Mathilde Lacombe

With an increase in lavish-style destination weddings and their soaring costs, it is hardly a matter of dispute that choosing to become a wedding photographer is a highly lucrative career choice. So, you’ve done your due diligence, followed your passion, and set up your own wedding photography business, but it’s not going as planned.

Wondering what now? Here are some tried-and-true tips to take your wedding photography business to a whole new level.

Tip #1 Maintain a blog

Although it is true that expressing oneself vividly with words may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it is equally true that simple and sensible blogs sharing previous wedding shoot experiences can go a long way in improving your wedding photography business.

Besides helping build a richer and bulkier portfolio, it also allows seeking couples to find you via Google and other search engines. Again, if you are not good with words, use what you are best at –your photos! Run a photo-centred blog which gives glimpses of your style and quality of work.

Tip #2 Be active on social media and use it creatively

If you are using social media for everything but expanding your wedding photography business, then you are doing it wrong! However, this in no way means to simply post a wedding photo every day; far from it. The key to success is people, so what you need to do is build a strong network by interacting with people, both online and offline.

Building your social network would also include seeking testimonials from couples you have worked with and collaborating with photographers from a different genre such as boudoir photographers. Remember, the wider your network, the higher the chances of business success.

Tip #3 Don’t forget your vendor network

Why not leverage the circle you are already collaborating with! Build strong relationships with decorators, florists, venue managers, etc. as they can also help you with business success. The way to go about this is to ask vendors to put in a word for you with their clients; maybe leave a sample album or two with them to make their task of convincing easier. Also, don’ forget to click pictures with vendors while you are working with them.

Tip #4 Get yourself listed on wedding marketplaces

Several wedding planning websites exist online that are often the first choice for most brides-to-be since all kinds of services are available under a single shed – from florists to DJs to caterers and even photographers. List your business on one of these sites to get noticed by your potential clients. Plus, by and by, client reviews will help you climb the ladder till you are among the top listings of the website.

Tip #5 Be smart about the pricing

Are you selling yourself short? Since you are the best person to answer this, evaluate your pricing strategies and see if you are always profitable. If not, take a u-turn from your old ways and work on this simple principle – Expenses + Profits = Pricing.

In case you are hesitant, remember this too – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a consummate professional. After all, without profits, your business will soon be out of business – something you certainly do not wish to happen! So, set your bid accordingly.

Barring the above-mentioned tips, have you ever undergone professional training for wedding photography? If not, then there’s an additional tip for you – pursue a relevant course. Wedding photography certificate program helps to hone your dormant skills, especially a course taken from reputed institutions like the Pearl Academy. Herein, you will receive a 360-degree understanding of the technicalities involved in establishing a successful career in wedding photography, even and particularly working independently.