The Nuptial Lens: A Guide to Wedding Photography in the Absurdly Real World

In the grand theatre of life, there is no spectacle quite as splendid, as fraught with emotion, or as riddled with potential pitfalls as the matrimonial ceremony. As a wedding photographer, you are the silent observer, the chronicler of joy, the catcher of fleeting moments. You are, in essence, the visual bard of the Big Day. And as such, you are expected to perform with the precision of a Swiss watch and the grace of a ballet dancer. No pressure, then.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room - the camera. It's not just a piece of equipment; it's your Excalibur, your magic wand, your ticket to the world of matrimonial merriment. Treat it with the reverence of a knight towards his sword. But remember, the camera is only as good as the eye behind it. So, develop that eye. Train it to see the unseen, to capture the uncaptured, to immortalise the ephemeral. And if you find yourself squinting through the viewfinder at the bride's uncle doing the Macarena, remember - it's all part of the job.

Now, onto the subject of clients. Ah, clients - the lifeblood of your business and the source of your most colourful anecdotes. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the bridezilla with a list of demands longer than War and Peace, to the groom who thinks he's the next David Bailey because he once took a half-decent photo of a sunset on his smartphone. Embrace them all. They are your muses, your patrons, your ticket to the next gig. Handle them with care, but remember - a little bit of flattery goes a long way. Tell the bride she looks like Audrey Hepburn in her dress, assure the groom that his receding hairline is 'distinguished'. It's all part of the dance.

Next, let's talk about the competition. In the world of wedding photography, it's a veritable jungle out there. Every Tom, Dick, and Harriet with a DSLR thinks they're the next Annie Leibovitz. But fear not, for you have a secret weapon - your unique style. Whether it's your penchant for dramatic black and white shots, or your ability to make even the most mundane wedding buffet look like a feast for the gods, your style is your signature. Flaunt it, hone it, make it your own.

Now, onto the subject of money. Ah, the sordid topic of lucre. It's a necessary evil, I'm afraid. After all, you can't pay the bills with exposure, and last time I checked, the supermarket doesn't accept 'experience" as a form of payment. So, price your work fairly. Don't undersell yourself, but don't price yourself out of the market either. It's a delicate balance, like a flamingo on a tightrope.

Lastly, let's talk about passion. It's the fuel that drives your business, the spark that ignites your creativity. Without it, you're just another person with a camera. With it, you're an artist, a storyteller, a dream weaver. So, keep that passion alive. Feed it, nurture it, let it guide you. And when you're knee-deep in confetti, chasing after a runaway flower girl, remember - you're doing what you love. And that, dear reader, is the greatest business tip of all.

So, there you have it - a guide to the wonderfully absurd world of wedding photography. It's a wild ride, full of laughter, tears, and more cake than you can shake a stick at. But at the end of the day, when you're sifting through the photos, finding those perfect moments of joy, love, and celebration, you'll realise - it's all worth it. Now, go forth and capture the magic. The world of matrimonial merriment awaits.

Article kindly provided by liamsmithphotography.com