Best and Worst

Advantages and Drawbacks of Becoming a Wedding Photographer  

Taking pictures in stunning locations but also having a dance party every night? Seems like a dream job. It could also appear to be the worst job imaginable, what with all the pressure and conflict that comes with it. Listen up, regardless of where you feel on the issue, because I'm about to lay out the pros and cons of being a wedding photographer so you can make an informed decision.

There are a lot of "s" terms that we'll be covering in this conversation: self-employment, seasonality, schedule, and service. First, though, I'd like to broach the subject of fervour. If you're thinking about becoming a wedding photographer, it's probably because you have a strong interest in the field, whether it's because you want to express your artistic side professionally or because you crave autonomy in your work life.

I think it's crucial to follow your heart and spend each day doing what excites you and makes you feel complete. But I have to ask, if you decide to become a wedding photographer, do you have a clear idea of how you'll be spending your time? What is it?

Self-Employment

The pinnacle of fantasy and the basement of terror. I wish I could be self-employed. Since I am my own boss, I get to determine how I want to spend my time each day (more on that in a bit).

True. I'm in charge of advertising and bookkeeping, and I pay for my own medical coverage. I get to determine my own compensation requirements and work hard enough to meet or perhaps exceed them.

Even after working for myself for a decade, I'm not convinced that it's the right choice for me. It's still tough to picture myself going to work for someone else and having my objectives, priorities, and even my own existence dictated by someone else. I have mixed feelings about it; there are benefits and drawbacks that are worth considering.

Seasonality

In many areas, summer is the most popular time for weddings. Again, depending on your perspective, the idea of putting in a lot of effort during a short period of time can sound like a blessing or a curse. While this might provide some welcome leeway during slower times of year, it also raises the risk of burnout if care is not taken.

One should work hard during one season and play hard (or rest) during another. But there are other difficulties to consider; for example, if summer is your peak season, you may have to work while most of your friends and family are taking advantage of the nice weather to go on holiday. Depending on the number of weddings you're tasked with photographing, working during peak wedding season might be a logistical nightmare.

Your earnings, like the seasons, will fluctuate. You will have to learn to budget and plan carefully because steady income is unlikely. In this approach, you may determine whether or not you need to take on more employment during the off-season. While many photographers focus on weddings during peak season, many often have side projects that bring in money during down times.

Schedule

To elaborate on this concept of seasonality, let's look at your daily routine. For example, if you're a wedding photographer, you could have to work on both Saturdays and Sundays. Or else you'll wind yourself working seven days a week, therefore it's important to plan a weekend for Monday and Tuesday.

Sometimes, it's great to be able to break out of the routine and work on your own terms. When the trailheads and favourite campgrounds we frequent are less congested on weekdays, we have a blast playing. It may be difficult to maintain friendships with those who don't share your profession of wedding photography, but you're sure to meet plenty of people who also have non-standard work hours.

Many of our client meetings and email responses occur late at night or at odd hours. There is no hard and fast rule that says we have to be at work from 8 to 5. But, we need to be accessible to our customers at their convenience.

A wedding photographer's schedule might be extremely adaptable or rigid, depending on the situation. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to give each day certain limits and guidelines. That way, you can take advantage of the freedom without letting it cause total pandemonium.

Service

I enjoy photography because it allows me to express myself creatively through the telling of tales through the photographs I make. Yet if you want to be a wedding photographer, you need care about your clients. Your clients engage you to document their special day, and depending on the circumstances, assisting them may be the most rewarding or frustrating aspect of your work.

Photographers who don't specialise in weddings often tell me they couldn't handle the pressure and high expectations of shooting a wedding. When I'm working with the right clientele, the pressure to perform turns into motivation to go outside the box and deliver results that. Weddings are beautiful and meaningful and filled with pleasant emotions, but they are also difficult and imbued with a lot of tense emotions and family turmoil.

The key to success in the service industry, and in wedding photography in particular, is connecting with couples who share your vision of the big day. You've definitely come across concepts like "ideal clients" and "branding" in your research into the wedding photography industry. Branding and advertising that zeroes in on the kinds of customers you take pleasure in helping will go a long way towards making you happy in your work.

Is It a Good Idea for You to Photograph Weddings?

Has all that open discussion about wedding photography made you anxious or uneasy? Or does it motivate you to think creatively about how to overcome obstacles and maximise gains? Whether or not you should become a wedding photographer depends entirely on your point of view.

Let's assume you see being your own boss as a path to independence and boundless opportunity. You find seasonality and an unpredictable schedule appealing because they provide you the freedom to pursue your passions when they strike. The energy of the day, along with the satisfaction of helping happy couples and their families, motivates you to put in extra effort in your own work. Then, by all means, you need to start photographing weddings.

Or, perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of budgeting, acquiring health insurance, and establishing a 401(k). Also, stability in your daily routine is highly desirable. Whenever time the term "wedding" is mentioned, your mind immediately conjures an image of Bridezilla wreaking havoc on the metropolis. The list is vast, and wedding photography isn't for the faint of heart, so perhaps look into other photography careers instead.