/r/WeddingPhotography

Photograph via snooOG

This is the home of the wedding photographer community on Reddit and the place for wedding photographers, second photographers, assistants, and those aspiring to be wedding photographers. This is a discussion based community and the place to share experiences, business insight, creative ideas about our work, and more.

Welcome to /r/WeddingPhotography!

Home of the Reddit wedding photographer community.

Rules:

  • No blatant self promotion posts

  • No posting of wedding/engagement portfolio images/shoots as stand alone threads (use official weekly sharing threads)

  • Respect the anonymity of others

  • Personal attacks will not be tolerated. We are here to learn from each other and give constructive criticism when requested.

  • Be positive, be constructive

  • No requests/trading of copyrighted content such as workshops/presets

Official Discord Live Chat

User Flair

How to add site/social link to your user name

  • Only to be used to link/share photographic portfolio work, not other businesses or non-work content

Bride and Groom Resources

Photographer Website Board

Photographer Instagram Board

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Contests

Wall of Fame

Photographer Resources

AMAs: Past

/r/WeddingPhotography

57,960 Subscribers

0

New to content creation need critique

Hi everyone ! I just started content creating for weddings and I’ve always had an eye for abstract shots but weddings seem so clean cut to me and I almost feel like I’m a failure because I like trippy art. I don’t think my transitions on reels or tik tok are good and very boring. Even if I use things like CapCut I still feel like when I see others content mine is so off not bad but off. Not sure if I should just quit or pick a different type of events to shoot or just figure out a style. I need help

I wish I could post more of the reels but Reddit only allows one attachment.

Idk just not feeling fulfilled or happy with the work….. it’s even harder for me to get just the venue with nothing going on… just looks so bland and not as good as others I see . I’m much better at getting the actual event over the quick small details .

2 Comments
2024/10/30
05:18 UTC

1

New studio

Hi fellow photographers,

So I’m seeking some advice and outside opinions please. So recently I got a studio space and I want to do photos of family’s for the holiday season. I have a 10x20 coco brown seamless paper background and I’m looking for other options and prop ideas for family’s, solo shots, and groups of people for a holiday theme for inexpensive but cute.

Thanks in advance.

0 Comments
2024/10/30
03:47 UTC

3

ShootProof requiring checkbox for privacy and terms of service??

Any ShootProof users, go preview one of your galleries: if you require visitors to enter an email, there's now a checkbox forcing them to agree to terms and privacy policy. I see no way to click it off in settings. Logging out and just using the share link doesn't change it.

I'm just about done with ShootProof. The interface has always been clunky/annoying, and support is already contending with some major glitch from today with watermarks and uploading. There's always something.

I really hope ShootProof isn't adding this checkbox to be able to harvest visitor email addresses for their own use. This is ridiculous.

3 Comments
2024/10/30
02:50 UTC

3

Best Harness for Women (2-3 body system)

Wondering if anyone has recommendations for a harness for a full day of photography with 2 dslr's and a film camera? I've found so many on amazon, etsy, BH everywhereee. Would love some personal experiences.

11 Comments
2024/10/29
19:54 UTC

0

Using AI to cull photos?

Currently working on a wedding I did and I am currently selecting all of the good photos. This is my second time using software to make my selects. Does anyone actually feel like it speeds up their work flow? I still end up looking through all of the pictures anyway and often choose photos that the AI deems no good

22 Comments
2024/10/29
19:41 UTC

1

Business card, digital vs traditional?

I was thinking of getting business cards for my photography business. Has anyone tried those digital cards like “DOT” or are traditional paper cards still better?

5 Comments
2024/10/29
19:32 UTC

17

DELETED CLIENT’S FILES AFTER A YEAR

p.s: not fluent in english

Shot a wedding almost a year ago. Delivered the files on time via google drive link. We are Filipinos and our Clients are from other country I could not remember. Since day 1, there’s a bit of a communication issue since we had to talk to a midman who was also Filipino.

No issues there. Fast forward to 2 months ago, my dad who was the videographer at their wedding deleted all of their files without me knowing claiming it has been a year since we sent the files. Turns out the client was not able to download any of the photos at all.

