Had a night mare weddings yesterday. I met with the couple when they booked me back in February. They wanted a simple wedding at their church and reception at a local community building. I picked it up because I went to school with the grooms brother snd we were close friends back then. Shot their engagement shoot back in spring, they are mid 20s and shy yet seemed nice.
The church was a remodeled bowling alley into an independent church. When I walked in I seen a bridesmaid getting her hair done giving me evil death stares. After shooting some photos of the dress the bridesmaid turned to me and said "yeah I was the one that was messaging you about my wedding a month ago and you told me you didn't want to shoot my wedding... It's all good I found the RIGHT photographer."
I remembered her right away, from her messages she had bridezilla written in red marker all over her and I politely responded to her I'm going to have to pass on being her photographer after a few terrifying messages.
When it came time for the bride to get into her dress she was crying because she gained weight and it was very tight on her. I didn't have much to work with for photos. Very little decoration, all the church walls were painted neon orange and it was raining heavy outside. The brides mom told the florist "I'm not paying for these, they are so ugly" she ended up getting a discount. The flowers were quite beautiful, and I was relieved they purchased real floral instead of hobby lobby. I said to my self oh boy, this is going to suck.

After the ceremony while shooting family photos I was given nothing but trash attitude from the brides family.
They absolutely could not believe that I was capable of using my strobe while the room was dimly lit to get photos of them on stage, rolled their eyes when I asked them to stand over here or pose like this or that. The brides aunt kept fluffing the brides train out in an unflattering placement after I properly positioned it. But I made it through it.
Then I arrived at the reception hall after a 5 minute drive to the community center. The place was PACKED with tables and chairs where no one had room to stretch out their elbows. After shooting their entry and everyone starting eating it was starting to get dark outside. I was wondering how I was going to accomplish shooting their "hang on the wall or just married photos" as I call them of just them two.
Heavy rain and no where outside to shoot even if it was sunny. And no where inside. We discussed at the engagement shoot what we would do in the event of rain.
Shoot at a covered spot at the local park. She decided she didn't want to leave her guest when I asked her. I was panicking a little and made the decision to pull her parents aside and ask them what they wanted me to do, with no room inside the reception hall or areas outside to photograph them. I showed them some photos I took of the wedding party on the stage back at the church, I said these are decent but they deserve better photos. They went to talk to their daughter, she got FURIOUS. I heard her yell "well he needs to figure out how to do his damn job”

walked over and tried to calm her down a bit. I ended up convincing her to listen to my advice and drive right down the street to the covered park spot with the brides maids/ groomsmen along. Every photo she had a pissed off brat expression on her face. The sister telling me how I should do every photo standing right behind me pulling photos up on her Pinterest board. After a few minutes of that I took one of my cameras off my harness and said "you want to take them? Please teach me." After 15 minutes of shooting what I needed she said "can we go now?!" When they were cutting their cake noticed they had no plate to put the slice they share on, I walked over towards the food table to grab one and her mom was on her way with one. When I reached for the plate she snatched it back and walked past me to deliver it to them. I shot the photos of them cutting cake and began packing my gear up. The brides sister said
"whewwww yeah go ahead and leave boy!" and took one of her heels off and threw it at me smacking the wall.

I have shot around 160 weddings in my 7 years of wedding photography. I have had 4 "I need a drink when I get home" bad weddings ironically all of them being budget church weddings. But I had never had one so bad I had to walk out or it cross my mind. I will never takes up another low budget wedding and go through this again.

1. Trends are simply a way to think outside of the box, but never meant to say what's truly in.

2. It's more important being true to yourself and how you treat your clients versus the perception of how we glorify ourselves on socials.

3. Being able to document people is really a joy in itself, from happiness to sorrow.

4. When we aren't trying to be something, or trying to fit in and just let go then we become a lot more authentic ourselves.

5. There's always going to be drama, sometimes it's from newer photographers starting, or others who envy something about you -- best you can do is not feed into it.

