Learn What it Takes to Be a Wedding Photographer!

This is NOT a class on how to take wedding photographs. There are a lot of great resources out there.

What this class is, is an in-depth look at everything else that is needed to be a wedding photographer; from how to determine your rates to the best products to offer and everything in between.

If you are wanting to get into wedding photography, there is a lot you need to know beyond the ability to take great photographs. Rob has spent several years as a wedding photographer and knows that the business side is often overlooked.

The difference between a successful wedding photographer and an out-of-work wedding photographer rarely lies in the ability to take wonderful pictures. Do you know your market? Do you know which vendors you want to use? What should you wear? Do you know what to bring when you first meet a client? How do you schedule everything?

These are all very important considerations when entering the volatile and exciting (and really fun) wedding photography market. There are a lot of opportunities to either grow or fail. A strong grasp on the business of shooting weddings is the key.

What we will cover:

• Developing your brand
• What marketing materials do you need?
• Where to find potential clients (and where not to)
• Setting up a Web presence
• Developing your portfolio
• Why to stay away from group "Bridal Shoots"
• Having a successful first meeting with a client
• When, how, and why to decline working with a client
• Using the "Shot List"
• Choosing which products to offer and finding the right vendor
• How to build studio samples
• Figuring out how much time is involved in shooting a single wedding
• Determining your rates and creating packages
• Overcoming client objections and the dreaded "Can you do better on your price?"
• How to keep track of leads and signed gigs
• What forms do you need
• What equipment do you need, and why?
• How to schedule the photography on the wedding day
• Working with other vendors at the wedding
• Dealing with "Uncle Joe" and his new camera - along with the rest of the "paparazzi"
• What to wear at the wedding
• How to behave at the wedding and be loved by clergy (trust me, it's not easy)
• Avoiding the "Bridezilla"
• Keeping the bride and groom relaxed
• Dealing with guests and other necessary evils
• Dealing with uncooperative bridal party members
• Deciding how many images to shoot/edit/and show the client
• How to present the proofs to the client
• The various options for albums and deciding what level of quality you want to offer
• Software applications for scheduling, online proofing, sales, album design, and (of course) editing
• Finding an assistant and/or second shooter

Who should attend:

Anyone interested in becoming a wedding or portrait photographer now or in the near future will reap many, many benefits from this class. The material presented here covers the side of the business that other classes that teach you how to shoot a wedding don't cover.

What to bring:

• You won't specifically need your camera but, as a photographer, you really shouldn't be walking around without it. If you would like to bring it to talk about whether or not it is adequate or appropriate for shooting weddings, I'd be happy to go over it with you.
• Pen and lots of paper - there is a lot of information we'll be covering
• Questions - lots and lots of questions!

What you get:

All the sample forms and other lists (vendors, products, price worksheet, etc.) are provided in both a print form and on a CD.

About the instructor:

I have spend several years on the front lines of wedding photography and have enjoyed virtually every moment of it. It's not without its challenges and stresses, but it's also not without its rewards, either. Yes, you can make a lot of money shooting weddings, but only if you know what is really involved. I share the tips, tricks, and techniques I've learned and developed so that you can start your journey to being a successful wedding photographer.