In our contract, it did not specify that the link provided can be accessed forever. But it also did not specify that the link is for a limited time only. That was our honest mistake since we were new to the industry at that time and did not include that disclosure to the contract.

Now, our client wants to sue us for deleting their photos and claiming that he haven’t had issues like that in other countries (mind you here in the Philippines, I don’t even know a SO who makes a google drive link accessible forever). We never specified that that link is forever. We also asked them if they knew how google drive worked when we had a meeting before the event and they said yes so we assumed they knew that files sent there are not the same with files being sent on a site like pixieset (what photographers from other country use)

I did recover 85% of their photos but the groom’s getting ready photos are gone. I already spent 89$ (a week of my salary) for diskdrill and tried to save everything. Unfortunately I could not. I tried offering them a 20% refund but they won’t accept it and keep telling me I have to find a way to recover the photos and claims it was impossible that the photos are gone since photos do not get deleted that easily. Now they want to sue us.

I haven’t had any decent sleep since this happened I genuinely don’t know what to do. I have bad anxiety and want everything to be over with.

19 Comments
2024/10/29
18:38 UTC

0

Share your recent work (Official Thread): Show off your recent photos, posts, and your site for fun and fame...

Share and show off your recent work here. Start discussions and talk photography. We all are curious what everyone else is up to and this is the place to show it off.

0 Comments
2024/10/29
15:00 UTC

0

Has Instagram changed the perception of clients

I'm pretty new to the wedding photography. I do nothing fancy on my shootings, just down to earth photography... mostly depending on how much the clients want to invest their time on that day. Now scrolling on Instagram got me wondering if people are expecting pics like those (probably many of them were made for a shooting and not even on an actual wedding) with little to no effort by their side.

What is your experience/response from clients?

5 Comments
2024/10/29
14:37 UTC

16

Would you leave early if people need medical treatment during a wedding?

So basically I was doing a wedding and then a bridesmaid had a medical episode and the ambulance had to be called.

That was a long delay.

Later on during dancing , someone slipped and banged their head on the floor a bit and then people were helping them for a little while (which we did not film).

The bride and groom were then concerned about people and were a bit out of it by then.

Then the whole dance floor had to be cleaned etc, people were really careful on the dance floor etc.

Would you ask if you can leave?

28 Comments
2024/10/29
01:40 UTC

30

Client is asking for their photos after two years but I deleted them already.

A family session client is asking for their photos that I took of them 2 years ago but I don’t have them anymore because I switched gallery viewing platforms and deleted the images from my hard drive because I shoot a lot and need storage. I was notified years ago that they have downloaded the images. What do I tell them? Is this my fault or theirs?

79 Comments
2024/10/29
00:26 UTC

433

Their photographer ghosted, I got called the day before the event. Wow, was it a cluster.

I got a frantic call from a wedding planner asking if I could shoot a wedding the next day because their photographer had ghosted them. She had no idea if the person would even show up. I agreed, saying if he did show up I'd bow out gracefully. He never showed, so it was up to me. I had never met the couple, didn't know the venue, and had only had one call with the wedding planner.

The bride and groom were drunk when they showed up, it was the wedding planner's first gig, the best man showed up in a tank top and shorts, a woman kept trying to get me to try her famous salad she had made for the event, and some dude came up to me and asked if I wanted to see "his mangina." Um...

The bride danced with her cigarette pack in her hand the entire time and had to be supported by the groom. The wedding planner told me that it was ok to leave partway through the reception until I informed her that they hadn't cut the cake yet or thrown the bouquet.

No one (meaning event staff/wedding planner) had matches to light the candles on the tables, so I pulled a lighter from my emergency pack. The bride burst a button in a strategic place, so I sewed it back on.

In the end, the wedding planner gave me an extra $500 on top of my fee.

Glad that one is in the books. Whew.

