If you are the type of photographer that relishes in capturing the boisterous festivities that occur at weddings, not to mention all the behind the scenes drama you may be snapping before the ceremony even begins, then you might want to consider a career as a wedding photographer. It is a growing industry that accounts for a large amount of the revenue that keeps photography studios and individual photographers afloat. Continue reading to learn more about how to become a wedding photographer.

When you look through a camera lens, are you overcome with a sense of familiarity? Does it speak to you from a place of both heartache and laughter, begging you to step forth and express the emotions that have been bottled up inside? Wedding photography is not just about visually commenting on the newlyweds, but also about capturing all those moments throughout the wedding festivities that reveal the gamut of human emotions. If you are interested in tapping into this emotional reservoir, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information on how to become a wedding photographer.

If you love both weddings and photography, then you might be interest in becoming a wedding photographer. There is a generous market in the photography industry for those that enjoy snapping mementos for newlyweds, so why not start marketing your talents today?

• Wedding photographers are usually hired for the duration of a wedding and the festivities surrounding it. This means they do not just arrive for a few hours on the big day only to leave after the reception. Wedding photographers may:

1. Photograph the couple days, weeks or months before the wedding, allowing them to use the images for wedding announcements or even invitations
2. Take photographs during the rehearsal and accompanying dinner
3. Take photographs before the wedding, getting shots of both the bride and groom's parties as they get dressed and prepare for the nuptials. Take candid shots of the guests as they both arrive and leave the wedding. Take photographs of the actual wedding, including the newly married couple's exit.
4. Photograph the reception, including when the bride and groom leave at the end

• Become an expert in the field of photography, learning everything you can. Read books, talk to other photographers and above all else, practice by taking photos! Some things you should focus on include:

1. Developing your own artistic vision
2. Learning composition
3. Becoming familiar with digital photography as well as manual photography
4. Learn all the latest digital techniques, including color management, digital image processing, digital work flow, managing files and learning how to correct and enhance images
5. Subscribe to various wedding magazines and keep a collection of poses and compositions that you find attractive.

• Wedding photography is not only about taking meaningful photos for a couple. It is also a business, and as such, it should be treated like one. You should decide if you want to begin your own wedding photography business or get hired at an established one. You may also opt to be a freelance wedding photographer, in which case you can use the internet to market and promote your skills by creating a website.

• Consider going to photography school, or at the very least, taking some photography related classes. You may also want to:

1. Attend seminars and workshops sponsored by organizations like the Professional Photographers of America
2. Participate in the online community, going to wedding photography forums where people share and discuss new techniques they have learned or tools they are using
3. Work as an understudy for a professional wedding photograher

• Step 1: What Does a Wedding Photographer Do?
• Step 2: Learn About Photography
• Step 3: Education
• Step 4: Find Work
• Conclusion