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Photography Question 

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Starting out


I am interested in wedding photography. I have a strong background working in custom labs but have no idea how to get started on my own. I'm wondering how did you get your start. We all have to start somewhere but how do you sell yourself if you have nothing in that area to show?


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February 04, 2000

 
BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke

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  The beginning is extremely tough and I don't know if I would want to go back through it again. To build samples, shoot portraits of friends and family. Keep practicing and every time you make an image you like, put it into your portfolio. Friends will eventually start asking you to shoot weddings (for free, usually, and sometimes you will be competing with many other friends or a professional photographer). Do these weddings if you feel confident and if you are not competing with a pro. Remember the magnitude of the day but don't let your fears get in the way of your shooting.

I also went door to door, put fliers on people's cars (got into trouble for that one), and called people who I thought might like a portrait.

There is a lot more to be said here; I hope I can write an article about it in the future.


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March 01, 2000

 

Suzanne Boulanger
  Hi Pamela,

I've been taking wedding pictures for 15 years and had to start over in a new city two years ago. I had one of my favourite pictures printed on quality paper with my telephone number on pull tabs at the bottom. I put these in every store around. I also pass out my business card to everyone I meet. I've done three weddings this year and have 12 more to do so far. I also take a lot of family pictures and just finished taking graduation pictures for 40 students. Word of mouth is your best advertisement and your work talks for you. If you don't have any pictures for your portfolio it might be worth your while to pay some friends to model for you. That way you can take your time posing them the way you like. Collect pictures you find in magazines an check out PhotographerUSA.com for ideas! Good luck.


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June 12, 2000

 
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