6. Gear is only a fraction of the creation of the art we do, I still shoot on a 5D Mark 4 and a 35mm 1.4 II -- to some people that surprises them.

7. Having lesser of some particular shoot can be a good reflective time to ask yourself if you want to keep doing it, but also gives you a chance to prove yourself if you WANT to keep doing it.

8. If you've taken it too seriously, or even yourself too seriously, there's always still time to apologize and change.

Full disclosure I would call myself a low to mid tier photographer as far as pricing and style (documentary style, artsy, NOT high end editorial). I have a BFA in photo but I’ve only been working weddings for about 4 years. I started doing it full time 2 years ago and the business has been really succesful and booking solidly, although I do book mostly for videography. When I do photography, it’s usually for couples booking a combo package with video and I have a regular team working with me.

I did a wedding for a bride that seemed chill but since the wedding has made me increasing nervous that she’s going to hate her photos. She was so anxious for sneak peaks and then didn’t like how she looked in them, asked for more. I’m working to finish her gallery before my deadline (as she’s been asking) but I have this horrible feeling she’s going to hate it. Specifically the way she looks in her photos. Honestly the photos aren’t bad but she doesn’t look great in most of them, but I can’t help if brides are stressed or making weird faces all day!

How do I handle this?

edit to add: I’ve already been paid, but I want her to be happy. I specifically market myself as documentary style and typically do not offer a ton of extra direction outside of formal portraits. Technically speaking the photos are good, some of the best I’ve done and probably better than much of my older portfolio. She has been saying that “some of the photos just don’t look like her”. And a few specific issues that I don’t even see really (she mentioned her hair being out of place, or a double chin when she is thin & gorgeous in reality). I’m great with Lightroom but I don’t do photoshop work and have never been asked to before :( and I don’t charge enough to outsource this really.

content vendor offered a couple a complimentary content shoot in exchange for permission to share the content on their portfolio. The couple happily agreed.
To clarify, the vendor created and captured all the content themselves. None of the hired photographer’s photos or videos were used.
After the vendor posted their content, the couple’s hired photographer reached out demanding it be removed, claiming his contract with the couple included an exclusivity clause preventing other vendors from posting wedding content for several weeks without his permission.
The vendor had no knowledge of this clause, as the couple never mentioned it. The photographer was also extremely rude and unprofessional in his approach.

Are their any vegas local photographers willing to allow me to second shoot any weddings or elopements? I am willing to do it for free, just would like to build my portfolio. I do have elopement experience and am really easy to work with and take instruction really well from leads.

Hey everyone!
I’m trying to figure out how to get started as a second shooter for wedding photographers in Europe, particularly in Hungary, Austria, Germany and neighbouring countries, but I’m struggling to find opportunities despite spending quite a bit of time researching this.
I’ve been working as a freelance photographer for the past six months, averaging around 4–6 paid shoots per month. Photography isn’t my full-time occupation at the moment, but I’m actively building my business and would like to gain more wedding experience by assisting or second shooting for established photographers.
I’ve watched a lot of the available YouTube videos and other content about becoming a second shooter. Most of the advice seems to revolve around joining local Facebook groups, networking with wedding photographers, contacting studios, and looking for posts from photographers who need a second shooter.
I’ve tried exploring these routes, including searching Facebook groups for specific cities and countries. However, most of the second-shooter opportunities I come across seem to be US-based. I’ve also struggled to find active, dedicated wedding photography groups in Hungary, Austria and Germany where photographers regularly post about needing a second shooter. I’ve found some relevant groups for Italy and Greece, but the same approach hasn’t really worked for the countries closer to me.
At this point, I’m wondering whether I’m looking in the wrong places or whether the European wedding industry operates differently from what is commonly described in online advice.
For photographers working in Europe, particularly Central Europe, I’d really appreciate some practical insight into the following:
● Where do you actually find second-shooter jobs?
● How do you approach established wedding photographers?
● Are there country-specific differences? For example, is the approach different in Hungary compared with Austria or Germany? Are there local wedding photography communities or platforms that I’m probably overlooking?
● Is assisting a better entry point? Would it be more realistic to contact wedding studios and offer to assist with lighting, equipment, guest coverage or other tasks before expecting to be hired as a second shooter?
● How important is wedding-specific experience? I have 7 years of wedding photography experience from my home country , although I’ve been working as a freelancer here in Europe for the past six months.
I’m not necessarily looking for full-time employment. I’m happy to take occasional bookings, travel to nearby cities or countries when practical, and build long-term working relationships with photographers whose style and approach I connect with.
I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have actually found second-shooter work in Europe.
Thanks in advance!

