Making Money in Photography
Discussion
DibblyDobbler said:
Well done for not taking the hump. I'm never sure whether giving unasked for feedback is a good idea but I thought you'd be ok with it 
You know how to frame constructive feedback and you're an experience 'tog, it'd be silly not to listen!ExPat2B said:
I recently bought a Datacolor Spyder Checkr - best 35 quid I ever spent in photography. Just gets the colours right no matter the lighting or lens or camera.
I used to borrow my friend's Dad's all singing, all dancing Spyder calibration equipment as he used to shoot sports for publication. I do need to invest in my own but I didn't know you could even get one for £35! I thought they were well in excess of £100. I'll have to look that one up. 
RobDickinson said:
Great article. Never put much time in on fstopers I just dont get the site ethos or whatever.
Thanks Rob. It's a bit like Petapixel in that it's spread betting with content rather than focused to a particular area. That said, it does have some interesting stuff on there. My second article is up and in a similar list format (coincidence). It seems to be doing well again and I'm getting nice comments and messages once more. I think the reason that most surprises me is that the editors warned me not to read the comments as people will just tear me apart no matter what I write.
Eight Portrait Photography Rules You Should Try Breaking
thelittleegg said:
How's it been going Rob?
I keep on thinking back to what you said, because I'm trying to develop a course for bloggers and although I want to furnish people with skills to go away and be creative with, some people might actually want to be taught 'photography by numbers'.
I suppose the answer might lay in the question, it could be best to have a separate 'creative' course and a 'guidelines' course.
Going well, really busy but some time off now (apart from a workshop this weekend..) Just back from a 5 day trip around Central Otago and Mackenzie, full on autumn colours, 1800kms and so much shooting I only had time for an hours processing demo..I keep on thinking back to what you said, because I'm trying to develop a course for bloggers and although I want to furnish people with skills to go away and be creative with, some people might actually want to be taught 'photography by numbers'.
I suppose the answer might lay in the question, it could be best to have a separate 'creative' course and a 'guidelines' course.
As for teaching photography 'by the numbers' I'll leave that to someone else. If people on my workshops dont get the idea that by the numbers only gets you so far and to look deeper I doubt they will really work out. I try to teach people to see, interpret the scene and find their own view on it, and to work dynamically.
We asked the group several times, and individually if they had questions or something they'd like us to cover they didnt speak up on the day...
I think we should assume that some people really only like to operate under instruction. Perhaps they have been trained that way and had self confidence removed.
A long time ago I was working with a client of long standing on a major (for them) project which involved what was effectively consultancy based training. Nothing too complicated but just getting the troops familiar with the application we provided and the methods their project team members had come up with.
The session, iirc, was 2 or 3 days of hands on use of the system using their familiar data with a secondary objective of verifying the processes would work by making use of those who knew how things worked in their current operation.
There was one young lass who seemed to be struggling and getting into a bit of a state about things. That puzzled me.
As the days drew to an we wound up the course with a Q&A and everyone was happy enough with how things were looking and the "polishing" of the process that was to be undertaken.
Except the young lady.
So I suggested I would take some time to go through things with her when the others had left.
It turned out that she was indeed pretty bright. Although she looked about 20 something she was in fact only just 17 and had recently started this her first job. (I think that culturally she probably had parents who expected much.) It turned out that the problem was that no one had actually told her what the purpose of the course was. No one thought t do it and to fit into the available time and budget we were not expecting or expected to cover the absolute basics.
I spoke to the Project Manager who then spoke the lass and her manager and, as far as I know, things were explained, everything fell into place for her and we all moved on.
The project concluded and went into successful operation. About a year later, during their next project, I was on site again and bumped into the young lady who had struggled so much previously. She was now running the department (more or less) and had become the "go to" person for anyone who did not understand something and a great source of creative solutions for new challenges.
If only they were all like that ....
One of the odd things about Photography (although I don't suggest it is a unique trait) is that as a supposedly creative job or hobby there seems to be a lot of people around who have no obvious motivation to try to be creative when they need to be.
As a hobbyist that is not unreasonable (unless it's an operational issue that gets you out of a hole or where a little thought provides a way of doing something that did not at first seem possible.
