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For The Photographer: Tips For Getting Into Wedding Photography

So, you're thinking about jumping into weddings, or maybe you've just dipped your toes in. Well, welcome to wedding photography, friend! You're gonna love it. Or maybe not. So that leads me into tip #1.


Tip #1 Second Shoot

The best advice anyone can give as you explore the world of wedding photography, is second shoot. Second shooting can be a role in which you assist the main photographer and help them get the shots they are too busy for, or otherwise follow them as a shadow for experience. This is the perfect way to see firsthand how wedding days work and what goes into capturing every moment. Minus the pressure of being the one responsible for capturing the whole day. You can find second shooting opportunities by joining second shooter groups on Facebook, posting in your local community page or befriending a few local photographers.


Tip #2 Shoot RAW

If you're even thinking of getting into wedding photography, ditch the JPEG and start shooting RAW. The lighting can vary greatly over the course of a wedding day. If you haven't already experienced the pain of an underexposed or overexposed photo being unusable, you most certainly will experience that pain shooting JPEG at a wedding. Even the best of photographers are faced with poor lighting or a mishap of wrong settings on their camera. When you shoot in RAW you are saving so much more info in that picture than you would with JPEG, which makes it easy as pie to fix. Seriously, just make the switch.


Tip #3 Use Flash

Another tip that goes hand in hand with shooting RAW...use flash. I would not photograph a wedding without a flash ready to go. Even in well lit spaces I sometimes use my flash, just for that extra light. If you're nervous or unsure how to go about using flash, there are plenty of great resources and YouTube videos out there. But nothing beats real experience and just trying it out to learn the ropes. I practiced with my flash around the house for a few days just to really get the feel of it. And you will definitely need a flash for weddings. I think I use my flash throughout the entire reception, to be honest.


Tip #4 Pregame

Not the fun kind of pregame, unfortunately. I'm talking water. They say you are only as hydrated as you were the day before. So that means drinking alllll the water the day before shooting a big wedding. Also staying hydrated the day of....and the day after. I kid you not, the day after photographing a wedding I feel like I'm hungover or was hit by a bus. The more water you can drink, the better. Honestly, I even keep up with taking Bayer Back & Body the day of, just because I know I'm going to be sore. Often times when I stop to get gas on the way home, I'm already feeling the sore muscles just getting out of my car. I typically load up my pantry (and my car) with Liquid IV, coconut water, extra bottles of water and...well, a few energy drinks. Don't judge, you need all the energy to keep up! Also, bring some snacks. Most clients should be offering food, but it's good to have some things on hand just in case. Which brings me to my next tip.


Tip #5 Eat

When someone offers you food, don't be shy, TAKE IT. Almost every bride has offered to let me help myself to their breakfast buffet as they're getting ready. And I do. Almost every bride has offered me lunch when the wedding party is eating. And I do. And every couple has told me to help myself to a plate at dinner. And I do. Wedding days can be long, you need to eat any chance you get. Another tip, eat your dinner when the wedding party eats. Once they get up, more than likely you will have to get up and follow them for photos.


A few more honorable mentions:

If you don't already have a contract, get one immediately.

Some venues require proof of business insurance. You can get a full year or daily insurance.

Study the full client experience. See what other photographers are doing as far as communication, gifts, booking, etc.


If you've read this and still want to get into wedding photography, go you! I love weddings, they really are my bread and butter. They aren't for everyone, so I refer back to tip #1....start second shooting. Now, get out there and start shooting!

For The Photographers: The Importance of Community

Something that isn't often discussed, but plays a big role is community. If you're a photographer, new or experienced, you'll benefit from getting involved in a community. Let's dive deeper.


1. Your Local Community


It's generally good to be involved in your local community, but how exactly does it benefit you as a photographer? Well, it gets your name out there, for one. It also shows the people in your area what kind of person you are. Are you present? What kind of personality do you actually have? Do you give back or volunteer? A few summers back I reached out to a local animal shelter and offered my services free of charge. We worked together and cranked out an adorable calendar for a fundraiser. Not only was it fun, but it got my name out there, allowed me to volunteer my time and services for good, and helped me make connections in my community. There was a time I also volunteered as a photographer for Halos. They provide support for families during the loss of a child. That opportunity was by far the most humbling and heartbreaking. But I was incredibly grateful to be able to use my gift in a way that helped others. I'm a firm believer that each person is given a gift or trait and it's up to us to figure out how to use that gift to give glory to God and support the people in our community. I highly recommend you check out Halos by the way, they are a wonderful organization. But, I'm getting slightly off topic. To summarize, getting involved in your community is good for your business, good for your soul and good for the people in your community. Try looking for volunteer opportunities, local events or even your local chamber of commerce.


