Introduction

Wedding photography has become one of the most popular types of photography today. Perhaps it is the emergence of affordable digital cameras that have made entry in this industry much more accessible. Or perhaps many of us were not happy with our current job and always looked at photography as a weekend hobby until you attended a friend’s wedding when it hits you like a lightning bolt — that you want to be a wedding photographer. Whatever the reason is, wedding photography is extremely popular. Many of you are diving into the ocean of photography filled with excitement only to realize right away that you need the right set of skills to swim and survive in this industry.

Five years ago while working as a freelance graphic designer and part-time Starbucks barista, I discovered the joy of photography. I made the decision to drop my designer career and give photography a try. One problem — I had no clue where to start or how to go about this business. Fortunately I have been blessed to be surrounded by a great group of photographers that I got to meet early in my career that have helped me to be where I am today. By attending photo workshops; assisting them as a second shooter; and networking at photo conferences like WPPI, Pictage Partner Conference, PDN, Imaging USA, and others, I began to pick up on the nuggets of wisdom that these other talented photographers shared and immediately applied them to my business.

This book, along with my Digital Wedding Photographer’s Planner, was written with the idea of creating the kind of resource I wished I had when starting out. This book covers wedding photography as I practice it, from the gear I use to the methods for taking portraits, discussing different styles, shooting indoors and outdoors, and covering the ceremony and the reception.

Welcome to wedding photography. You are surrounded by a community of people who will help and encourage to you become a better photographer. Use this book as a springboard to help you dive into this profession. Then learn to develop your own style and make your photography and business unique! But, don’t stop there. Continue to explore and discover new ways of doing things. It is perfectly okay to reinvent the wheel. I hope you find being a wedding photographer as rewarding and fulfilling as I have. And most importantly, don’t forget to smile.

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