However for a Pro to be asking in a forum, to take one example, whether anyone has any "Styles" that replicate a "look" that someone else has created seems a little sad. If they are then advised that there are no known options for such a thing and the person goes into some sort of meltdown rant about "poor software" one has to wonder why they are so vexed. Moreover why would they just want a way to copy the work of someone else without actually getting an in depth understanding of how the "Style" worked.
That's just one example. There are many more. Especially in the area of DAM activity. I often wonder if photography is mostly an admin creation scheme for many people - far more important that finding a new subject or a new way to express something in the taking of or by the processing of, a new image.
Your approach and objectives sound good to me Rob. If people are prompted to take the introductory steps but fail to do so that is hardly your problem (until it is .... for other reasons). If they cannot take the guidance offered and make use of it then they should probably seek out some other aspects of their hobby that might be more satisfying at a personal level.
I am in no way a highly creative person - but I do enjoy trying and I like a challenge if the subject is interesting enough.
Sometimes seeing what is possible, even if how is nut understood, can be enough set people off going back to the basics on which they can build anew. By starting with the basics they may not stick with things long enough to get to that moment of inspiration that keeps them hooked on the hobby.
A long time ago I was working with a client of long standing on a major (for them) project which involved what was effectively consultancy based training. Nothing too complicated but just getting the troops familiar with the application we provided and the methods their project team members had come up with.
The session, iirc, was 2 or 3 days of hands on use of the system using their familiar data with a secondary objective of verifying the processes would work by making use of those who knew how things worked in their current operation.
There was one young lass who seemed to be struggling and getting into a bit of a state about things. That puzzled me.
As the days drew to an we wound up the course with a Q&A and everyone was happy enough with how things were looking and the "polishing" of the process that was to be undertaken.
Except the young lady.
So I suggested I would take some time to go through things with her when the others had left.
It turned out that she was indeed pretty bright. Although she looked about 20 something she was in fact only just 17 and had recently started this her first job. (I think that culturally she probably had parents who expected much.) It turned out that the problem was that no one had actually told her what the purpose of the course was. No one thought t do it and to fit into the available time and budget we were not expecting or expected to cover the absolute basics.
I spoke to the Project Manager who then spoke the lass and her manager and, as far as I know, things were explained, everything fell into place for her and we all moved on.
The project concluded and went into successful operation. About a year later, during their next project, I was on site again and bumped into the young lady who had struggled so much previously. She was now running the department (more or less) and had become the "go to" person for anyone who did not understand something and a great source of creative solutions for new challenges.
If only they were all like that ....
One of the odd things about Photography (although I don't suggest it is a unique trait) is that as a supposedly creative job or hobby there seems to be a lot of people around who have no obvious motivation to try to be creative when they need to be.
As a hobbyist that is not unreasonable (unless it's an operational issue that gets you out of a hole or where a little thought provides a way of doing something that did not at first seem possible.
However for a Pro to be asking in a forum, to take one example, whether anyone has any "Styles" that replicate a "look" that someone else has created seems a little sad. If they are then advised that there are no known options for such a thing and the person goes into some sort of meltdown rant about "poor software" one has to wonder why they are so vexed. Moreover why would they just want a way to copy the work of someone else without actually getting an in depth understanding of how the "Style" worked.
That's just one example. There are many more. Especially in the area of DAM activity. I often wonder if photography is mostly an admin creation scheme for many people - far more important that finding a new subject or a new way to express something in the taking of or by the processing of, a new image.
Your approach and objectives sound good to me Rob. If people are prompted to take the introductory steps but fail to do so that is hardly your problem (until it is .... for other reasons). If they cannot take the guidance offered and make use of it then they should probably seek out some other aspects of their hobby that might be more satisfying at a personal level.
I am in no way a highly creative person - but I do enjoy trying and I like a challenge if the subject is interesting enough.
Sometimes seeing what is possible, even if how is nut understood, can be enough set people off going back to the basics on which they can build anew. By starting with the basics they may not stick with things long enough to get to that moment of inspiration that keeps them hooked on the hobby.
LongQ said:
One of the odd things about Photography (although I don't suggest it is a unique trait) is that as a supposedly creative job or hobby there seems to be a lot of people around who have no obvious motivation to try to be creative when they need to be.