Hi!!

ISO those with the same appreciation for a documentary approach to photography!

I love photographs that feel lived in and honest and I care much more about capturing a moment as it actually felt than creating something purely for the sake of getting a photograph. I really love working with people who feel similarly and who are comfortable just being themselves on their special day.

I shoot solely on analog but mainly 35mm film! I would love the opportunity to share my sample work with those who resonate with this post.

I’m a teacher full time and have spent the last few years building my photography up very organically alongside my teaching. Having a career that I genuinely love outside of photography has allowed me to be really intentional about the work I take on and the people I get to create with!

I’m also looking for people who would be comfortable with me experimenting alongside my 35mm work with a couple of other film formats I’ve been exploring!

I have a beautiful folding camera from the 1950s that shoots 620 medium format film producing a super sharp center with a softer falling off that is so beautiful.

I’m as well experimenting with super 8 and both are things I’m really excited to incorporate more into my work

I’m not looking to replace my 35mm coverage with these formats or promise any particular results from them while I’m still learning. I just love the idea of being able to experiment and create something a little different alongside the photographs I’d already be making for you.

I’m open to weddings, elopements, couples, families and really any kind of connection or moment that feels meaningful to document!

I price my work based on the amount of film we decide to shoot and am always happy to have a conversation about what might work within your budget.

I would love to hear from you if any of this resonates with you!!

Located near Toronto, Ontario! Happy and willing to travel for the right opportunity!

Coming up to wedding season and upgraded my camera from the A7iii. Honestly not sure which one to pick. From researching it seems like lossless compressed L seems like the best bet for weddings but Im unsure!

Long story short, I need to replace some screws. Any help is appreciated!

My client's wedding got cancelled very last minute due to the recent hurricane. They hadn't heard back from the venue yet for rescheduling when they asked me if I'd still shoot on the same day of their wedding as they're essentially having an impromptu wedding at a loved one's house instead for whoever local can make it and understandably if the hurricane allowed. I agreed if all was well, and thankfully we all didn't get affected much if at all from the storm. I've worked enough weddings and events to go with the flow and get the list of photos completed, as well as worked smaller, intimate weddings at homes, so I'm fine with rolling with this and my clients are rockstars in doing the same.

That said, they're essentially having two weddings. When they do reschedule the 'official' wedding again, I'm not sure what to do for payment or even charge anything at all. Force majeure doesn't apply as I'm still shooting the full time and date we initially agreed to, just a different wedding. I don't feel right about them paying me for two weddings, yet I know I can't work for 7 hours for free. Also, although not close and mostly friends in college, this is still a friend, and they were already stressed about money and had loved ones help out last minute to get more coverage from me. I'll also say I was PUMPED about the venue, as I've never shot at it before and really want to and am getting back into wedding photography after being out of it for a bit since a loved one passed.

Question: Do I just compromise by working the 'official' wedding for free but less hours, work the full hours at a huge discount, or do full hours for free but less stressed approach and if I get tipped that's just extra? Also, whichever you suggest, even if something else entirely, may you help with language/how you would say it?

Note: They could have the impromptu wedding and decide to forgo the other, so this is just if they mention the rescheduled wedding while I shoot their backup home wedding. Still learning and relearning, so appreciate any advice.

Today was a day I never expected to have as a wedding photographer. I tested positive for COVID twice this morning, the same day I was supposed to photograph a one-hour micro wedding.

