Just booked my first wedding for August 20th. Never shot a wedding before so I’m hoping to gain experience this summer before the day. I’ve been shooting since entering photography school in 2002. Do you think my long time experience with studio and landscape photography will be enough to convince someone to let me second shoot? Should I offer to second shoot for free in order to increase my chances of a yes? I feel technically very sound I just need the actual experience of shooting a wedding.
@@MrAgentElsewhere Your experience should help. It may not be enough, however. You'll want genres that involve people in them. That should help out a bunch more. Portraits, events, street photography, plus your other styles of photography should help. I personally wouldn't 2nd for free. But you could let them know you're happy with a lower rate to gain experience.
After a year of work with couples and clients I have came up with a work flow, I found my style and I continue to grow with each session. I have learn so much from you. Thanks 🙏🏽
Patience, a smile, and customer service are key to any gig in photography ! As an event photographer, I must say that this video is key to any new player. Keep up the good work John
EXACTLY! Unless you're doing landscape photography or street customer service is a huge part of the job. Even product photography is very heavy in customer service.
@@jbivphotography True, even in landscape photography if you want to license or sell your images you still need to know how to do customer service for the aspect of dealing with licensing clients or art buyers.
I just wanted to echo the importance of a consistent portfolio. It can save you a ton of time as well, because if you have five random editing styles, and a couple books you - they might not tell you they want the "warm and autumn" style. And when they get their photos and it looks wildly different than their expectations, they might ask you for a time-sinking re-edit. Or they might just not be happy with their photos and not say anything and never refer you to anyone. But John's statement of them likely not booking with you to begin with is the most common scenario. *Most* portfolios with a crazy amount of styles just look messy. Either way, lots of reasons to be consistent. You go to a restaurant, you go to a hotel, you go to a store, you expect consistency. So give your couples that consistency. All great tips, John.
@@jbivphotography True story: about a month or two ago I had a couple reach out to me. They weren't happy with their wedding photos (not my pics), and it was very much because of the editing/colour grading. My photos are all very consistent. So they hired me to do a batch of their fav photos. They actually were able to get the RAW files from their original photographer - whose portfolio is very much all over the place in terms of style, tone, and colour. But the point is that while this photographer was able to secure the job, it was a one and done because of consistency problems. They're referring me now, and not him. Which isn't me gloating in the slightest - I actually felt a little guilty taking on the editing gig. Lessons to be learned from the mistake of others though. They're really happy with my work and knew what they were getting.
I have done a couple of live events including a wedding video. It is not easy; You can't take the shots again, you need to be focused and in the right spot at the right time, plan the story line so the video, shots are making sense. Your exposure and sound needs to be on point. It is pretty difficult and you need to treat it like a professional job. It is not just snapping a few shots. You also need to review the venue, and do a pre interview so the customer knows what is going to happen and knows what the end product will be.
Spot on tips here. It’s super true. Weddings are way more than just clicking the shutter. I hope everyone who wants to be a wedding photographer understands that.
Hey John, big fan! Yet another great video, very informative and helpful. I seriously watch every single one of your videos! You have no idea how much you’ve helped me with my own photography career. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for what you do. And for willing to put so much out there for young, starting out photographers to learn from. Truly 🙏
Best implantation of squarespace ad ever. I guess works when the relevance of the topic and the amount of knowledge provided outweigh the disturbance of a stalking ad.
Have a wedding booked for April. Watching this video I’m NERVOUS. I’ve never done a wedding before. I have done event photography but usually do newborn/children portraits. I’ve been in discussion with another wedding photographer to be a second shooter in March. Watching your videos for tips and tricks ✨
John, I am subscribed and always look forward to your videos. This is a video that you really need to do every year because there are the everyday basics that won't change. Also, other maybe subtle changes that the casual viewer may not notice but need to be aware of.
Thank you for this! I might think about doing something like this on an anual basis. like you said I think it would be ultra valuble for photographers.
Your videos are still very enlightening, encouraging, and exciting to watch. This and the wedding day footage are definitely priceless knowledge. Thanks for these and looking forward to trying Squarespace!
Spot on with investments and Experience. Be it self taught by asking family and friends to photo their wedding not as for their wedding pictures but as a study project so long as you stay out of their hired photographer's way after beinb introduced to the paid photographer. May also have to promise not to publish the photos anywhere. or taught by another photographer it then takes time to develop the adaptability to go with the style of the wedding couple. I was told it takes a million photos from a minimum of 1000 weddings to gain enough knowledge to possibly be out on your own. I am great at taking portraits and could possibly start as a second or third for a photographer but I am disabled and moving very fast is not an ability I have.
