So here is the deal, I consider myself as an intermediate photographer. I'm a graphic designer and learnt photography in college (2 courses of ph). Since then (2007) I got a Nikon D40 which I still own. For bad financial decisions I just haven't been able since then to upgrade my camera. I know it's not about "cameras" but "photographers" what matters and i try repeating that to myself everytime i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots and as my primary business is baby photography is not very easy to keep on manual focusing. Also I shot my bro's wedding and it gave me lots of troubles in poor light conditions (horrible noise at high iso, and other troubles even with a 50mm f1.8 lens)
SO, the thing is I've been trying to get into the business of wedding photography, i feel i can do it but i just can't seem to get any customers! many people ask me prices, my ranges are between $250-700 which i think is ok for my market (i already did some research of similar photographers' prices).
However, what i was wondering is that everybody started somewhere. I started by calling out "casting" baby models on my fb fanpage and that is how i started with children photography and people know me for that.the thing is i like weddings also and i think they can give me better profits than children ph. I wonder how other wedding photographers started out… i mean it's like a vicious circle: no one hires you because you don't have enough portfolio on weddings, you don't have a big protfolio because no one hires you! So, how did others started? I would really appreciate helpful answers specially from actual wedding photographers… did you do one or 2 for free to start a good portfolio? I have so many ideas and things, but i think my social circle is not so good, i don't have many contacts.i've seen others in my city doing that some are good, some aren't, but even them get customers… because they have a wide portfolio to show!
I need to know if it is a good marketing strategy to do some contest on my fb fanpage to get a wedding photoshoot or if it is not.or how on earth to start, to get some nice couple to trust me and let me do their wedding? I'm trying my best, but everyday i notice photography is an expensive profession, you need gear, you need lots of props, stages, backgrounds… i have bought some through the years but i feel it is not enough… anyway, sorry for adding to much to it.i think i'm going through some dissapointment moment… hope you guys can help with some advices.you can check out my webpage at www.moma-studio.com
thanks
Added (1). Thanks for the answers but what i need to know is in fact how some wedding photographers started.did they shoot 1 or 2 weddings for free first? i'm not a total newbie on this, what i need is to get more for my portfolio.please guys check these pictures i've taken and judge.are they just ok or they are in the road to make me become a pro on this? thanks.http://www.momastudiofotografia.com/#!bodas-y-eventos/c117c
См. статью: Where and how to start as a wedding photographer?