98 Comments
2024/10/28
21:11 UTC

23

Wedding Photography is hard if you don't have a lot of friends and good social network

Has anyone else had a hard time trying to get into wedding photography because they don't have a hundred friends and know lots of people in their community when they're starting out? Common advice I see given a lot for trying to build a portfolio and book their first few weddings is always to "reach out to friends and family" but what if that's not a suitable option for you? I don't have hardly any friends (that's another story) and everyone in my family is already married and I only see them a couple times a year. My mom has tried her best to connect me with her friends who have sons or daughters getting married but it seems like it always falls through or they aren't interested. I just tend to notice that the "photographer girlie" types who start doing this in college have a ton of friends to network with that basically come as built in leads and because they have those pre-existing relationships, it's more special to have that person photograph their wedding. But what about a lonely dude in his 30s trying to build a business totally on their own lol, it just seems like there isn't nearly the same market access that others have.

Does anyone else relate to this experience or have any suggestions?

61 Comments
2024/10/28
19:52 UTC

1

Need lightroom help

This is my spare computer I use to edit for a wedding company I edit for. Without uninstalling and reinstalling, is there a fix to turn these back on? Somehow my profiles and auto (not that I use that) are grayed out. I have googled and looked through the settings and I can't seem to figure it out. I would really like to be able to use my profiles. And use the camera matching profiles, not adobe, which is my only option right now.

https://preview.redd.it/ce9xtlwsnjxd1.png?width=341&format=png&auto=webp&s=4951a728e9f4b4573a7ba1776c0faa9fdd404633

4 Comments
2024/10/28
18:55 UTC

3

Outsourcing editing

My husband and I are unexpectedly buying our first house mid crazy editing season and I have come to the conclusion I need help finishing my remaining fall wedding galleries - both so they're delivered on time and so I don't lose my sanity.

(For the record: we've been watchful waiting + saving for years but stumbled into a private sale opportunity we can't pass up despite the timing. I had a whole editing calendar that I was mostly on time with, but the next 2 months are going to change literally everything.)

I have searched online and asked a few local acquaintances via Instagram with little help so far, and I've tried to request access to the Facebook group "the outsourcing resource for photographers" but have not been added to the group yet. Any suggestions or leads on where to start, especially this time of year as I'm sure editors are super busy? Pricing is not a huge issue if it's the right fit. Tysm!

11 Comments
2024/10/28
16:30 UTC

1

If you created a guide/e-book, did you actually sell it?

You see all the time these generic ads or videos online about how easy it is to create an ebook with canva and then sell it for a million dollars a day. Nothing ever works like that. I have over 20 years of experience as a photographer and I'd love to put some of that knowledge to good use, but I know the market for these online guides for other new photographers is probably already saturated. Has anyone actually made money creating and selling a photography guide?

6 Comments
2024/10/28
15:33 UTC

1

Unique situation contract question…

I have a last minute wedding booking for December. Couple booked at a venue that recently informed them they booked another major event on their wedding date and couple is forced to move date. Shitty situation but that’s all the info I got relayed from the wedding planner.

So here’s my question…the venue has agreed to pay the entire cost of their wedding photography with me, as their original wedding photographer is not available on their new date. I’m confused as to who needs to be signing the contract, do they each need a contract? Just confused since the venue is footing the bill.

7 Comments
2024/10/28
14:23 UTC

1

Suggestions

I have a Nikon D5300 and have a couple of night time engagement shoots lined up this quarter and was thinking to get some suggestions on what lenses would be good to have in the bag.

3 Comments
2024/10/28
14:09 UTC

17

How would you handle this ask?

Hi friends. I'm a younger photographer (29) but have been doing this for about 5 years now. I've been able to make a nice business for myself (partially due to this client I'm going to share about.)I've been faced with a unique situation/ask from this client that has honestly been super good to me.

I want to provide some background to my client. She is around my age, and is getting married a second time. She hired me for her first wedding, where I took her and her (now ex-husband) engagement photos and wedding photos when I first got started (I didn't even have any work to reference other than sample shots.) She actually was the second person to ever book me. In addition, she's also referred me to three others for weddings and has gotten me hired to take photos at two corporate event in the past. This has led me to a lot of business from new people I met at these events.

