Checklist for new wedding photographer
Starting a wedding photography business can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much competition in the industry, it can be challenging to stand out and get your name out there. However, there are several things new wedding photographers can do to grow their business, attract better clients, and increase profitability.
Build a Strong Portfolio.
Your portfolio is your calling card, and it’s crucial to have a strong one to attract clients. Make sure to showcase a variety of images that demonstrate your style, creativity, and technical skills. Start by shooting mock weddings or second shooting for established photographers to build up your portfolio. One of the easiest and most fun ways to build your portfolio is to attend a workshop that focuses on content creation – you can even join one that I ( Mark ) host in a couple of places in Europe – just check Roadie Workshop website.
Focus on Your Brand.
Your brand is more than just your logo; it’s your overall image and how you present yourself to the world. Develop a unique brand that represents your style and vision, and make sure your website, marketing materials, and social media accounts reflect it. Use consistent branding across all channels, including your website, social media, business cards, and packaging.
Network with Other Wedding Vendors.
Networking is a critical component of growing your business. Attend local wedding expos, join wedding vendor groups on social media, and reach out to other vendors in your area. By building relationships with other wedding vendors, you can expand your reach and gain referrals. Consider offering a referral program to incentivize other vendors to refer clients to you.
Offer Exceptional Customer Service.
Providing excellent customer service is essential to retaining clients and gaining referrals. Always be responsive to client inquiries, follow up after sessions or weddings, and go above and beyond to make your clients feel valued and appreciated. Be personable, professional, and easy to work with to create a positive experience for your clients.
Utilise Social Media.
Social media is an excellent way to showcase your work and reach potential clients. Create a strong social media presence by regularly posting high-quality images, engaging with your followers, and utilizing hashtags to increase your reach. Consider partnering with influencers or running paid social media ads to increase your exposure.
Offer Packages and Add-Ons.
Offering packages and add-ons can help increase your profitability. Create packages that offer various levels of services and products, and consider offering add-ons like albums or prints. Make sure your pricing is clear and transparent, and offer discounts for booking multiple sessions or referrals.
Invest in Quality Equipment.
Investing in quality equipment is crucial to producing high-quality images. Make sure you have a reliable camera, lenses, and lighting equipment, and consider investing in editing software and a website that showcases your work. Keep your equipment well-maintained and up-to-date to ensure you’re always able to capture beautiful images.
Focus on Client Experience.
Providing an exceptional client experience can help set you apart from other wedding photographers. Consider sending welcome gifts or personalized notes, offering engagement sessions, and providing tips and advice throughout the planning process. Make sure your communication is clear and timely, and go above and beyond to make your clients feel valued and supported.
Get Published.
Getting published in wedding blogs and magazines can help increase your exposure and attract more clients. Submit your work to relevant publications, and make sure your website and social media accounts feature your published work. Consider partnering with vendors or venues to create styled shoots that showcase your work and help you get published.
Continuously Educate Yourself.
Improving your skills can help you stay competitive and attract better clients. Attend workshops, watch tutorials, and read photography blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Consider taking courses on business management or marketing to help you run your business more effectively. Always be willing to learn and adapt to stay ahead of the competition.
Develop a Niche.
Developing a niche can help you stand out from other wedding photographers and attract more clients who are looking for a specific style or type of photography. Consider specializing in a particular type of wedding photography, such as elopements, destination weddings, or same-sex weddings. This can help you become known as an expert in your area of specialization and attract clients who are specifically seeking out that style.
Collaborate with Other Photographers.
Collaborating with other photographers can help you learn new skills, gain exposure, and attract new clients. Consider second shooting for established photographers or partnering with other photographers to offer joint packages or workshops. Collaborating with other photographers can also help you build relationships in the industry and gain valuable referrals.
Offer Payment Plans.
Offering payment plans can help make your services more accessible to clients who may not be able to afford your full price upfront. Consider offering payment plans that allow clients to pay in installments over several months or offering a discount for paying in full upfront. This can help increase your bookings and attract clients who may have otherwise been unable to afford your services.
Focus on SEO.
Search engine optimisation is essential for attracting clients through your website. Make sure your website is optimised for search engines by using relevant keywords, optimising your images, and creating valuable content that your target audience will find useful. Consider hiring an SEO specialist or taking courses on SEO to improve your website’s ranking in search engines.
