Wedding Photography student

[MrDude21]

Hi EDF,

I am an A Level student photographer looking to expand my photography in the wedding industry, I am passionate about Photography and I love weddings! I use a Nikon D40 with 4 reflectors, basic equipment but creates good shots.

If anyone is getting married this summer and wouldn't mind if I shoot at your wedding (free of charge) to help expand my portfolio then please do get in touch, I cover all weddings from all backgrounds. In return I would give you some of my best shot Photographs! And if I believe none of the shots were good then a cheeky box of chocolates for the happy couple ;) this Is not just for photography but it is a chance for me to explore weddings as a freelance and work independently gaining experience!

I hope to hear from you soon

Thank you

[AmiRobertson]

Hello

I just wanted to pass on a small bit of advice I would highly recommend if you want to advance properly in this industry to find someone you could second shoot for assist. Google local photographers in your area and you should be able to find someone who takes on second shooters or assistants. It's one of the best ways to learn as you have the guidance of a professional who has experience and you will be able to build up a portfolio at the same time. It's never as simple as showing up to a wedding and taking a few photos also couples generally won't be happy with a box of chocolates (even if they haven't paid a penny) if they don't have any decent photos of their special day they only get too do it once after all.

Another fantastic body of support is the guild of professional photographers where you will definitely find opportunities to second shoot if you join while having a wealth of knowledge and support from the industry. Good luck it's a wonderful job but not very forgiving and hard to make a name for yourself but if you put the work in and take every opportunity to learn then it's incredibly rewarding.

[MrDude21]

AmiRobertson Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hello

>

> I just wanted to pass on a small bit of advice I

> would highly recommend if you want to advance

> properly in this industry to find someone you

> could second shoot for assist. Google local

> photographers in your area and you should be able

> to find someone who takes on second shooters or

> assistants. It's one of the best ways to learn as

> you have the guidance of a professional who has

> experience and you will be able to build up a

> portfolio at the same time. It's never as simple

> as showing up to a wedding and taking a few photos

> also couples generally won't be happy with a box

> of chocolates (even if they haven't paid a penny)

> if they don't have any decent photos of their

> special day they only get too do it once after

> all.

>

> Another fantastic body of support is the guild of

> professional photographers where you will

> definitely find opportunities to second shoot if

> you join while having a wealth of knowledge and

> support from the industry. Good luck it's a

> wonderful job but not very forgiving and hard to

> make a name for yourself but if you put the work

> in and take every opportunity to learn then it's

> incredibly rewarding.

Hi thank you for the advice, will take it on! And when I meant by box of chocolates I didn't think I was going to be the only photographer

Couples who are getting married would have a professional at their wedding, I'm just asking if I can also come along and shoot, at the end they will get there day captured by whoever they paid to photograph..

[Azira]

When I got married many of the photographers were very controlling of who else was allowed to take photos (including guests!). I understood what you meant by being a second person there, but Ami's suggestion might help get around that issue as well.

Good luck.

[lozzyloz]

Hi MrDude21, there are many brides and grooms that would be happy to have you along to take some photos. You just need to connect with them but it might help if you have a link to a portfolio so they can get an idea of your ability and style. I know many wedding photographers who started this way. If you look on Facebook there are groups you can join that will help connect you as well as opportunities to second shoot/assist.

I don't use second shooters but always happy to help you out with a chat and some free advice. I still remember how difficult it was starting out many years ago :) feel free to email me.

http://www.lorenzophotography.co.uk

[AmiRobertson]

Generally a lot of photographers will have a clause in their contract that they are the only booked photographer there this is largely due to the fact that we don't get another opportunity to re-do shots like first kiss/confetti etc and if someone is getting in your way (not always intentionally) and something is missed then it's the couple who misses out.

There is a huge network of us out there and plenty of professional bodies who will offer all kinds of support, learning and working opportunities. I also don't take on students but I know plenty do and that's the best way to get out there and learn this craft. I second shot several times before venturing out on my own and the experience helped me massively in managing my solo clients before during and after the wedding.