wedding photography - advice needed

[mackenzie]

Hi,

I don't know if I am posting in the right place so apologies if I have done this wrong. I'll ask my question here and maybe someone can direct me if I have done this wrong.

I studied photography some years ago and have always taken photos for friends and family...now that my children are both at school I feel I have the time now to start to set up a business as a wedding/portrait photographer and am in a bit of a catch 22 situation. I haven't been hired by anyone yet for a wedding so can't display any photos of weddings in a website. Luckily, I can show portraits as I have many of them I have taken over the past years, but having been a bride myself I know many would be reluctant to hire someone who doesn't have any wedding photos to show - however good any other pictures might be.

I have attended weddings as a guest and have taken photos, and although I wasn't the hired photographer I am wondering if there are any restrictions to my using these photos to help start my business? I know I could get consent from the bride and groom as the photos are taken at weddings of close family and friends - but as I wasn't actually the hired photographer for the day I have a feeling it would not be honest to use them as a portfolio. The photos I have are taken by me, on my camera, and edited by me so as far as customers are concerned they are seeing my work....but am I technically stepping on the hired photographers toes?

Thank you for reading - I would be grateful for any advice

 

[Richard King]

Hi,

I don't know if I am posting in the right place so apologies if I have done this wrong. I'll ask my question here and maybe someone can direct me if I have done this wrong.

I studied photography some years ago and have always taken photos for friends and family...now that my children are both at school I feel I have the time now to start to set up a business as a wedding/portrait photographer and am in a bit of a catch 22 situation. I haven't been hired by anyone yet for a wedding so can't display any photos of weddings in a website. Luckily, I can show portraits as I have many of them I have taken over the past years, but having been a bride myself I know many would be reluctant to hire someone who doesn't have any wedding photos to show - however good any other pictures might be.

I have attended weddings as a guest and have taken photos, and although I wasn't the hired photographer I am wondering if there are any restrictions to my using these photos to help start my business? I know I could get consent from the bride and groom as the photos are taken at weddings of close family and friends - but as I wasn't actually the hired photographer for the day I have a feeling it would not be honest to use them as a portfolio. The photos I have are taken by me, on my camera, and edited by me so as far as customers are concerned they are seeing my work....but am I technically stepping on the hired photographers toes?

Thank you for reading - I would be grateful for any advice

Second shoot for someone

 

[Bristolian]

Hi mackenzie and welcome to TP

We all had to start somewhere and build up a body of work to show to potential clients. Richard's advice is sound - but finding a photographer willing to have you assist is not the easiest of tasks. They're all frightened that they're training a competitor who will take some of their business away :shake:

The images you already have can (and I would say should) be used as a starting point and provided you are honest with folks and explain the circumstances they were taken under then you're not trying to promote yourself as something you're not.

It would be helpful if you filled out your profile so that we can see what kit you have and where you live in the future, BTW

Hope that helps