Why wont anyone give me chance in the photography field?

everyone i call to do wedding photograp with says that they need someone with some experience since they dont have time to show someone what to do when they are shooting a wedding. how am i suppost to get experience then, if they none of them want to hire me?

Weddings are a one-shot deal - and the resulting photographs are momentos often kept for a lifetime (sometimes even after the divorces). Hiring a photographer without any experience is taking the chance that one of the most important events in a couple's lives may be lost to memory because of a problem that an experienced photographer might have recognized (lighting, shadows, poses, etc.) Having a portfolio is the only way to establish credentials - it is proof that a photographer can produce quality shots. It may be that you'll have to do some work for free to establish a portfolio, at weddings of friends or family, as a backup to the principal photographer. Just remember that when the hired photographer creates poses, they are not intended for others to photograph - you'll have to work in the background, with candid shots, or establish a working relationship with the principal photographer.

Experience includes school. If you put together a strong portfolio that shows your skills at shooting events, that will be a step in the right direction.

If nothing else, you can go to all your fiends, relatives and acceptances weddings and shoot reception candid shots ... that is what most assistants to wedding photographers start out shooting in any case.

I suggest starting as an assistant. Also, offer anybody you know a free session so that you can build your portfolio. All they pay for is what they want to order. I've been doing that for 2 years and I have my first wedding in a month. You could also start off at a local studio like JC Penney Portraits or Target Studios doing kids, families, seniors etc.

What kind of camera do you have? A digital point & shoot will not do for a wedding. You need a dslr and a back up camera, a medium telephoto zoom lens, a wide angle lens, back ups for theses also. Off camera strobe and a flash bracket. Memory cards, spare batteries, tripod, backdrops, strobe units or hot lights, posing stool or bench. Also special effects filters or photoshop( can't beat the real filters though!)
That is a minimum investment of about $2000 to get started.
You need a basic knowledge of lighting and how to expose properly in low light situations. Most churches are dark and if not dark the light basically sucks! Also need a basic knowledge of posing.
To gain this do at least 3 weddings for free. Then charge a bargain price.
Read some books or look at some online tutorials.
Recommend:http://www.photo.net
Mastering Digital Wedding Photography by Jame Karney( available at Barnes & Noble- $40.00)
Also this site:http://www.montezucker.com/content.html?...

Hey Live

How do they know if you have experience or not. Keep quiet about it and sell yourself. period. End of story.

If you act like a second rate photographer, than the pics will come out second rate. If you know your music, then their is nothing to worry.

Especially at weddings. As soon as they start drinking, they will feel more at ease and treat you like family. Hold your head high , otherwise, you will never work as a photographer in any field.

Make yourself a small portfolio, not too many pics but just enough to water their mouth. One good trick which always work is the price.
If ou have an idea what others are charging them, cut off the top. Even if you make less, you are on your way.

Don;t be afraid to insist tht you really need the work.

The photographer who did my wedding has an assistant who took, what I assume to be back up photos, with a 'lesser' camera to the main man.
Maybe offer your services free of charge to a photographer in this capacity and get some shots under your belt?

Good Luck

R

Start a website and put some of the pictures that you have taken on it. If people like them they will know that you are a good photographer and they will trust you and know you're legit.

Please view my photography website

http://www.freewebs.com/johnnyphotograph...

Thank You

Johnny

Do a friend for free. Post her photos online and in a gallery (if someone will let you) You have to start out rock bottom prices (you make very little profit) and as your popularity goes up, so does your price.

Good Luck