Creativity is really hard and yes people usually havnt been challenged to be creative since they were 6 years old finger painting at nanas.With photography its two sided. Understanding the scene they are looking at , and how to compose for what they want, and not knowing the full range of tools/skills to be able to attempt their vision for it.
So I generally try load them up with as many technical skills as I can , and some knowledge on when its best to use them, then at each location how I am seeing the shots and what I would attempt ( and how this changes through time).
RobDickinson said:
LongQ said:
One of the odd things about Photography (although I don't suggest it is a unique trait) is that as a supposedly creative job or hobby there seems to be a lot of people around who have no obvious motivation to try to be creative when they need to be.
Creativity is really hard and yes people usually havnt been challenged to be creative since they were 6 years old finger painting at nanas.With photography its two sided. Understanding the scene they are looking at , and how to compose for what they want, and not knowing the full range of tools/skills to be able to attempt their vision for it.
So I generally try load them up with as many technical skills as I can , and some knowledge on when its best to use them, then at each location how I am seeing the shots and what I would attempt ( and how this changes through time).
I think the majority of people can benefit from some introductory guidance to get their curiosity going and help them get something from a "process" as soon as possible. It makes the effort worthwhile and produces results on which to build.
It's those who seem only to function on the basis of being given directions that make me wonder why they choose a relatively time and cash expensive hobby to which they seem to lack affinity.
By that I don't mean the family snapper or someone recording images of some other hobby they enjoy and record for their own satisfaction. Rather those who become quite deeply involved, claim to hold opinions about "fine art" images or whatever but seem unable or unwilling to to do much if anything to help themsleves at the first sign of a challenging hurdle.
Sort of
"Can I do this?"
Have you tried it? If so what happened?
"No. Thought I would ask first ...."
In these digital days you can try many things within seconds of thinking about them. Why not just try it?
Photography has gone the same way as "web development" sadly. So so many cowboys doing it from their bedroom who have zero idea. I have spoke to some freelance "developers" and they had zero idea about subversions, project management and could barely code to save their life, yet felt the need to describe themselves as "professional". My degree is in computer science so know a few things that are basic standard in the industry. Though they nearly always get ruined as word of mouth spreads.
We were burnt by a terrible photography business. I told my wife to avoid the place but nope, she knew best. Their work was so amateur. Their Photoshop skills were worse than my 7 year olds. They then up and split leaving many people with no photos that were all paid for. All their work was just left behind in the offices. We got a phone call nearly a year later from the new owners saying they were calling all those affected.
The new guy we go to is great. He has done so well that he now has his own premises and he goes an extra million miles to provide the best service. His prices also reflect his professional skills.
I have video editing and photography as a hobby. It is a secret dream of mine to be a photographer out in the front lines capturing world events. So much respect for those who can do this for a living. Sadly, I will probably be stuck within software engineering for life. If it really is your passion and dream, go for it. Your ability and artistic skills will speak volumes.
We were burnt by a terrible photography business. I told my wife to avoid the place but nope, she knew best. Their work was so amateur. Their Photoshop skills were worse than my 7 year olds. They then up and split leaving many people with no photos that were all paid for. All their work was just left behind in the offices. We got a phone call nearly a year later from the new owners saying they were calling all those affected.
The new guy we go to is great. He has done so well that he now has his own premises and he goes an extra million miles to provide the best service. His prices also reflect his professional skills.
I have video editing and photography as a hobby. It is a secret dream of mine to be a photographer out in the front lines capturing world events. So much respect for those who can do this for a living. Sadly, I will probably be stuck within software engineering for life. If it really is your passion and dream, go for it. Your ability and artistic skills will speak volumes.
Well, blimey; it's been 3 months since I last updated this!
Everything has been going very well indeed. I'm fully booked for July with work spilling over through to around mid-September even if I were to get no jobs between now and then which makes a change from scratching around for any work I could get my hands on.
