If you’re getting into photography—or thinking about it—first of all, welcome. It’s a wild, beautiful ride filled with golden-hour shots and memory cards that fail at the worst time.
I’ve been a wedding photographer for years now, but I didn’t start with a fancy brand or a niche. I started like most of us: no knowledge, curious, and with a camera in hand at a university party.
My love for photography started at uni—shooting friends, parties, whatever was happening. Then I moved into portraits. But the turning point came after my own wedding. I realized weddings didn’t have to be cheesy or cliché. They could be beautiful, personal, and emotional. That’s when I fell for wedding photography.
But looking back, there’s a lot I would’ve done differently. So here it is—what I wish someone told me when I started.
1. Stop Obsessing About the Gear
Seriously. You don’t need the “perfect” camera. I wasted so much time worrying about specs and brands. Nowadays, all cameras are good. The best one? The one you’ll actually use.
If I started now, I’d grab something convenient and just shoot. (I’ll write a whole post on beginner-friendly gear soon)
2. Try Everything Before You Niche Down
Yes, niching down is important eventually. But not when you’re just starting out. I see beginners stressing over “what should my style be?” when they haven’t even tried shooting a family, a couple, or a dog at least.
Experiment. Say yes to all sorts of shoots. You’re not marrying your niche. You’ll evolve—and that’s a good thing.
Pick 1–2 Educators and Stick With Them
Here’s a mistake I made: trying to watch every YouTube tutorial, course, and Instagram reel about photography. Spoiler: they all say different things.
Find 1–2 photographers you vibe with. People who teach in a way that clicks. Learn from them. It’ll save you time and reduce all the stress.
4. Forget About Your Logo (For Now)
Don’t get me wrong—branding is important eventually. But your logo, font, or whether your website is “super minimal” or “editorial chic” doesn’t matter when you don’t have a portfolio yet.
Focus on shooting. Learn how to handle light, people, and chaos. That’s your real brand at the beginning.
5. Say Yes to Free Work
Controversial? Maybe. And I am not talking here about dumping the market. But early on, experience is everything. I would do more free or low-paid shoots with real people to learn. But be honest with them upfront—tell them that you are learning, and don’t try to sell something you don’t have yet.
Those early shoots? They teach you how to talk to clients, pose nervous couples, and troubleshoot when it rains.
6. Client Experience is Everything
No one talks about this enough. Yes, your photography skills matter. But in the long run? How you make people feel matters more.
Learn to read people. Make them comfortable. Guide them gently. Handle tricky moments with calm and confidence. Clients will remember how you treated them and how they felt being near you.
Final Thoughts
Starting out feels overwhelming. I know. You’re bombarded with gear reviews, editing tutorials, business advice, and pressure to “find your voice.” But trust me—what matters most is just starting. Shoot. Learn. Repeat.
If I could sum it up:
– Focus on people and learn how to work with them.
– Practice, a lot.
– And remember—it’s not about being the best, yet. It’s about getting better.
