Thanks for your message. Hope the wedding went well…let me know. Really like your Facebook page, bold images full of energy.

Check this article out for some ideas on how to get noticed http://photographygems.com/photography-marketing/ and this one on the basics of setting up a business http://photographygems.com/how-to-become-a-wedding-photographer-21-steps-to-professional-status/. It’s focus is weddings, but most of the principles apply across the board.

There’s some stuff about setting up a website included too. I’m finishing my wedding photography business ebook at the moment, but as soon as I can after that, I’m going to put some info together reviewing the best website template services some of which are very very cheap and look great.

All the best, Stefan

I know you’ve heard it time and time again, but I just had to say that all of your tips are fantastic and greatly appreciated! I’m an amateur photographer; eager to get my own photography business booming. One of my incredibly close friend’s mum is getting married and she asked if I would be interested in the ‘gig’. Of course, I was ecstatic and said I would do it. It’s tomorrow, an outside wedding, the day is supposed to be sunny and in the 70′s. I’m terribly nervous, which hasn’t really happened before. Possibly because this is the first BIG event I’ve been ‘hired’ to shoot for. The most I’ve done are individual photoshoots and senior pictures for high school students. They’ve all given positive feedback, and I can’t wait to get a business going. I was wondering though, how exactly can I get one started? I am currently working on a webpage, however it’s on a site called wix.com, and I haven’t paid to have my own domain name. Simply because I’m not that advanced yet. I have a page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDR-Photography/119038271485859) where you can view just a bit of my work. Nothing too fancy up just yet. If you could, get a hold of me at some point and let me know a few suggestions you have to get myself out there, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank You so much for all your wonderful tips!

Maria, I always have my tripod with me, but I use it once in a blue moon these days. I might want to get a shot of the outside of the venue with a large depth of field/small aperture/high f-stop. I’d need a tripod for that to avoid camera shake, or if I wanted a slow shutter speed to blur moving water in a fountain, some effect like that.

Most of the time there’s a lot of movement in my people shots so I need a relatively high shutter speed which negates the need for the tripod. If I want a still shot of the couple in very low light say, I normally go for a very high ISO so the shutter speed doesn’t slow down too much rather than use a tripod. It’s just my preference, but I find it quicker and easier and more spontaneous for me but for the subject too.

Good luck in September – let me know how it goes. Cheers, Stefan

I think this is the most complete and helpfull site that I’ve visited. Thank you very much for all your great explanations. I’m going to have my first official wedding in September and I’m trying to be ready and set up everything from now. I am a bit nervous about it but with all your tips I think I’ll be fine.
I had a question regarding some photo shots. Do you ever use a tripod during an event like this?

Once again, THANK YOU.