This video is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much. My mom wants to start learning photography because she loves being wedding photographer and I’m searching here and there on how to start. Do you have any suggestions on what camera should she starts learning? Do you think an online course is helpful in teaching camera basics?
Don’t underestimate the issue of driving down prices. While I understand everyone needs to start somewhere. If a client can get 80% of the quality for 10% of the cost, most will choose to go that route. And with the growing popularity of photography, there is always a constant stream of new photographers entering the industry. For example, in the area in which I live, there is a creatives Facebook group where routinely there are dozens of experienced wedding photographers begging for the opportunity to photograph an entire wedding for $500. When you have that many photographers willing to work for such a ridiculously low price, the market gets destroyed.
I don't fully agree. Mainly because a $10k client will never be a $500 client. So while there are photographers out here offering super low rates a client who really understand that quality demands a price will always pay that. Again there are many photographers out here shooting weddings for $5-$10k and higher, yet as you stated there are photographers out here begging to shoot a wedding for $500. The way I always see it, it's the same as the fact that a cheap Hyundai isn't taking customers away from Porshe. Someone who wants a Porshe will get a Porshe. Even though there's "something cheaper on the market". Now I will agree that a photographer that has the experience, tenure, and brand should be charging more if they're not charging enough. But most of the time the photogrpahers jumping at $500 are either in a scarcity mindset or aren't really a $3-$5k plus photographer. The market and the low ball photogaphers are not destorying it.
I doing my first wedding photography in July do I have time to learn good I just start doing photography as a business but photography been my hobby on some friends my children and landscape I have not done no else yet till two weeks ago that I did sports as practice
John could I get some advice on taking wedding photos of older couples 50+ years old I do struggle with older couples as it nothing like doing a wedding of a younger couples.
Honestly I don't think it's any different. I did a wedding recently with an older couple who were getting married. The biggest thing is client communication and setting expectations but that's always the case regardless of the age of the couple.
@@jbivphotography I did one in November 2021, It went really well and they loved everything and were super happy, It was my first wedding and they rebook me for an event later this month. I'm so use to working with younger couples doing an older wedding/style threw me a little bit I guess. Your wedding videos have helped me so much so thank you for sharing your talent.
I don't know what the secret is but I know the second shooter route is not valid for my area. It's not that I'm not good or have such little experience either (I've been published, won awards, 20 years exp in other fields of photography). Not one wedding photographer in my area has responded to me reaching out offering second and none have reached out to me. It's very challenging to break into weddings and after 2 years of trying patiently I don't know what to do next.
I don't really think it's a per area type of thing. It might be approach. I will say it's pretty hard only because the majority of photographers are lame. Everyone always concerned about people "bringing down the market" with pricing or "stealing their work" but EVERYONE gets married. There's MORE than enough work to go around. So I don't know why photographers are so lame and competitive. We should be lifting each other up. But unfortunately that's not how things are. I would say just take your time and keep reaching out to people. Keep in mind when you reach out make it about them not about you. ANd remember lots of photographers are super busy so some of it could be them just being busy which is why you're not hearing back from them. Good luck!
I think you should. It only helps. There are pros and cons to each (posting or not posting) but I beleive that posting on your site is the best option over all.
Goodmorning John! I've been watching your videos a lot and I've done a few wedding events already, just wondering if I should use 1.8, 2.8 for kissing moments because I've been afraid to use it for my 50mm. I shots kissing moment on wedding with F3.5 or F4.2 and Im still afraid to use 2.8 or 1.8 to avoid missing or blurring the subjects in their special moment any tips man?
Amazing Video 💯 Hi John, I would like to ask you what is the best lens to start wedding photography if I only can choose one lens? Thank you so much sir 😇
I hate to say this, but the only thing you need to be a wedding photographer is to do it. The rest of this, second shooting and what not, might help learn some tricks. But honestly, don't waste your time.
I half agree with you. I think it depends on the person and their risk tolerance. Also, just how talented they are. I did exactly what you said and just did it. But seconding does help and I do it often even now sometimes for continued learning and to support other photographers.