Photography wise I've had a lot of watch jobs (both fashion and product) and now companies are contacting me rather than the other way around which is great. I completed my first wedding which was daunting but I'm pleased with how it went. I actually learnt a lot about me as a (potential) wedding photographer. The couple are in their 50s and they weren't interested in contrived poses and cheesy shots which pleased me as I hate that sort of stuff. If you're interested, you can see the private album here: http://www.robertkbaggs.com/dawnandpaul -- I've noted down some areas to improve for my next wedding which is the 9th July so not long! Finally I have teamed up with a media agency and they now recommend me for corporate editorial and headshot work and it has lead to two jobs of that nature in July which is very promising.
The writing side has perhaps been a bigger triumph. My work at Fstoppers has been doing better than I'd ever thought it would and my average views per article is currently ranked 3rd out of all their writers. I achieved over 100,000 views in 2 months (I haven't told anyone that actually) which I'm pleased with. My writing for Fstoppers has then landed me a small gig with FAULT Magazine where I interview actors and musicians. It's lead to some pretty great contacts and events (I'm meant to be reporting on a private exhibition with Lionel Richie next week
) and I've been promised some photography jobs with them for editorial. It doesn't pay very well at all but I think it's worth my time for now at least.
The big topic is of course money. This month was the first month I earned more than my old full-time job (in which I didn't earn a great deal anyway to be fair!) and it felt like a very big step. I have a lot of work on for the next few months so I predict I will retain or exceed this income threshold until October which will be my 1 year anniversary of being a pro 'tog/writer. I'm feeling much more positive than I was last time I posted even though I work an enormous number of hours.
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap. I should note, however, I was (and am) in a fortunate position with property/girlfriend/support in that I don't have any dependents or huge pressure to bring in lots of money outside of my own relentless ambition. My biggest difficulty by far has been not being able to afford equipment though and I seem to be unable to get start-up loans. You can't win them all I guess!
Everything has been going very well indeed. I'm fully booked for July with work spilling over through to around mid-September even if I were to get no jobs between now and then which makes a change from scratching around for any work I could get my hands on.
Photography wise I've had a lot of watch jobs (both fashion and product) and now companies are contacting me rather than the other way around which is great. I completed my first wedding which was daunting but I'm pleased with how it went. I actually learnt a lot about me as a (potential) wedding photographer. The couple are in their 50s and they weren't interested in contrived poses and cheesy shots which pleased me as I hate that sort of stuff. If you're interested, you can see the private album here: http://www.robertkbaggs.com/dawnandpaul -- I've noted down some areas to improve for my next wedding which is the 9th July so not long! Finally I have teamed up with a media agency and they now recommend me for corporate editorial and headshot work and it has lead to two jobs of that nature in July which is very promising.
The writing side has perhaps been a bigger triumph. My work at Fstoppers has been doing better than I'd ever thought it would and my average views per article is currently ranked 3rd out of all their writers. I achieved over 100,000 views in 2 months (I haven't told anyone that actually) which I'm pleased with. My writing for Fstoppers has then landed me a small gig with FAULT Magazine where I interview actors and musicians. It's lead to some pretty great contacts and events (I'm meant to be reporting on a private exhibition with Lionel Richie next week
) and I've been promised some photography jobs with them for editorial. It doesn't pay very well at all but I think it's worth my time for now at least.The big topic is of course money. This month was the first month I earned more than my old full-time job (in which I didn't earn a great deal anyway to be fair!) and it felt like a very big step. I have a lot of work on for the next few months so I predict I will retain or exceed this income threshold until October which will be my 1 year anniversary of being a pro 'tog/writer. I'm feeling much more positive than I was last time I posted even though I work an enormous number of hours.
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap. I should note, however, I was (and am) in a fortunate position with property/girlfriend/support in that I don't have any dependents or huge pressure to bring in lots of money outside of my own relentless ambition. My biggest difficulty by far has been not being able to afford equipment though and I seem to be unable to get start-up loans. You can't win them all I guess!
Edited by RobbieKB on Thursday 30th June 14:37
RobbieKB said:
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap. I should note, however, I was (and am) in a fortunate position with property/girlfriend/support in that I don't have any dependents or huge pressure to bring in lots of money outside of my own relentless ambition. My biggest difficulty by far has been not being able to afford equipment though and I seem to be unable to get start-up loans. You can't win them all I guess!