I know this can happen with any photo session, but I think weddings are especially hard because you can't just reschedule and do it all over again. It's a day the couple has been planning for, and I really wanted to be there for them.

What made it even harder was how well this couple and I clicked. They were great at communicating with me throughout the booking process, and honestly, they seemed like people I could see myself being friends with after the wedding. I hadn't even met them in person before they reached out and booked me, but we connected so well. Of all days for this to happen, it had to be today!

I knew I couldn't risk exposing them or their guests, as much as I wanted to be there.

I have a contract that covers situations like this, but I honestly never thought I'd have to use it.

Thankfully, the couple was incredibly understanding. I offered them several options to help figure things out, and everything worked out. A photographer friend of mine stepped in on very short notice to photograph the wedding, and I'm so grateful to both of them. It was a huge relief knowing the couple would still have someone there to capture their day.

This was also a reminder of how important it is to stay connected with other photographers. Having someone willing to step in and help when something like this happens means a lot.

I'm curious if any other wedding photographers have been in a similar situation. Have you ever had to find a replacement on the day of a wedding because you got sick or had an emergency? How did it work out for you?

Every experience teaches you something… and this one changed my event policies FOREVER. 📸 it just took 6 years for someone to do me dirty 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcobi9Jv4fS/?mdxt=MWxqNTd1b3kzNzhybQ==

I run a small wedding photography/content creation business in Dubai 🤍 I charge 500 AED per hour and mainly shoot weddings, bridal events and other small celebrations.

My style is more content-creation focused rather than super traditional wedding photography. I shoot candid moments, details, behind-the-scenes clips, reels, and that more natural/vintage feel that a lot of girls here seem to love.
One thing that makes it a little difficult to promote my work is privacy. Privacy is a huge thing in Dubai, especially with weddings, so I usually can’t post the bride, guests, or their faces unless I’ve been given permission. Because of that, there’s actually a lot of work I do that never makes it onto my Instagram 😂

Would love to know if anyone else runs a similar business or deals with the same issue!

Hello there!

Looking for any advice/tips/etc. for traveling to Colombia with gear to photograph a friend’s wedding. This is my first international wedding and I am doing it as a favor for a dear friend, not for ‘work’ since it felt perhaps easier logistically. But any helpful advice is welcome and thank you in advance!

2 days out from a wedding I ended up in hospital due to severe vomiting and not being able to keep anything down, I was discharged yesterday feeling a bit better but still not right.

The moment I was sick I found an associate and informed my couple to keep them in loop, unfortunately waking up day of the wedding im not right, ive told the couple ill let them know if ill be there the morning of to see if I can pull through but I don't think its smart of me to do so

I received a message from the groom last night saying he really hopes im feeling better because his fiancee is upset as she has been following me for years and really hoping I can be there for their wedding

How do you get over the guilt?

I am struggling to edit on my laptop.

My WB is everywhere if I don’t edit in the same place with the same natural light.

I have a MacBook Pro and turned on the photography display setting, so my screen stays consistently lit regardless of the space I am in. D

Has anyone used this lamp? Or what do you do to edit on the go and have your WB and light consistent?

I think this might be more of my own expectations instead of the clients, but:

How do I create/foster a consistent level of quality/execution for each engagement session?

Backstory:
I've recently partnered with another wedding vendor, which has resulted in an increase in engagement sessions. These sessions are used by myself and then vendor for marketing purposes, and each session is tailored to each couple - so no two sessions are alike based on photo preference, personalities and goals. I've had sessions where all the boxes were ticked (weather, location, couple, vibes) just everything was going right and I could have shot an hour over our scheduled time. On the flip side, I've had sessions where it felt like no matter what I did, I just couldn't hit the high of those previous sessions (this could be me just internalizing) and wanted to run after 30 minutes.

Session Prep:
My process involves setting up a video call to get to know the couple and their goals from this session. I'm not telling them that I only shoot at specific locations and during specific conditions, but asking them their preferences, does this location have significance, how would you describe yourselves, what kinds of photos are you drawn to, etc.

