DOS AND DON’TS OF STARTING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Do...

… Get as much training and experience as you can before you start shooting paid weddings, either through family, friends or local pros who are looking for an extra pair of hands – even as an assistant you’ll learn loads.

… Use social media to link up with existing wedding photographers and groups.

… Consider joining a society or group to help you expand your skills, and network with other wedding photographers.

Don’t...

… Expect to shoot weddings as the main photographer straight away, even if you’re an experienced photographer.

… Shoot any paid wedding without the necessary insurance and liability cover.

… Underestimate how much time each shoot will take, both before and after the wedding day. For every day you spend shooting, you need to factor in at least a day, and probably two, for processing the images, printing and presenting to the client.