Very well done! Definitely doesn't come across as boasting, be proud of your achievements. - I've read your Stoppers stuff, maybe it because your not American it comes across very well.Edited by RobbieKB on Thursday 30th June 14:37
Have you tried approaching any of the equipment manufacturers and asking about being a brand ambassador? Surely with the exposure (no pun intended
) your now getting they might be happy at chucking some gear your way.Pickled said:
RobbieKB said:
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap. I should note, however, I was (and am) in a fortunate position with property/girlfriend/support in that I don't have any dependents or huge pressure to bring in lots of money outside of my own relentless ambition. My biggest difficulty by far has been not being able to afford equipment though and I seem to be unable to get start-up loans. You can't win them all I guess!
Very well done! Definitely doesn't come across as boasting, be proud of your achievements. - I've read your Stoppers stuff, maybe it because your not American it comes across very well.Edited by RobbieKB on Thursday 30th June 14:37
Have you tried approaching any of the equipment manufacturers and asking about being a brand ambassador? Surely with the exposure (no pun intended
) your now getting they might be happy at chucking some gear your way.
Yes, I did think about do that a few times but then I recoiled back in to my shell! I just don't feel worthy of brand ambassador and sort of expect to be laughed out of the proverbial room. Perhaps I'll have a think on how I can frame it the proposal and try.
RobbieKB said:
Yes, I did think about do that a few times but then I recoiled back in to my shell! I just don't feel worthy of brand ambassador and sort of expect to be laughed out of the proverbial room. Perhaps I'll have a think on how I can frame it the proposal and try.
Set up a shoot with flaming viking longship on the Thames - maybe you could be the UK's version of Von Wong and get some shiny new Mamiya MF cameras and a lorry load of Broncolors RobbieKB said:
Yes, I did think about do that a few times but then I recoiled back in to my shell! I just don't feel worthy of brand ambassador and sort of expect to be laughed out of the proverbial room. Perhaps I'll have a think on how I can frame it the proposal and try.
It's not as big a deal as you think. Back in the day I got all my guitar strings provided FOC by Rotosound - cost them next to nothing and they were associated with seriously un-famous me!RobbieKB said:
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap. I should note, however, I was (and am) in a fortunate position with property/girlfriend/support in that I don't have any dependents or huge pressure to bring in lots of money outside of my own relentless ambition. My biggest difficulty by far has been not being able to afford equipment though and I seem to be unable to get start-up loans. You can't win them all I guess!
Brilliant to hear, very inspiring and embodies all the things I love about self starters, hard work, seizing opportunities and a can do attitude. I look forward to what the rest of the year holds.Edited by RobbieKB on Thursday 30th June 14:37
RobbieKB said:
I hope that wasn't too self-indulgent as I really wince writing some of this stuff; it sounds like I'm boasting. I really hope this works as encouragement to anyone on the cusp of making the leap.
This thread has been a useful and fascinating read, keep it up! I found myself becoming a part-time wedding photographer almost by accident after reluctantly agreeing to cover my sister’s wedding in May 2014. Up to that point I’d only really shot motorsport (for myself), so it was a huge leap. I loved it and it went really well. I built a quick Squarespace website off the back of that one wedding, and had a business card made up on Moo. As luck would have it a friend of a friend organises wedding fayres, for £15 I could put 100 of my business card in the goodie bags, so I did (this was September 2014).
I thought nothing more of it and didn’t do anything else, but then January arrives and I start getting contacted by brides to be. Before I knew it I had 4 weddings booked in for 2015, then a further 5 for 2016, and now have bookings into 2017 and 2018.
It’s literally a snowball effect once you can get that first one or two under your belt. Interestingly having a limited portfolio was not an issue with brides, they all loved that one wedding enough to book me. Obviously since then I’ve been able to flesh the portfolio out. Those weddings have got my name known a bit locally now as well, which has led to spending 3 days in the Alps shooting a £6m chalet (the owner is local), covering a music festival and various other projects which have been amazing experiences.