Sometimes getting back to emails takes me a little bit but you should be getting a response from me shortly. Check your spam as well since the email with the download link comes from Squarespace. But I’ll get you all squared away soon. Thanks for your patience. 🙏🙏
All great advice except The Knot and WeddingWire. $1200 and 6 months later. Not one client. Not one job. Nothing but inquiry ghost that ask 1 question then disappear.
That's why I mention not to spend too much money on the Knot or WeddingWire. As stated, it's a trap. But I can say that I was succesful on there and booked 40 weddings. So it's possible. Just have to play it smart. I personally don't use them anymore so I totally know what you're talking about.
Have you started your wedding photography journey yet?
Restarting it in a new country. Wish me luck!
@@90210drm Good Luck!!
Yes yes and that's why I follow your teachings here!
Just booked my first wedding for August 20th. Never shot a wedding before so I’m hoping to gain experience this summer before the day. I’ve been shooting since entering photography school in 2002. Do you think my long time experience with studio and landscape photography will be enough to convince someone to let me second shoot?
Should I offer to second shoot for free in order to increase my chances of a yes?
I feel technically very sound I just need the actual experience of shooting a wedding.
@@MrAgentElsewhere Your experience should help. It may not be enough, however. You'll want genres that involve people in them. That should help out a bunch more. Portraits, events, street photography, plus your other styles of photography should help. I personally wouldn't 2nd for free. But you could let them know you're happy with a lower rate to gain experience.
The only photographer keeping it real: people don’t book (2nd shooters, but in general) because you don’t know how to shoot. Sheeeeeesh! Good stuff
It's so true though. I've had so many really bad second photographres that I've regretted hiring. It's not fun at all.
After a year of work with couples and clients I have came up with a work flow, I found my style and I continue to grow with each session. I have learn so much from you. Thanks 🙏🏽
Patience, a smile, and customer service are key to any gig in photography ! As an event photographer, I must say that this video is key to any new player. Keep up the good work John
EXACTLY! Unless you're doing landscape photography or street customer service is a huge part of the job. Even product photography is very heavy in customer service.
@@jbivphotography True, even in landscape photography if you want to license or sell your images you still need to know how to do customer service for the aspect of dealing with licensing clients or art buyers.
I just wanted to echo the importance of a consistent portfolio. It can save you a ton of time as well, because if you have five random editing styles, and a couple books you - they might not tell you they want the "warm and autumn" style. And when they get their photos and it looks wildly different than their expectations, they might ask you for a time-sinking re-edit. Or they might just not be happy with their photos and not say anything and never refer you to anyone.
But John's statement of them likely not booking with you to begin with is the most common scenario. *Most* portfolios with a crazy amount of styles just look messy.
Either way, lots of reasons to be consistent. You go to a restaurant, you go to a hotel, you go to a store, you expect consistency. So give your couples that consistency.
All great tips, John.
EXACTLY! Thank you for adding this in here. Folks need to see that this is the norm in the wedding photography community!
@@jbivphotography True story: about a month or two ago I had a couple reach out to me. They weren't happy with their wedding photos (not my pics), and it was very much because of the editing/colour grading. My photos are all very consistent. So they hired me to do a batch of their fav photos.
They actually were able to get the RAW files from their original photographer - whose portfolio is very much all over the place in terms of style, tone, and colour.
But the point is that while this photographer was able to secure the job, it was a one and done because of consistency problems. They're referring me now, and not him. Which isn't me gloating in the slightest - I actually felt a little guilty taking on the editing gig.
Lessons to be learned from the mistake of others though. They're really happy with my work and knew what they were getting.
I have done a couple of live events including a wedding video.
It is not easy;
You can't take the shots again, you need to be focused and in the right spot at the right time, plan the story line so the video, shots are making sense.
Your exposure and sound needs to be on point.
It is pretty difficult and you need to treat it like a professional job.
It is not just snapping a few shots.
You also need to review the venue, and do a pre interview so the customer knows what is going to happen and knows what the end product will be.
Spot on tips here. It’s super true. Weddings are way more than just clicking the shutter. I hope everyone who wants to be a wedding photographer understands that.
Wake up, morning tea and a John Branch video... We're off to a great start.
Glad I could be a part of the morning routine.
Hey john am your biggest fan from uganda just started wedding photography one year back but all i know have learnt it from you.
Keep t up bro
I really appreciate that! Keep up the great work.
Hey John, big fan! Yet another great video, very informative and helpful.
