3 Ways to Build Your Wedding Portfolio When You Aren't A Wedding Photographer Yet
By the time I decided to start a wedding photography business, I had been a family and senior photographer for a while. I knew my equipment, and how to shoot in manual mode, and I had a decent grasp of business. I had been receiving requests for wedding photography for a while, but I didn’t have a wedding portfolio to show prospective wedding couples.
As my photography business has grown, one thing I hear repeatedly from new photographers who are trying to start a wedding photography business is, “How do I build a wedding portfolio when I’m not a wedding photographer yet?” The struggle is real, and I’ve been there. Lucky for you, today I’m sharing some great, actionable steps for how to build a wedding photography portfolio.
Bride and groom embrace in Kansas City at Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. | Photo by Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer Kansas City
But before we get started, it’s a good idea to evaluate where you are as a photographer, and if you are ready to move into wedding photography.
It goes without saying, but there are a few mile markers every photographer should meet before they ever consider photographing their first wedding as lead photographer. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but the odds are good that if you meet these markers, you’re ready for the next step:
You know how to shoot in manual mode, you shoot that way regularly - and properly expose your images in camera.
You know how to shoot using off camera flash, and you are comfortable using at least two additional off camera flashes to expose for situations that are very dimly lit.
You have a legitimate business, with all required licenses, business and liability insurance, you pay taxes and have a separate bank account for your business.
You have begun to receive requests for wedding photography from previous clients, or others who have seen your work.
You are physically capable of being on your feet and working for long periods of time - 8-12 hours.
If you’re there, or will be soon, read on, you wedding photographer-in-the-making, you!
Bride and groom pose at Rose Garden in Loose Park. | Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer in Kansas City
3 Ways to Build Your Wedding Portfolio When You Aren’t A Wedding Photographer Yet
1. Shadow and assist an established wedding photographer.
One of the best ways to build your wedding portfolio is to find an established wedding photographer who you respect, and who respects you, and ask if you can shadow them on some of their wedding days.
When I was starting out, I reached out to an area photographer to try to arrange something along these lines, and the whole thing failed miserably. I didn’t fully understand what I was even asking to do, she didn’t understand what I was asking to do, and I think she may have even felt like I was a competitor...which was not the case at all. But because I didn’t quite understand how to go about it, there was a missed opportunity there.
Bridesmaids see the bride in her gown for the first time. | Photo by Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer in Kansas City
Since growing to become an established wedding photographer in Kansas City, I have never forgotten that encounter and work to mentor and educate new photographers and aspiring wedding photographers on how to grow...without making the same mistakes I did.
Speaking from experience, I can say that having someone shadow me on wedding days adds an additional layer of communication, stress and liability to what is already a high intensity day. This can be quite costly in terms of time, connection with my clients, and more. If you want to shadow a decent wedding photographer, be prepared to tell them what you’ll bring to the table.
Learn from my mistake and be very clear about what you’re hoping to provide the wedding photographer you want to shadow, and what you hope to gain in return. Remember, you are approaching them for their help. Time is money, especially to self-employed service industry professionals. Meeting for coffee may not seem like a big deal to you, but for them it’s time away from the work that pays the bills, time they have to pay for childcare, etc., so it does actually cost them money to spend time to meet with you, answer your questions and listen to your proposal.
Bride and groom embrace on grounds of Stockton Lake wedding venue. | Photo by Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer Kansas City
Rather than barrel into the conversation with questions and asking for advice, clearly and quickly explain what you’re after. Offer to be an unpaid or trade “third shooter,” and assistant for any upcoming weddings. Explain that you would be happy to help arrange the bride and groom, help with veil shots, dresses, details, carry gear, etc. Ask the photographer if they would be willing to let you be a “third shooter” and assistant in exchange for using any images you take in your own wedding portfolio.
Most photographers will not mind this request if the images are not posted on social media, and some will even allow social media posts as long as you specify that the images were taken when third shooting for “XYZ Photography.” You will need to be willing to allow the first shooter access to the RAW images you take so they can use any they want, but this is a great way for you to build your wedding portfolio while watching a current working wedding photographer in action.
Bride poses before ceremony at private estate wedding in southern Missouri. | Photo by Merry Ohler, Wedding Photographer in Kansas City
2. Set up a “styled shoot.”
A great way to build your wedding photography portfolio is to set up a styled wedding shoot.
A styled wedding shoot is exactly what it sounds like. You will photograph a couple who are modeling for a wedding session or shoot. There are many wedding planners who coordinate these and sell a “ticket” to participate to any photographers who are interested. The benefit in participating in one of these is that the planner will coordinate and schedule everything, including location, attire, hair and makeup, florals, cake and decor, and more. The downside is that you do have to pay to participate.
An alternative option is to ask a photogenic couple you know if they’d be willing to model for you. You can choose and provide their attire, and hire hair and makeup, or ask them to do their own. If you go this route, aim for more of an elopement vibe, and you’ll be very happy. Be sure to take into consideration timing, weather, lighting, location, hair and makeup touch ups, florals and more.
3. Ask friends and family for help.
You can always tell your friends and family you want to begin shooting weddings, and tell them you are offering steep discounts for your first three to five weddings to help you build your portfolio.
Ask them to send anyone they know who is on a tight budget your way, and create a special introductory portfolio-building package for those first few weddings. Be sure to have a very solid contract, and make sure you let your couples know you are just starting out in wedding photography and need to build your portfolio.
Consider pricing these intro packages at a rate high enough to hire a second photographer who has worked weddings before. This will help cover your tail and give your couples peace of mind.
With these three ideas, you’re well on your way to a better, and bigger, portfolio! Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss articles with helpful tips, tricks and guidance on how to build your photography business!
Remember, sharing is caring! Thanks for reading!
I’m a documentary photographer based in Kansas City - I’m glad you’re here! When I’m not behind a camera, I am usually spending time outdoors with our children or creating something. My husband Jamie is the other half of the team here. He is my second shooter for weddings, and he leads marketing, sales and development.
The most important thing about us is that we serve Jesus. We have been completely, radically changed because of His incredible love, mercy and grace, and our prayer is for you to know just how much He loves you, too.
We have four amazing “arrows” - our oldest daughter, Cadence, who dances with Jesus already, and three here with us: Zai, Elle & Ezzy. They keep us walking the line between feeling absolutely humbled that we get to be their parents… and in a state of somewhat painful shock from the sheer number of Legos we find ourselves tripping over on a nightly basis.
In our day to day lives, we serve and love Jesus, and homeschool our children. We also create minimalist art and resources for homeschool and discipling children - you can find those in our Etsy shop, Ever June Co. Sometimes I share about all that here, too. Life is an amazing gift, and we’re so grateful.
Let us know if you can’t find what you’re looking for; it’s our joy to serve you.