Tips For The Would-Be Bridal Photographer

Filed under Planning a Wedding, March 21st, 2011 by Danis Keithly

For years people will be displaying photos of their wedding, since it is that kind of occasion. Your clients – the bride and groom to be – will want the best and will want the quality guaranteed. You can make a lot of money if you decide to be a wedding photographer. As well as the money though there is the risk that you must manage well.

A disclaimer should be included in a well written up first time contract. If you don’t have a disclaimer you could be sued afterwards. For example, you should include that you are not responsible for pictures that might get lost after you send the film away to get developed, or pictures that do not come out clear due to equipment failure. You do not want to be sued for breaching your contract.

The hourly rate and how many pictures are to be taken should also be included in the contract. Include how much the cost of development is and the cost of the album. Make sure you discuss with your clients what their requirements are. There could be a particular family member that they want photographed separately, or a certain group of people they do not get to see very often.

Your clients will probably request certain photographs so make sure you make a list. Here are a few common ones, pre-ceremony, wedding ceremony, post-ceremony and reception. Who will be in certain photographs should be discussed with the client as well. Not every client will be the same so pay attention to what they are saying.

It is smart to always ask for a booking fee. Without this you could be caught out if something goes wrong. If they have paid nothing then they are less likely to try to solve any problems that may occur. At least 50% deposit should be paid prior to the wedding. You should set a date when the remaining amount will be paid because you do not want to be bothering the bride and groom during the reception for payment! They would think you were unprofessional and wish they had hired someone else.

Photoshop is a good program to use if you are going to be processing the pictures yourself. Flaw removal, montage, and changing the color are a few of the enhancements you can use with Photoshop.

Always look to see how you can add more value than what you said you would give. A special surprise will keep everyone talking and generating more business for you in the future. Think different. Imagine for example if you uploaded all their pictures onto a password protected part of your website so that they and their friends can login and view.

At the end of the day doing wedding photography can be a lot of fun and you can make good money at it. You may have to take your people skills to the next level but the financial returns will be worth it.

Find out about Wedding Photography Singapore and Bridal Photography in the Asia region.. Unique version for reprint here: Tips For The Would-Be Bridal Photographer.

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