I seriously watch every single one of your videos!
You have no idea how much you’ve helped me with my own photography career. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for what you do. And for willing to put so much out there for young, starting out photographers to learn from. Truly 🙏
Best implantation of squarespace ad ever. I guess works when the relevance of the topic and the amount of knowledge provided outweigh the disturbance of a stalking ad.
Have a wedding booked for April. Watching this video I’m NERVOUS. I’ve never done a wedding before. I have done event photography but usually do newborn/children portraits. I’ve been in discussion with another wedding photographer to be a second shooter in March. Watching your videos for tips and tricks ✨
This man nails focus every time. I LOVE your work!
Appreciate it!
John, I am subscribed and always look forward to your videos. This is a video that you really need to do every year because there are the everyday basics that won't change. Also, other maybe subtle changes that the casual viewer may not notice but need to be aware of.
Thank you for this! I might think about doing something like this on an anual basis. like you said I think it would be ultra valuble for photographers.
More of full wedding day shoots too please.
Great video 👍💯
More to come!
Your videos are still very enlightening, encouraging, and exciting to watch. This and the wedding day footage are definitely priceless knowledge. Thanks for these and looking forward to trying Squarespace!
I'm glad my stuff is helpful. I try my best to be vaulble to everyone. Hope it's helping you grow!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very good and helped me a lot, Alex
Glad it helped!
Spot on with investments and Experience. Be it self taught by asking family and friends to photo their wedding not as for their wedding pictures but as a study project so long as you stay out of their hired photographer's way after beinb introduced to the paid photographer. May also have to promise not to publish the photos anywhere. or taught by another photographer it then takes time to develop the adaptability to go with the style of the wedding couple.
I was told it takes a million photos from a minimum of 1000 weddings to gain enough knowledge to possibly be out on your own. I am great at taking portraits and could possibly start as a second or third for a photographer but I am disabled and moving very fast is not an ability I have.
Nothing but the best tips, as always. Thanks John!
I really appreciate it! Thank you so much.
Hey John I love your content! It has given me supreme confidence in my business! Still not perfect but improving with every RUclips video!
AMAZING! Glad to here I'm a part of your daily improving. I'm glad I could help out.
Hey John, thank you for making this informational video. It was really helpful!
Another great video! I would love just to grab a coffee with this dude…
That would be fun. I'm always down for a good coffee.
This video is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much. My mom wants to start learning photography because she loves being wedding photographer and I’m searching here and there on how to start. Do you have any suggestions on what camera should she starts learning? Do you think an online course is helpful in teaching camera basics?
This helps me a ton. Thank you so much!
👏👏👏 glad this was helpful.
I love your pictures and editing man ❤️🔥
Thank you 🙌
Don’t underestimate the issue of driving down prices. While I understand everyone needs to start somewhere. If a client can get 80% of the quality for 10% of the cost, most will choose to go that route. And with the growing popularity of photography, there is always a constant stream of new photographers entering the industry. For example, in the area in which I live, there is a creatives Facebook group where routinely there are dozens of experienced wedding photographers begging for the opportunity to photograph an entire wedding for $500. When you have that many photographers willing to work for such a ridiculously low price, the market gets destroyed.
I don't fully agree. Mainly because a $10k client will never be a $500 client. So while there are photographers out here offering super low rates a client who really understand that quality demands a price will always pay that. Again there are many photographers out here shooting weddings for $5-$10k and higher, yet as you stated there are photographers out here begging to shoot a wedding for $500. The way I always see it, it's the same as the fact that a cheap Hyundai isn't taking customers away from Porshe. Someone who wants a Porshe will get a Porshe. Even though there's "something cheaper on the market".
Now I will agree that a photographer that has the experience, tenure, and brand should be charging more if they're not charging enough. But most of the time the photogrpahers jumping at $500 are either in a scarcity mindset or aren't really a $3-$5k plus photographer. The market and the low ball photogaphers are not destorying it.
Thanks for the video. It was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I doing my first wedding photography in July do I have time to learn good I just start doing photography as a business but photography been my hobby on some friends my children and landscape I have not done no else yet till two weeks ago that I did sports as practice
Very helpful video, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow thanks so much
You’re welcome!
Thank you for sharing
My pleasure
John could I get some advice on taking wedding photos of older couples 50+ years old I do struggle with older couples as it nothing like doing a wedding of a younger couples.