2. The Online Community


This one requires a little less effort to get involved in. When I say the online community, I mean Facebook groups primarily. I'm a strong advocate for this because I've personally experienced so many benefits of being involved in these groups. Anytime you're looking for advice, support or just general opinion, you can find what you're looking for in these groups. It's up to you which ones to join, there are many. To name a few, these are some that I'm in; Cassidy Lynn Education (She is an awesome photographer and a wonderful educator. Check out her Insta as well as the courses and podcasts she offers), The LawTog, Photography Swap Around The World, and Styled Shoots In Minnesota & Wisconsin. I'd also recommend getting into some of the local mom's groups,city word of mouth pages and some second shooter groups (good for finding work as a second shooter or to hire a second shooter.) Try it out and you'll see the benefits in no time!


3. The Photographer Community, Specifically


Best for last. Get to know some other photographers either online or locally (local is best). If you can form friendships with local 'togs you'll always have someone to discuss business with, hang out with, go on photographer retreats with and even second shoot with. By knowing other photographers in your area you can also compare what you're seeing out there... "Is it just me, or has it been a super slow year for bookings??". Oh yeah, you also have someone to vent with, someone who 100% gets your frustrations on that guy that had his phone out the entire wedding ceremony, or the family member that followed you around with their phone taking pictures behind you all day. Trust me when I say photographer friends are a blessing.


Community is a wonder. If you want to better yourself and better your business, join a community or two.

Where To Tie The Knot In Western Wisconsin

Looking for a dreamy Wisconsin wedding venue but not sure where to start? Here is a list of some of my favorites so far:



#1 Lilydale Dance Hall and Event Venue

This one is by far my favorite this year. The location, the amount of space, the lighting....oh, man! Tucked away in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, this venue is perfect for getting ready to end-of-the-night send off. There is a beautiful, well lit space upstairs for the ladies to get ready, enjoy some mimosas and relax before the ceremony. And on the main level a similar area for the guys to get ready. The amount of picture perfect spots is truly astounding. You and your guests won't be disappointed with this venue.





#2 The Condensery Venue And Event Space

This venue is located right in Osseo, Wisconsin. It offers a beautiful dance hall and bar, space for eating and ceremony too. No need to tear down tables in between dinner and dancing!

This location offers a rustic feel with brick backdrops, beautiful wood floors and accents, as well as some pretty nice bathrooms. Trust me, nice bathrooms make a big difference. *Because who wants to use a port-a-potty in their nice wedding clothes.



#3 Weddings At The Shed

This venue is nestled away in Amery, Wisconsin. It features a beautiful barn and open field, with space to seat 200.



It's perfect if you're looking for rolling hills, open space for the kids to run, and a warm inviting barn for dinner and dancing!




#4 Mystical Rose Gardens

This is a little bit of a stretch, as I haven't shot a wedding here yet. But I do have one here next year and thought it deserved a spot on the list. Hidden away in Baldwin, Wisconsin, this gem is well deserving of a mention on this list! I'm talking gardens, greenhouse...all around beauty! Check them out!


#4 Forevermore Forest

If there was a picture next to "dreamy" in the dictionary, it would be of Forevermore forest. Another dream location of mine. I've yet to photograph a wedding here but it's long since been on my radar. In fact, if I could go back and re-do my wedding, this venue would be at the top of my list. Check them out!


#5 Amery Aleworks

A smaller venue, this location offers a cozy, intimate experience. Complete with a warm bonfire out back. *One of my best friends actually got married here!


If you're still not sure where to get married or elope, you can also check out any of your local churches, golf courses, state parks or county parks. I actually got married at the small Eau Gallery Reservoir in Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Never heard of it? Not surprised. You'd be amazed at how many beautiful spots are hidden right in your very own town!


























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