She's had gotten divorced and is getting married again, and has hired me to handle her engagement, wedding photos again. The wedding is this upcoming Saturday 11/2. She reached out to me last night, saying she had another photographer lined up for after their party Saturday night to take intimate photos of them. She said the photographer they had booked for this had to cancel due to an emergency situation. She is offering me $2,000 additional for this. She's outlined her asks of what she would expect from this. There will be a super short mini session immediately after the wedding ceremony (she says roughly 10 mins) but the rest being after the party which ends at 10-ish. I did tell her that I don't have a ton of experience with this scope of photography but would reach back out to her after I've decided how I want to move forward. The wedding is happening in a hotel banquet room and their, what I will say "after hours" session would take place in a suite in the hotel. In addition to the compensation, they would pay for my own room so I'm not forced to have to drive back home so late after this is over with.

Again, this girl has been nothing more but kind and respectful. Her new "husband" is also very nice. I do not believe there would be any bad intentions or be placed in a super bad situation. She's helped me significantly grow my business. She has told me that confidentiality is a must and I assured her that it will be.

How would you handle this ask?

82 Comments
2024/10/28
13:15 UTC

2

Official Wedding Photo Critique Thread: Post your photo, blog post, website etc. for feedback and critiques...

Post individual wedding, engagement, proposal, couples photos or photo sets or websites for feedback.

It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned pro, a second shooter, or if you are posting your first wedding photographs as a lead photographer. Don't be shy... constructive feedback is a great way for us all to learn and get improve. Be nice... Be constructive!

Please be constructive. Unconstructive, hateful, or disparaging comments will be removed.

Submission Guidelines:

In order to ensure informative discussions and worthwhile critiques while being mindful of the personal time of reviewers we have instituted the following guidelines.

  • Single Images: Please post single images if you would like a quality and in depth critique of technical execution, lighting, composition, posing, perspective, post processing, etc. If you would like to post more than one individual photo, please do so as separate comments.
  • Blog Posts/Image Sets: Please post full blog posts or image sets if you would like feedback on your storytelling, cohesiveness of post processing, or other general feedback across the set. Even in this instance it is not advisable to post a link to hundreds of images or a full wedding set.
  • Websites: Please post links to your full website only if you are looking for feedback on your site design, architecture, layout, or other use of images within the site. Do not expect quality critiques of all of your photographs just by posting a link to your website.

This critique thread is intended to help provide access to thoughtful and thorough portfolio review. For that reason, it is best to remain focused which can be achieved by following these guidelines. These are merely guidelines, but if they are followed you will receive a greater response and much more useful and comprehensive feedback.

2 Comments
2024/10/28
13:00 UTC

1

Looking for mentorship (London, England)

Hello guys, I hope you are all doing well. I have been following this sub for a while as I am interested in photography and creative arts of all kinds. Lately a few things changed in my life that I won't get into at the moment but to summarise, I would like to get into wedding photography properly, so far I have only photographed 3 weddings and 1 as a videographer. Every time the clients were pleased with my work.

I am 32 (M), I live in London and would love to second shoot for anybody, even for free. I have my own camera (Sony A7 3 with a prime 85mm and Tamron 28-75mm). I can travel if necessary and would love to connect with people around London to learn from and help them when needed in exchange for knowledge and mentorship. Thank you so much,

3 Comments
2024/10/28
10:29 UTC

2

Advice for Shooting First Wedding?

I'm a hobby photographer, emphasis on the hobby part. A good buddy of mine is getting married on the cheap and asked if I'd take photos during the ceremony.

I've photographed at a few outdoor weddings for friends just for fun, very documentary-style (no poses, etc.). However, this wedding will be indoors and the couple is looking for posed photos. I do have a pretty old off-camera flash (SB900) that I can use. I've asked him and his fiance to send me some sample photos/poses that they like.

Any advice wedding pros have for a newbie like me—recommendations on how to pose people, get the shot without getting in the way, what the must-have shots (first kiss, vows, first look.), etc. etc.

Thanks!

3 Comments
2024/10/28
06:27 UTC

2

Thoughts on Wedding USB?