Honestly I don't think it's any different. I did a wedding recently with an older couple who were getting married. The biggest thing is client communication and setting expectations but that's always the case regardless of the age of the couple.
@@jbivphotography I did one in November 2021, It went really well and they loved everything and were super happy, It was my first wedding and they rebook me for an event later this month.
I'm so use to working with younger couples doing an older wedding/style threw me a little bit I guess. Your wedding videos have helped me so much so thank you for sharing your talent.
I don't know what the secret is but I know the second shooter route is not valid for my area. It's not that I'm not good or have such little experience either (I've been published, won awards, 20 years exp in other fields of photography). Not one wedding photographer in my area has responded to me reaching out offering second and none have reached out to me. It's very challenging to break into weddings and after 2 years of trying patiently I don't know what to do next.
I don't really think it's a per area type of thing. It might be approach. I will say it's pretty hard only because the majority of photographers are lame. Everyone always concerned about people "bringing down the market" with pricing or "stealing their work" but EVERYONE gets married. There's MORE than enough work to go around. So I don't know why photographers are so lame and competitive. We should be lifting each other up. But unfortunately that's not how things are. I would say just take your time and keep reaching out to people. Keep in mind when you reach out make it about them not about you. ANd remember lots of photographers are super busy so some of it could be them just being busy which is why you're not hearing back from them. Good luck!
Should you post your prices on your website or not?
I think you should. It only helps. There are pros and cons to each (posting or not posting) but I beleive that posting on your site is the best option over all.
What is considered a decent nimber or amount of photos/work to post in the beginning on your portfolio or website?
Great question. I think it's more about showing quality, consistency, & variety than the number of photos shown on your website. Hope that helps!
How do I find a photographer to be a third for?
Goodmorning John! I've been watching your videos a lot and I've done a few wedding events already, just wondering if I should use 1.8, 2.8 for kissing moments because I've been afraid to use it for my 50mm. I shots kissing moment on wedding with F3.5 or F4.2 and Im still afraid to use 2.8 or 1.8 to avoid missing or blurring the subjects in their special moment any tips man?
Amazing Video 💯 Hi John, I would like to ask you what is the best lens to start wedding photography if I only can choose one lens? Thank you so much sir 😇
I generally shoot prime only so if I would recommend anything it would be a 35mm in the f1.2-f1.8 range.
awesome, thank you so much Sir 😇🙏🏻
Great video 👌
Glad you enjoyed
love it
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!
I hate to say this, but the only thing you need to be a wedding photographer is to do it. The rest of this, second shooting and what not, might help learn some tricks. But honestly, don't waste your time.
I half agree with you. I think it depends on the person and their risk tolerance. Also, just how talented they are. I did exactly what you said and just did it. But seconding does help and I do it often even now sometimes for continued learning and to support other photographers.
Good Afternoon Sir please like how many months will it take me to learn Weeding Photography, because I have a Wedding to cover on the August
It can take a long time. A couple of months to get kind of good. And then years to really perfect it and become amazing.
@@jbivphotography Ok Sir But I Have A Wedding Coming Up On The August. But I’m still going through Tutorials by Watching your videos
What flash do you use?
I use the Godox v860ii. Great flashes.
I bought your presets and I never got them. I emailed you and got no rely.
Sometimes getting back to emails takes me a little bit but you should be getting a response from me shortly. Check your spam as well since the email with the download link comes from Squarespace. But I’ll get you all squared away soon. Thanks for your patience. 🙏🙏
@3:00 the realist shit I ever wrote -Tupac
Gotta kick the truth for everyone.
FIRST
Thanks for watching!
I tried to be a turd photographer. I don't know why, but there's not much business coming through...
All great advice except The Knot and WeddingWire. $1200 and 6 months later. Not one client. Not one job. Nothing but inquiry ghost that ask 1 question then disappear.
That's why I mention not to spend too much money on the Knot or WeddingWire. As stated, it's a trap. But I can say that I was succesful on there and booked 40 weddings. So it's possible. Just have to play it smart. I personally don't use them anymore so I totally know what you're talking about.
🐱👤
Bruh it’s literally a lot of money
It is. But take some time to save it up and you’ll change your life when you start photography. I did it myself. I don’t come from money.
lmao this dude funny hes like a ddntist who gets mad that isnt called dr. by people LOL
Jesus loves you ❤️✝️
Amen