As a wedding photographer and business owner, there are various responsibilities on your plate. From the photography aspects to the business tasks, you have plenty of items that keep you busy. And sometimes, it can seem overwhelming to have those multiple roles to fulfill. When you feel this way, it can be helpful to think about what makes you happiest in your career choice. The answer to what the best thing about being a wedding photographer can be anything you love to do – whether it is shooting, meeting clients, or posting on social media, it’s what keeps you motivated in your business.
We reached out to a few industry pros to find out what the best part about being a photographer is for them. Take a look and see if you agree!
Making Someone’s Day
When your couple hires you to shoot their wedding day, they place trust in you that you will capture the special moments throughout the day. It’s one of the most memorable days of their lives and you can accurately tell their story and bring smiles to their faces every time they look at their images. UK wedding photographer, Donal Doherty, mentioned the best part of his role is the impact he leaves after he works with his clients.
“What I love about it is to have my work appreciated by someone. I remember when I did my first wedding, the bride cried tears of happiness when she saw her photos. She was delighted. To be able to do what I love, and what I am passionate about, and then for it to be appreciated, it’s just incredible.” – Donal Doherty
Tip: The key to happy clients after the wedding day is to have a fast turnaround time for your images. Outsource your photo editing needs to a wedding photography post production company and deliver them to your clients while they are still excited and anticipating their images. Not only does this make them happy, it also encourages them to talk about you to their loved ones while they share the photos.
Related: How can you ensure your clients have a positive experience with you?
Traveling to New Locations
Depending on your specialty, you may travel around the country or even the world, and experience new locations with the couples you book. Even if you shoot in one location, personal projects may inspire you to travel elsewhere to practice your skills. Taylor Jackson, the wedding photographer, describes the best part of being a wedding photographer is his ability to travel and shoot in different locations.
“I can do this job anywhere in the world. If you have an entrepreneur mindset and photography is what your tool is, you can do anything that makes you happy within that. I can travel anywhere and photograph a project and build a business.” – Taylor Jackson
Finding Your Passion
As a wedding photographer, you have an opportunity to showcase your personality and unique photography style with clients. And, chances are you chose to be a wedding photographer because it is your passion, and you love to shoot and create imagery your clients will love. Photographer Lauren Mitchell of Lauren Jean Photography shares the best part of her role is the confidence she receives from finding and fulfilling what is her passion.
“When I’m behind the lens, that’s when I really see people. That’s my creativity, my passion, and my freedom. People trust me when I have a camera in my hand. I’m confident and I know what I’m doing.” – Lauren Mitchell
Capturing Memorable Moments
One way your role as a wedding photographer differs from other types of photographers is you have the chance to get to know your couple and capture memorable moments for them. The images you document are ones they will cherish for years to come, and the relationship you build will continue on after the wedding day. Rich Lander of CHARD Photographer, mentions his favorite part of his role is to interact with his couples and deliver memorable images after the wedding day.
“The best part for me is capturing the moment. That’s why I shoot weddings versus shooting architecture. I like working with people. Having a camera in my hand makes me more confident to approach people and develop that connection. I like the human element. I am capturing a moment in time versus trying to set up the shot or wait for the light to be perfect for an architectural shot.” – Rich Lander
Related: Are you capturing these essential images from every shoot?
What do you think? Have you decided what the best part about being a wedding photographer is for you? Your answer may differ from others, and that’s just fine – it’s what makes you unique.
Based on your answer, what is one thing you can do to make an impact on your wedding photography business that will help you grow and do more of what you love? Take a look at our How to Grow your Wedding Photography Business Guide, where we share 50+ pages of actionable items for you to focus on to find success this year!
