How to Start a Wedding Photography Business

Part 1 - How to start a Wedding Photography business - Background

There are few things more important to a bride and groom than their wedding photos. Each photo takes them back to that special day surrounded by all their loved ones. The wedding photographer is an integral part of the process, there to capture the little moments the couple was too busy to enjoy at the time. Many couples also hire their wedding photographer for the events leading up to that special day, such as the engagement photos and engagement party.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Wedding Photography business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a wedding photography business?

Before getting started, you will need to purchase and familiarize yourself with all necessary camera equipment. Keep in mind that it is always recommended to have a backup of most items with you at all times.

You will need to budget for the following items (with approximate prices):

• Camera – $2,000 each x 2 = $4,000

• Various lens sizes – $3,500

• Flash – $330 each x 2 = $660

• Miscellaneous equipment – camera bags, memory cards, reflectors, light stands, flash triggers – $500-$1500

• Computer and editing software – $1,800

Additionally, you will need to have a well thought-out, attractive website built, develop a marketing plan, and lease an office/studio space. When budgeting for your wedding photography business, you should have a minimum of $14,000-$18,000 of capital set aside.

What are the ongoing expenses for a wedding photography business?

In addition to your standard overhead expenses that come with leasing an office space, wedding photographers should budget for the following ongoing costs:

• Website hosting and maintenance – $100 – $1,500 per year

• Accounting software and services – $300 annually

• Editing software – $180 annually

• Business insurance – approximately $700 annually

• Product samples – $200 – $1000 annually

• Fuel costs

• Marketing materials

• Association fees

• Payroll and taxes

• Workers Compensation

Who is the target market?

Your primary focus will be on engaged couples, seeking a photographer for their special day. This will often require you to attend multiple photo shoots, creating a photographic timeline of the engagement. For this reason, many wedding photographers are able to expand their services to include more than just wedding events.

How does a wedding photography business make money?

Your business will generate revenue from each service you provide. This includes: photo shoot(s), album creating, photo printing (includes editing), and meetings. Some offer their services as a package, while others charge a fee-for-service.

How much can you charge customers?

Wedding photographers charge anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, depending upon the specifics of the package and the experience of the photographer. Packages include a set amount of time, generally eight hours, while additional time is charged at an hourly rate.

How much profit can a wedding photography business make?

Once you have signed enough clients to pay off all your equipment, you will start to see a real profit in your business. If you charge $2,500 per wedding and shoot two weddings per month, you have generated a revenue of $5,000 per month. Staffing additional photographers will help generate additional revenue and increase your business’ profit.   

How can you make your business more profitable?

To ensure a more profitable business, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Offer additional services and goods, such as framing and accessories

• Have a team of photographers, each that have different specialties

• Offer your services at events

• Consider taking family photos as one of the services you offer

• Host photography webinars and community classes

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a wedding photography business?

If you are considering opening your own wedding photography business, clearly define your professional goals and vision, both for the company and as an individual. Do you prefer to hire a staff of photographers or will you be out in the field, capturing those perfect moments? How active of a role do you plan to take in the day-to-day tasks?

Most of the events you shoot will take place on the weekends, leaving you the weekdays to attend meetings and handle office duties. While each day will vary, they will include the following tasks:

• Meeting with potential clients to discuss their needs, the services you offer, and pricing. Once hired, you will often have at least one more meeting, where you will further discuss their vision for the wedding and additional photo shoots.

• If you are not familiar with the wedding site, visit the establishment to get a feel for lighting and identify ideal areas for shots.

• Prep for photo shoots

• Travel to each location

• Edit photos

• Meet with your client to share their photos and identify which ones they would like to order

• Send images off for printing and wedding book creation

• Routine maintenance on photography equipment

• Educate yourself on the latest photography trends

• Attend networking events in the community

• Develop and maintain your marketing strategy

• Delegate responsibilities to your admin and team of photographers

For some artists, it’s difficult to maintain a balance between their creative tasks and administrative duties. If this balance is something you struggle with, consider employing someone to take on the responsibilities that disengage you.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful wedding photography business?

The ability to capture great images is critical to the survival of your company. Individuals planning on entering this field are encouraged to spend at least a year working as an assistant wedding photographer. Working under various photographers with different styles and specialties would also enhance your skill set. This experience will help you: define your style as a photographer, build your confidence, assemble a portfolio, and develop a personal style when it comes to communicating with your clients. To further advance your skills, the Weddings and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) hosts several annual conferences across the world.

Between networking, meetings, and photo shoots, a majority of your time will be spent with people. Therefore, strong interpersonal and communication skills are also important.

The service you are providing is an art. Artists are in a continuous state of improvement, ready and willing to learn the latest technique or accept constructive criticism. This should stand true for every aspect of your business. If photo editing is not your strong suit, consider taking a seminar and spending time working with the various software systems. Watch online tutorials and subscribe to photography magazines and online blogs.  

As mentioned, some artists struggle with maintaining a balance between their art and the business aspect of their company. If you do not possess strong business acumen, consider taking a course at your local college or hiring someone to manage those duties. When friends and family come to you asking for a discount, remind yourself this is a business and you are here to make a living.

What is the growth potential for a wedding photography business?

This industry realized a higher rate of growth than most, over the last five years. Forecasts up to the year 2021 indicate an expected annual growth rate of 3%. These patterns express the maturity of the industry and ability to grow, with high market demand, regardless of the health of the economy.

Your business’ growth will, ultimately, be defined by the effort you put into building it, as well as the demand in your area. Before opening your business, research the photographers in your area. What are their specialties? How does your style stand out from the competition? If you have a team of photographers, what makes their style unique?  

What are some insider tips for jump starting a wedding photography business?

Professional wedding photographers offer the following advice:

• Always have backups of your cameras and flashes, at the very least.

• To have consistently great pictures and minimize editing time, get into the habit of shooting in manual mode.

• Remember that this is a business that requires you to wear many hats.

• Keep in mind that, in most places, the wedding photography business is seasonal. Get creative with different ways you can offer the public your services during the off-season.

• Ask your clients a lot of questions. This is how you get a feel for what they are looking for out of their wedding photos.

How and when to build a team

Even if you decide to start your business as a solo photographer, you will need at least one assistant. Many photographers hire an apprentice or intern, who works at a reduced rate (or for free) in exchange for school credit or professional experience. Just make sure each team member is skilled at communicating with clients and that they maintain an air of professionalism that properly represents your business.

Part 2 - Is a Wedding Photography business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Wedding Photography business in 90 days