Hi I'm a Wedding photographer and I've been shooting for the past six years. I am currently rebranding my business to be higher end in the luxury space. What do you guys think about custom USB's? Are they dated? Do they look tacky, do clients appreciate them?

I've never given USBS as part of my package. But I'm really curious to hear what other people do to deliver their photos and your opinion on USBS.

Is there another way to give photos that seem meaningful but perhaps are more current?

Love to hear your thoughts. No shade on Usbs. I'm seriously considering them.

View Poll

22 Comments
2024/10/28
05:48 UTC

30

So…….. how political do you get…..

I’m going to keep this short as I’m pissed. There were recent remarks made today about where my mother is from, it’s a beautiful island and I made a story on Instagram. I can’t tell if I did the right thing or if I overstepped since it is my personal and business page. How would you all have handled this situation?

82 Comments
2024/10/28
02:16 UTC

0

Got my first gig

I got my first photography gig, I’m shooting a concert for an underrated artist. Saw she was coming to my city, emailed the manager and he said sure why not! Now I’m super nervous and keep comparing myself to other photographers that have photographed her show. I hope this goes well.

I’m planning to shoot with my canon rebel t5i with a 50mm f1.8 lens, my favourite lens.

Super nervous would love any tips!

21 Comments
2024/10/28
00:40 UTC

98

I (will) quit, finally!

So after having 100 weddings under my belt I will finally be quitting after next season. I am mentally exhausted and became to hate weddings and wedding photography. I hate obnoxious guests, long hours away from home, long hours editing, fulfilling requests of couples and everything else. For next season I only kept 4 weddings (3 in my hometown and 1 which is of couple with mutial friend ho recommended me), cancelled the rest and that’s it. After that, no more anything. Of course, I am not stupid and I will keep my website up and running for occasional job or two but I will not update it nor post to social media whatsoever. I don't care if anyone thinks I am ungrateful, lazy, not cut-out for the job, bad with business or whatever. I just want to be free of shackles of unhappiness. Rant over.

107 Comments
2024/10/27
16:12 UTC

1

One Sony a7iii or two Nikon D750s?

Hello, I’m looking to get serious with portrait photography and then further down the line hopefully shoot weddings. Currently I use a Nikon D80 but am struggling with low light ability and low image quality so am looking to upgrade. Initially, I loved the idea of having a Sony a7iii due to things like eye auto focus and the EVF however I understand that when shooting professionally it’s expected that you have two bodies, both for backup purposes and ease of lens switching. Admittedly I am still a high school student but my dream is to make it professionally so should I buy the two Nikon bodies for the price of a single Sony a7iii? I’m currently leaning is favour of this option because hopefully it will allow me to be seen more seriously when looking for experience and it will leave a little bit more room in my budget for lenses, flashes, batteries ect. I also prefer the ergonomics of a DSLR and it has everything I was looking to upgrade to and if I was being really honest with myself the other features in newer cameras currently aren’t that necessary for me. Anyway, all advice and insight is welcome and greatly appreciated, thank you!

24 Comments
2024/10/27
16:04 UTC

2

How was your week? (Official Thread): Successes, horror stories, shares, drama, anything!

2 Comments
2024/10/27
13:00 UTC

15

Still no clients. Thinking of quiting the game

Hello everyone!

You got to trust me but i have a great portfolio and my past clients always talk good things about me, but unfortunately I really don't have any clients now. I've also tried paid ads and they didn't work, I don't see any sustainable method as I don't have a large base of previous clients to recommend me. I have tried all the methods of contacting venues, planners and other vendors, but no event has been received. Is there any other method that will work?

40 Comments
2024/10/27
12:33 UTC

26

Is "Heal" getting worse?

Call this a conspiracy theory but it's still an honest observation: is Adobe making the Heal tool worse in Lightroom so that we use AI more? It used to be pretty efficient at finding similar patterns, etc to replace a spot with - not perfect but effective. These days it seems to just pick an area at random with no regard to what you're asking to heal and not even blending the shades so well either. . . Do they need us to use AI for their diabolical schemes!?

26 Comments
2024/10/27
10:13 UTC

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