How to start a wedding/special occasion photography business?

Hi all. I'm 26 from Ohio and I've never been the photographer at a wedding or any kind of special occasion, so how do I start? I know that if I had some kind of portfolio to show to potential clients, it would increase my chances of getting jobs......but since I don't, where do I begin? I've done a little research and I've figured out how much to charge, drawing up contracts and the actual business side of it. I'd like to keep it small, maybe get my phone number in the Yellow Pages, post a few fliers, things like that, but where do I go from there and what else can I do? After I've done a few weddings, I'd like to start a website that showcases my work, maybe get some new business out of that.

Thanks for ANY suggestions!

Pix: I'm not new at photography, just new at weddings. I'm very "well-acquainted" with my camera and it's capabilities. I understand the concept of composition, lighting, equipment and photo editing. This would not be my first time taking a picture. My question was more in regards to how to get my first client and so on........

But thanks for the advice anyways.

Learn how to use an adjustable camera ... school would be a good start.

Then work with a wedding photographer and learn how to shoot weddings and special occasions as well as the business of photography.

After few years you may be ready to start your own business, but before you invest too much time and money into it, take your ideas into your local SCORE office and have them look at your business and marketing plan as well as your P/L spreadsheet.

First check out some photography videos. I just got Gino Lucadamo's (storybyphoto.com) set. If you go to his blog, there's a link to get a discount on the set. He's really great and volume 3 is a session he had with other photographers. He goes into depth about lighting and flash also. He also talks a lot about marketing yourself and how to shop for your clients. Other than that, you'll need equipment (two Canon 20Ds, a few Canon Speedlite flashes, some reflectors and other screens to adjust for various lighting, and other essential equipment. You can check out small business loans if you don't currently have enough capital to begin. I would recommend sitting down with a financial planner and go over your idea with him/her. Other than that, be sure to have a good business plan. Know what you will provide and what you won't provide. Be able to say no, because you will have clients that ask for some pretty bizarre and unreasonable things. Get a list of photographers for referrals, in the case you're booked or for whatever reason you can't do photography. That's all I can think of right away.

Best of luck!

Set up the structure of the business first.

Use this basic checklist to make sure all the important steps are taken before you launch your new venture. This business checklist will make sure that you cross all your t's and dot all your i's before your business launch.

Steps to Starting a Business -
http://www.developer-resource.com/starti...

Other sites you might find helpful are:
SBA - http://www.sba.gov/
SCORE - http://www.score.org
Small Business Resource - http://www.small-business-software.net
Business Link - http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/act...

Goodluck!

You need a LOT of experience before jumping into business... especially wedding/special occasion photography. You need to learn how to shoot in any kind of light. How to compose a shot, adjust your camera, have a camera capable of producing quality images, learn how to use that camera, learn to edit your images.

A wedding is a one shot deal. If you don't get it right the first time, the opportuntiy is GONE... People are VERY particular about their wedding images. You're ready to charge for your services before you've even developed the skills of your services. ??? LEARN about lighting, equipment, Photoshop, presentation... develop your skills... AFTER you've learned a good deal, look for a photographer that may be willing to let you apprentice for him/her. You can learn a LOT from an experienced photographer! It takes a LOT of skill, not just business sense...

Check out Betterphoto.com to start. You can learn so much from the forums, blogs, clubs, and especially the CLASSES!! Polish your craft before trying to pass it off as professional. I've seen SO many sites that it is obvious it is someone with a new DSLR that just thought "this is easy, I'm as good as the pros..." and they clearly are NOT... You don't want to get on the short end of a legal battle for fraudulently presenting yourself as a seasoned professional... delivering less than acceptable work... Could get ugly...