The interesting thing for weddings for me personally is that I’m incredibly shy and socially inept (I hate going to weddings!) My biggest fear was therefore all the other stuff around being a wedding photographer. The photos didn’t concern me a great deal, I know I can do it more than comfortably to the level that would be expected for what I charge, but dealing with brides, organising formal pictures etc? Terrified. After 3 weddings I realised that wedding photography doesn’t have to be the horror story that you often read about. Brides book me precisely because I’m super laid back (which in turn means laid back brides, so it’s a win-win), so I just have to be myself at meetings and things fall into place. On the day itself aside from a few formal photos I don’t interfere with the day at all, no complex set-ups, no posing etc, it’s 100% natural aside from 20 minutes of formal group shots (which doesn’t have to be too stressful as long as you have the right attitude).
I had a quick look at some books etc but quickly decided to just go it completely alone and see what felt right. My pricing, my website (which features non-wedding work) are probably 'wrong' in the eyes of many established folk, in fact much of the advice I've read has been the polar opposite of what feels right to me, but crucially it's working and I'm attracting precisely the type of brides and weddings I want, so it's all good.
I never thought I’d say this but I now love weddings. Getting paid to do something you love is like no other feeling, far from being nervous I get super excited when a wedding comes around, I’m itching for my next one already! I took a day off on Monday to edit last weekend’s wedding, I was literally smiling the whole time and can't wait until they're back from their honeymoon to deliver the photos.
Back to reality, I had a horrible, horrible middle management job that paid well but was super stressful. The weddings enabled me to quit and move to a far more relaxing admin role, it’s still full-time but pays a lot less, the wedding income makes up the difference. Fortunately it’s also very flexible, so weekday weddings or short-notice projects aren’t an issue (I only had a couple days’ notice of shooting a chalet in the Alps earlier this year).
I can’t currently envisage going completely full-time but the idea of working in my current admin job part-time (for a steady income) appeals and will probably be doable in a year or two.
Edited by ukaskew on Friday 1st July 09:18
Well played Robbie!ukaskew said:
This thread has been a useful and fascinating read, keep it up!
I found myself becoming a part-time wedding photographer almost by accident after reluctantly agreeing to cover my sister’s wedding in May 2014. Up to that point I’d only really shot motorsport (for myself), so it was a huge leap. I loved it and it went really well. I built a quick Squarespace website off the back of that one wedding, and had a business card made up on Moo. As luck would have it a friend of a friend organises wedding fayres, for £15 I could put 100 of my business card in the goodie bags, so I did (this was September 2014).
I thought nothing more of it and didn’t do anything else, but then January arrives and I start getting contacted by brides to be. Before I knew it I had 4 weddings booked in for 2015, then a further 5 for 2016, and now have bookings into 2017 and 2018.
It’s literally a snowball effect once you can get that first one or two under your belt. Interestingly having a limited portfolio was not an issue with brides, they all loved that one wedding enough to book me. Obviously since then I’ve been able to flesh the portfolio out. Those weddings have got my name known a bit locally now as well, which has led to spending 3 days in the Alps shooting a £6m chalet (the owner is local), covering a music festival and various other projects which have been amazing experiences.
The interesting thing for weddings for me personally is that I’m incredibly shy and socially inept (I hate going to weddings!) My biggest fear was therefore all the other stuff around being a wedding photographer. The photos didn’t concern me a great deal, I know I can do it more than comfortably to the level that would be expected for what I charge, but dealing with brides, organising formal pictures etc? Terrified. After 3 weddings I realised that wedding photography doesn’t have to be the horror story that you often read about. Brides book me precisely because I’m super laid back (which in turn means laid back brides, so it’s a win-win), so I just have to be myself at meetings and things fall into place. On the day itself aside from a few formal photos I don’t interfere with the day at all, no complex set-ups, no posing etc, it’s 100% natural aside from 20 minutes of formal group shots (which doesn’t have to be too stressful as long as you have the right attitude).
I had a quick look at some books etc but quickly decided to just go it completely alone and see what felt right. My pricing, my website (which features non-wedding work) are probably 'wrong' in the eyes of many established folk, in fact much of the advice I've read has been the polar opposite of what feels right to me, but crucially it's working and I'm attracting precisely the type of brides and weddings I want, so it's all good.
