Whether you're shooting details, group photos or candid moments, you need to have the right camera gear. This should include at least two cameras with dual card slots and a spare battery.

Weddings are time consuming events. Add in consultations prior to the wedding, time spent at the event and post-processing and you have a full workload.

Style

The style of a photographers work is important because it determines how much posing and staging may be in your wedding photos. There are a few major photography styles and you should ask to see full galleries from a photographer to get a feel for how their work will look on your wedding day.

Some photographers are more photojournalistic, similar to a news reporter capturing the event as it happens without interfering. The goal is to show you the story of your wedding in a candid way.

Other photographers have more of a lifestyle or editorial feel, think magazines like Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, they tend to be very fashion-forward, use lots of filter styles on their images, and create portraits that look very staged. They often use darker or moodier editing to give their images more drama and contrast. They also may include a few black and white images.

Experience

A good wedding photographer will be able to take stunning photos but a great wedding photographer tells a story. A story that will last decades and generations.

It takes a lot of experience to be a successful wedding photographer. You need to be able to capture the moments without interfering or staging anything. This style of photography is called photojournalism. It requires a great understanding of light, and the ability to shoot in challenging locations such as dark churches and outdoor ceremonies.

You should ask potential photographers about their past weddings and what equipment they use. It is also important to see full albums from weddings they have worked on – not just the best ones, so that you can get an idea of how they tell a story through beautiful photos. You should also ask whether they have a degree in art or photography. If they do, this can add to their artistic vision and help them achieve unique compositions.

Pricing

A photographer’s pricing is a huge decision for couples to make. It is based on their years of experience, equipment and what type of wedding they will be shooting. It is also influenced by other factors such as travel costs, album options and add-ons.

Generally, photographers will have a base package which includes a certain amount of hours of coverage and digital files. However, some photographers offer an a la carte menu or packages with additional prints and products to choose from.

Photographing the details and decor of a wedding may not seem like the most exciting task, but these photos serve a number of purposes. They help the couple remember their special day, build relationships with vendors and increase exposure for the photographer.

When figuring out your pricing, be sure to include all of your business expenses. These can include things like client gifts, USB's, equipment rental, postage & delivery fees, hiring an assistant or second photographer and Sales Tax.

Portfolio

Your wedding photography portfolio is a crucial marketing tool for your business. It showcases your unique style and approach, and helps potential clients understand if you are the right photographer for their big day.

To build a well-rounded wedding photography portfolio, consider including a variety of types of images. For example, you might want to include both outdoor and indoor wedding photos, or even experimental shots like underwater images or vintage-inspired portraits. Showcasing versatility shows that you can adapt to different types of weddings and capture stunning photos regardless of the venue or style.

Another great way to build a wedding photography portfolio is to second shoot with an experienced photographer. This will not only give you real wedding experience but also boost your learning curve. If possible, reach out to local photographers and offer to do a free photo session to get new content for your portfolio. This tactic is especially helpful if you haven't been booking weddings at the venues or styles that you would like to photograph in the future.