Amateur Wedding Photographers

Since I have been surfing the net over the past few years, I have come across many, many photography sites, some excellent and some appalling. The danger is that when a "photographer" with a new website, is simply someone having just taken up the hobby, bought an overly expensive camera and maybe stumbled across a good photo or two! Then they learn how to do one or two tricks with an editing program like Photoshop and "hey presto" they are a professional photographer.

I don't want to put anyone off this fantastic hobby, but it is important to establish the credibility of the person giving the advice, ESPECIALLY when it comes to wedding photography.

I have read advice from people on the net that really wouldn't pass muster as a wedding photographer, as not once did I see the words professional or professionalism. Anyone can click away with a digital camera at a wedding, but to do it right, in order, with all the required photographs being taken efficiently and professionally takes experience.

My first piece of advice would be to advertise and put yourself out there as an inexperienced photographer looking to learn and take up wedding photography, that needs practice.

Approach a professional wedding photographer and ask if you can tag along at a wedding firstly WITHOUT your camera, and assist him (for nothing, although he may throw you a few £´s at the end). The next time ask if you can take a few reportage or candid shots as long as under no circumstances do you get in the way of the photographer OR the proceedings!

Read the full wedding photographer article by Nick Stubbs.