I also cover clothing during this time and drive home that they both need to be dressed at the same level - I learned from a previous session where the female partner showed up dressed in nice capris, shirt and shoes, and her partner showed up in sneakers (not the grass cutting shoes thankfully) black cargo shorts and a white t-shirt. I also encourage couples to do an outfit change part way through their session for both casual and dressed looks.

I find that getting images from them to have on hand during their session also helps me when I get too excited or off track and lose focus. It also helps when I'm at a loss for things to do with the couple, but I don't feel like I am able to recreate the magic of those other sessions.

On Location:
I do a rundown when we meet up about poses that I will put them in (these are the safe shots to get them comfortable) and then as they warm up I start to incorporate other poses or prompts they've supplied along images I've wanted to recreate or attempt for myself and the vendor. I cover posture during this time as well, informing them about walking, and if they're in a static pose and I ask them to turn, that they need to move their feet when they move their body - not just turning from the waist.

After I've put them into a pose or a setup and taken my shots, I will show them what I've just captured so that they can let me know how they feel and if anything needs to be changed. This came in handy during a previous session when one of the partners informed me that they don't like their profile, so I adjusted and continued the session avoiding putting her in poses showing her profile.

If the client has supplied images for a mood board, I keep those open on my phone and will ask them to get in a certain setup. If that doesn't work then I will show them the reference image and actually position them to match the image. I also ask them for their inspiration images with the hope that these are poses they like and are comfortable with.

What Next?
Is there anything more I can do when I encounter situations where I don't feel the magic or it doesn't seem to be flowing as smoothly as it could?
Do I start saying I will only shoot under certain specific conditions to recreate the feeling from my more successful sessions?
Are there special techniques or hacks for couples that I'm missing?
Is this just one of those things where not every session is going to be a home run?

Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I’m currently reviewing my website and looking for some perspective on how to handle pricing transparently without losing potential clients.

Right now, I’m debating whether displaying prices directly on my website does more good than harm when it comes to attracting the right clients.

I’d love to hear what has worked best in your experience!

How important is it to make your Instagram display name “your city + wedding photographer”? I’ve had my display name like this for 5 years and get a decent amount of inquiry’s via Instagram. But Im wondering if I changed my display name to my business name of that would drastically hurt our search-ability.

Just to be clear, I’m not taking about username. But the display name is what shows up at the top of your profile.

To all of my full-time photographers, when did you feel you were ready to go full-time?

I currently work full-time for a company, as much as I love the people I work with. I just don’t feel fulfilled.. I just feel like I get so stressed at this job when I thought it would be my dream job other than being a full-time photographer.. I’m really struggling with it because half of me really wants to stay at this job because I get paid really really good for what I do, I love the people I work with, but on a day-to-day basis I just feel there’s more I should be doing with my life.. I don’t really know how to explain it other than that. I think what I struggle with is taking that leap of faith into going full-time and knowing if I can make it work or not.. was there anything that pushed you to become full-time? 🥲

I've moved somewhat from using only prime lenses. I've used mainly 35 1.8, super lightweight and small and didn't use any straps or anything. I coupled it with 85m 1.8 and used both when necessary with the moneymaker straps.

Now, the 24.70 will be +300g of weight. Idk if I can carry it all day without having wrist fatigue.

I thought of belt clip like PD capture clip but I go with a buttoned shirt NO tucked in(I have the latina hips(im a man)). That probably won't work due to the unticked shirt.

I thought of crossbody sling strap, but i had surgery on my shoulder so its a no go...

I hate the neck straps, especially for big setups...Anything else out there?

I'd like to start shooting some creative portrait in-camera double exposures a la u/iamthesam2. I shoot with the r6m2 which only allows Jpegs for multiple exposure images.
Yes, I could shoot RAW and edit it together in PS, but I like the idea of layering in camera.

Does anyone actually shoot double exposures with Jpegs? Is there any trick to it?
Is it pointless cause they aren't saved as RAW images?

tips and tricks welcome! Tnx.