I never thought I’d say this but I now love weddings. Getting paid to do something you love is like no other feeling, far from being nervous I get super excited when a wedding comes around, I’m itching for my next one already! I took a day off on Monday to edit last weekend’s wedding, I was literally smiling the whole time and can't wait until they're back from their honeymoon to deliver the photos.
Back to reality, I had a horrible, horrible middle management job that paid well but was super stressful. The weddings enabled me to quit and move to a far more relaxing admin role, it’s still full-time but pays a lot less, the wedding income makes up the difference. Fortunately it’s also very flexible, so weekday weddings or short-notice projects aren’t an issue (I only had a couple days’ notice of shooting a chalet in the Alps earlier this year).
I can’t currently envisage going completely full-time but the idea of working in my current admin job part-time (for a steady income) appeals and will probably be doable in a year or two.
I'm in exactly the position you were in so find this good reading.I found myself becoming a part-time wedding photographer almost by accident after reluctantly agreeing to cover my sister’s wedding in May 2014. Up to that point I’d only really shot motorsport (for myself), so it was a huge leap. I loved it and it went really well. I built a quick Squarespace website off the back of that one wedding, and had a business card made up on Moo. As luck would have it a friend of a friend organises wedding fayres, for £15 I could put 100 of my business card in the goodie bags, so I did (this was September 2014).
I thought nothing more of it and didn’t do anything else, but then January arrives and I start getting contacted by brides to be. Before I knew it I had 4 weddings booked in for 2015, then a further 5 for 2016, and now have bookings into 2017 and 2018.
It’s literally a snowball effect once you can get that first one or two under your belt. Interestingly having a limited portfolio was not an issue with brides, they all loved that one wedding enough to book me. Obviously since then I’ve been able to flesh the portfolio out. Those weddings have got my name known a bit locally now as well, which has led to spending 3 days in the Alps shooting a £6m chalet (the owner is local), covering a music festival and various other projects which have been amazing experiences.
The interesting thing for weddings for me personally is that I’m incredibly shy and socially inept (I hate going to weddings!) My biggest fear was therefore all the other stuff around being a wedding photographer. The photos didn’t concern me a great deal, I know I can do it more than comfortably to the level that would be expected for what I charge, but dealing with brides, organising formal pictures etc? Terrified. After 3 weddings I realised that wedding photography doesn’t have to be the horror story that you often read about. Brides book me precisely because I’m super laid back (which in turn means laid back brides, so it’s a win-win), so I just have to be myself at meetings and things fall into place. On the day itself aside from a few formal photos I don’t interfere with the day at all, no complex set-ups, no posing etc, it’s 100% natural aside from 20 minutes of formal group shots (which doesn’t have to be too stressful as long as you have the right attitude).
I had a quick look at some books etc but quickly decided to just go it completely alone and see what felt right. My pricing, my website (which features non-wedding work) are probably 'wrong' in the eyes of many established folk, in fact much of the advice I've read has been the polar opposite of what feels right to me, but crucially it's working and I'm attracting precisely the type of brides and weddings I want, so it's all good.
I never thought I’d say this but I now love weddings. Getting paid to do something you love is like no other feeling, far from being nervous I get super excited when a wedding comes around, I’m itching for my next one already! I took a day off on Monday to edit last weekend’s wedding, I was literally smiling the whole time and can't wait until they're back from their honeymoon to deliver the photos.
Back to reality, I had a horrible, horrible middle management job that paid well but was super stressful. The weddings enabled me to quit and move to a far more relaxing admin role, it’s still full-time but pays a lot less, the wedding income makes up the difference. Fortunately it’s also very flexible, so weekday weddings or short-notice projects aren’t an issue (I only had a couple days’ notice of shooting a chalet in the Alps earlier this year).
I can’t currently envisage going completely full-time but the idea of working in my current admin job part-time (for a steady income) appeals and will probably be doable in a year or two.
Edited by ukaskew on Friday 1st July 09:18
Is it rude to ask to see your site?
AndyWoodall said:
I'm in exactly the position you were in so find this good reading.
Is it rude to ask to see your site?
www.chrisharrisonphotography.comIs it rude to ask to see your site?
It will get a full update after this wedding season but seems to be working well enough for me at the moment.
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