7 tips how to create perfect album sample.
1. Choose the right format: The format of your photo album sample will depend on what works best for the type of photography you’re showcasing, as well as what will appeal to your clients. Consider the size, orientation, and page count of the album. Larger albums may be better for showcasing detailed shots, while smaller albums may be more portable and accessible. The page count will depend on how many photos you want to include and how much space you want to give each photo. I usually average 4-5 images per spread.
My personal choice.
Weddings: 25×25 for main albums, 20×20 for parents’ albums.Family sessions & boudoir sessions: 25×25
Newborn: 20×20.
2. Tell a story with your photographs: A photo album should tell a story, whether it’s of a wedding, a family vacation, or another type of event. Consider the narrative you want to convey with your photos and sequence them accordingly. Think about the beginning, middle, and end of the story and how your photos fit into that narrative. I shoot with the album in mind, even if my clients don’t want an album – it actually makes me a better storyteller.
3. Include a mix of candid and posed shots: A well-rounded photo album should include a mix of candid and posed shots. Candid shots capture spontaneous moments and emotions, while posed shots are more formal and deliberate. The balance between the two will depend on the event or moment you’re documenting. Add at least 2 full spreads with one full-size image.
4. Choose a cover that matches your brand: The cover of your photo album is the first thing your clients will see, so it’s important to choose a colour and design that represents your brand and aesthetic. Consider using your logo or one of our templates. You can also personalise the back of the cover with most of our albums.
My photography style is quite warm, so my favourite cover is Dolomiti Suede DS28.
5. Do not mix colour and b&w images on the same spreads. It makes it difficult for the viewer to focus on the content of each image. When the eye has to constantly adjust from colour to black and white, it can cause visual fatigue and make it harder to appreciate the individual images.
6. Get feedback from others: Before finalising your photo album, seek feedback from other photographers or clients to ensure that it is well-received and appealing. Ask for constructive criticism and take any feedback into account before finalising the album.
7. Make it easy for clients to order: Once you’ve created your photo album, make it easy for clients to order and receive it. This could include offering a simple ordering process through your website or providing multiple options for delivery or pick-up. Make sure your clients know how to order and receive their album and provide clear instructions for doing so. More on that soon.
Best hashtags for wedding photographers.
Stuck for ideas? Fed up with social media? Instagram taking too much time? TikTok is not your thing? It's not easy to maintain, let alone grow your social media channels. But we have something that might help a little.
Best hashtags for wedding photographers - divided in 7 groups, each with 20 hashtags you can easily copy to your phone and use when required.
Simply leave your email below and we'll automatically send them to you.
I'd like to get some free hashtags.
3 simple ways to make your photography packaging extra personal.
September "pro banana" tip - personal packaging for photographers.
If you've been following us, you've probably seen the message we're trying to get across - the box is just a start. We're a packaging company, but what we sell is not just a couple of pieces of wood glued together. What we do is give you a tool, a small platform, which you can ( and should ) use to make the way you deliver your images work your advantage. In short, you have to impress your clients. It does not matter what's your goal - more recommendations from clients, more print sales or maybe just seeing your clients being excited and happy.
What's the best way to achieve it? Make your clients feel like you've taken an extra care. There're plenty of ways to do it, and some of them are easily accessible from our website.
Engrave the names or dates on the box.
It's easy, and free. At the time of writing this we don't charge extra for personalising each box. What if you want to order in bulk, but you don't know all the names in advance? Not a problem, we can engrave boxes for confirmed bookings with the names, and the rest with your logo.
Also, did you know you can outsource packaging with our All Inclusive Service? We'll do all the hard work and make sure all your clients will have a beautiful box with your photos and their names delivered directly to them. All we need is 5 min of your time.
Thank you cards.
If you haven't seen them before, they're great! Our wooden thank you cards come in different shapes and sizes and you have a choice of going for our design or create your own. It's a beautiful, and unique way of telling your clients how grateful you are. Cute, inexpensive and effective.
Accordion albums.
In a digital world handmade product never comes unnoticed. Add another layer to your packaging by including a small album in the box, with a couple of your favourite prints. It works amazing with Instax prints too, just check the image below. 
Have another tip, or maybe you're very proud of your packaging. Let us know and we'll be over the moon to show it here.
