Rex Photography - How to start in wedding photography?

How to start in wedding photography?

I am a photographer with Digital slr gear. i would love to get into self employed photography, working from home. problem is i have no experience with this type of photography. how could i build the skills? is it a good idea to do some for free (ie friends/family)? should i try to partner up with a photographer for a bit? should i start with "budget" packages to those that do not want to spend £800+ on a photographer and concentrate on the traditional style and build on my creativity? Re: the point below about doing freebies when there is already a pro covering. i would love to do this, but feel that the pro might not be too pleased. any thoughts?

Public Comments

only do weddings once you are totally confident with your skills, indoor, outdoors, make ugly people look better with good light, coping with bad weather, you need at least 2 good cameras, you must have a back up, as you can't afford for anything to go wrong on the day. Do any type of work first, but days like this are one offs, so you need to be good to get work and get recommended.
Definitely find an experienced photographer who is willing to serve as a mentor to you. Be aware that he or she may also view you as future competition. Doing some feebies for family or friends who have already hired a professional would also help you learn about lighting, expected shots, etc. Good luck.
Wedding photography tutorials: http://www.net-art.it/photomonitor/html/teoria_tecnica/ripresa-tecniche/matrimonio-cerimonia-e.shtml
just start showing up at weddings like you belong there. If anyone asks, just say you are with the bride/groom (opposite of who is asking) I am pretty sure that is how 95% of wedding photographers get there start.
You should definitely spend time researching the market first. But be careful of the advice of your friends and relatives. Do some photos for them for free, but remember that they might not be completely truthful about the results. This is for two reasons - first, they aren't photographers and won't truly know why one photo is better than another. Second - they like you! They won't want to offend you. If it's wedding photography you're thinking of getting involved in, have a look at: http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/digital-wedding-photography.html It makes for an interesting read. Also, ask some pro wedding photographers if you can help them out on a few of their wedding assignments. They may not all say yes, but some will, and you'll learn far more "on the job" than from anywhere else. Hope it goes well for you, whatever you decide.
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