you want to photograph. This will help you create a consistent and appealing brand image that attracts your ideal clients.
Online Presence and SEO
Build a strong online presence on local directories and review sites like Yelp and Google Business. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews, as this increases your credibility. Create a blog to share photography tips and advice, engaging with potential clients and improving your search engine optimization (SEO). Use relevant keywords and phrases in your blog posts and website content to boost your visibility and make it easier for clients to find you.
Social Media Marketing
Social media is a powerful tool for wedding photographers, as many brides-to-be use it for inspiration. Develop a strong social media presence by using platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and track your performance with built-in reporting tools. Share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and client testimonials to engage your audience and showcase your unique style.
Networking and Expos
Networking is crucial to meeting potential clients and spreading the word about your business. Attend local bridal shows, wedding-related events, expos, and networking events. Have business cards or brochures ready to hand out, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself and your services to others in the industry.
Pricing and Budgeting
While it's tempting to compare your prices to those of your competitors, it's better to rate yourself based on your lifestyle, expenses, and the number of weddings you plan to shoot in a year. Develop a budget that includes the cost of gear, insurance, and setting up your business legally. Give yourself a trial period to test the waters of full-time wedding photography, and ensure you have sufficient cash flow to cover your living expenses during this transition.
Remember, success doesn't happen overnight. It requires hard work, passion, dedication, and perseverance. Keep refining your craft, learning from experienced photographers, and adapting your business strategies to stay competitive in the saturated photography industry.
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Frequently asked questions
To get started as a wedding photographer, you'll need to be prepared, organised, and know your stuff. It's a good idea to follow photographers whose style you admire and see if they offer workshops or styled shoots. You should also be aware of the rules and restrictions of the wedding venue, as some religious venues do not allow photography during the ceremony.
As a wedding photographer, you'll need a good camera, lenses, and other gear. It's also important to have a cloud-based studio diary system to stay organised.
Building a successful wedding photography business requires successful marketing. You can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your work and reach a wider audience.
To win awards as a wedding photographer, you need to create emotional images that tell a story. Judges are looking for something different, with a bold impact and good editing. It's also important to be aware of the rules of the competition and to select the best images to submit.
