I was contacted by a Hennepin Technical College student about my wedding photography business...and I always say I'm willing to answer any questions my readers have so, I'm putting the rubber to the road! I'm blogging my answers...just incase this interests you too!
How and why did you get into wedding photography?
I was talked into it. no joke. I good friend of mine had seen my pictures and asked me 7 times to capture her wedding...I caved and a career was born!
How long have you been shooting weddings?
I started in 2003...yes, i shot film first!
How many weddings a year do you shoot?
10-15 weddings every year, approx 25 portrait sessions and teach 2-3 Photography Workshops yearly. Being a mom of three under the age of 6 it's the perfect amount.
What equipment do you use?
All Canon:
cameras: Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 5D
lenses: Canon 16-35mm (2.8), 50mm (1.2), 28-70mm (2.8), 70-200mm (2.8)
What is your favorite equipment to use?
Whatever the newest lens is. New toys are so much fun!
Do you use an assistant? Do you use a second shooter?
Yes, I bring a second shooter to weddings. They assist and shoot all day. We shoot different angles and use different lenses so your always having your story told in two different ways...putting those images side by side is amazing!
What is your style?
I'm a story teller that loves the details and people!
What are your opinions of the industry?
I love this industry...pretty much think I have the best job ever.
How is it dealing with competition?
It's good. Competition helps every photographer stay their best plus, there's always people getting married!
What is your price list? Packages?
My packages start at $2900. Click here to see the packages breakdown.
Average sales per wedding?
$4000-$6000 (Including package, prints/canvas/albums sales and additions to packages)
Pricing philosophy?
Stay at the price you are until you are overwhelmed with work then raise your prices so you get paid more but work less.
Ala Cart?
The features I feel are important to your wedding photography are included in my basic package but, to keep things simple I offer prints, canvas and albums ala cart.
What do you include in your service? Pre consultation?..etc.
YES! Sometimes over the phone but mostly I meet with brides in person.
What is your workflow?
Shoot, download into Lightroom, rate each image 1-3, edit all images rated 3, pick top 100-ish for art files, upload to Pictage.com, burn DVD and send to client.
Do you use Lightroom? Use presets?
Yes, I use presets as a starting position and run with creativity after that!
Do you have any good resources that you love and care to share?
I use Huey Pro to read the amount of light and adjust my screen so that I edit correctly.
Favorite vendors?
Who do you admire as a photographer?
Mike Colon - I'd admire as a person and a photographer.
Alex Albojer - My brother...and amazing photographer.
Sara France - Amazing at capturing moments.
hope this is helpful Brittany...you'd better get an "A" on this assignment!