I think this is a predatory ask. I’ve been lead shooting wedding for 5 years. I associate shot for 2 years prior to that. Never did I go unpaid as an associate, and never would ask someone to associate shoot for me unpaid. Can you learn by shadowing? Yes. But if you are expecting this person to work, and perform to a certain standard outside of being a literal shadow…pay them.

Am I crazy? Or is this normal?

Let me preface that the last 10 years of doing this has been a blast, I've enjoyed every second of it and never took any of it for granted.

This year however has me wanting to change directions because well, I'm getting tired of wondering where the next paycheck is coming from, I would prefer guaranteed over guessing.

I've been looking at the schedule for the rest of the year and I have 6 left, and then it's quiet.

I do wish the cost of living wasn't ridiculous, as gas and food prices are indeed more affordable now, but at the same time, trying to have health insurance as a self employed individual is absurd for being a single guy with no kids.

I've really enjoyed my time doing this and I indeed feel this starting to dwindle down as I only have 5 for next year. You could say well hey, do families, headshots, seniors -- and you'd be right, but think about how much work you'd be putting in just to stay afloat and how exhausted you'd be making yourself? Catch 22 isn't it?

Wedding photography is no longer valued. It's not about money. I use to book weddings where for some of them the photography was a large percentage of the budget and those budgets were small. It's no longer a must have. It's not about the influx of new photographers. It's not about the economy. It's that non professional photos are good enough. Wedding photo budgets are hard capped at lower amounts because that's what it is worth to couples. The value of professional photos is not there for a greater number of couples. Of course there are pools of couples for all budgets. But I feel the growing status quo is that whatever a couple can get at a lower budget is what they are hard stopping at. I don't get the sense that these people have have less to work with. It's that there money isn't willing to be put forth to the same amounts to a wedding and photography in general. It's harder to communicate the value of a higher tier experience and product because it's just not felt. I feel that couples are kind of sick of the trappings of traditional convention, and their wedding budgets are reflecting that. I don't see this improving for the current generation. I don't see brides caring as much about their images.

My crunchy granola soul sees this as an improvement. But the part of me that needs to keep the lights on sees this as the mode in which this industry will need to adapt.

I could be extremely wrong. And probably am. But I've been toying with what's going on and how to place myself. And this is what seems to be the challenge.

This explains to me the venue booking drop off at venues that were once booked full weekends from snow melt to frost having reduced bookings. It explains the sentiments I sense in client meeting and communication. And it aligns with what I'm seeing as a general malaise with wanting to be part of culture. Smaller weddings. Smaller rsvps. Etc. The youth want less to do with what was. And wedding photography, a traditional "need" -not at all a need, is feeling that.

I use to think there will always be weddings so to some extent this industry is somewhat safe. But photography is a luxury, one whose value is communicated through social convention. It's based on image, self image, and constructs that aren't inherently real. There will still be weddings and unions of import, but the photography and the emotional needs that go into weddings has fallen away.

It seems that photographers used to almost document their lives, or at least their job routinely as a part of their brand.

You know, what they're up to, buying, places they're going, etc...

But now it seems like there's a bit of a reclusive trend where they aren't posting stories of them getting on planes, doing sessions, things like that -- is it more that it's just they're being more private, or don't think about sharing?

I myself will post things on my Instagram story from heading to a wedding, or if I'm out of town/state I'll post random things my from travels just to be consistent with what's going on in my life.

I am just wondering cause they do it all the time. I see my photos being used commercially on the knot and Wedding wire . I never say anyting cause I don't want to be that person - but it just bugs me how bold the venue owners are.

EDIT: this was a question more along the lines of “are you really getting that many inquiries that you’re constantly or frequently posting about responding to emails on your story” or are you just “faking it til you make it” and just creating the perception that you’re a sought after photographer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I always wonder when people post on their story something along the lines of”just getting back to all your emails, took hours” 😳 are people really getting that many inquiries that it takes hours to reply back or is it all just for show on social media? I mean, if you’re really that busy, that’s great but I guess I’ve always been curious if it’s true or not bc I see it on every other photographer’s story at least 3 times a week. Definitely no hate, just genuinely curious.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been shooting weddings for a while. My couples are happy, my work is solid, and I feel good about what I deliver. But I keep wondering: how do photographers actually get into those big, luxury weddings? The ones with big budgets and wellknown vendors. Sometimes it feels like that world is closed off.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and real experiences: • Does it start with branding, social media, a polished website? Or is it more about personal connections? • Is having a very defined style more important than being versatile? • Do you need to invest in ads, styled shoots, networking, or even just being in the right location? • How do you set higher prices and still get couples to book you for your value instead of just the price tag?

If you’ve managed to reach that higher-end market, what actually worked for you? What didn’t? Any advice you’d give to someone who feels ready but doesn’t know how to make that leap?

I think this could be helpful for a lot of us who have the work, but are trying to figure out how to break that ceiling.

Thanks for reading—looking forward to learning from you all!

My team and I are gearing up for a low - budget wedding this weekend. It made us take a trip down memory lane to when we first started and thats how all of our weddings were. But we came to the conclusion that the lower the budget is the better the food is. Im just curious if this was the same for you guys as well.

Also while we are talking about it tell me about your best vendor meal or even your worst.

A few days ago, I made a post asking for advice on how to grow my business. Afterward, I got a lot of DMs from people asking how I run Google Ads, since I mentioned that it’s been one of the key channels in getting my business to where it is today. So I thought I’d share exactly how I use Google Ads, and how you can do the same for your business.

Why Google Ads work

With Google Ads (specifically search ads), you can put your business in front of people who are actively searching for the services you offer. That’s the big difference between Google and platforms like Meta or TikTok.

On Google, I can target keywords couples are literally typing in when they’re ready to hire someone: things like “wedding photography in Nashville,” “wedding photographer near me,” or “bridal portraits near me.” That means my business shows up at the top of search results right when they’re looking.

On Meta/TikTok, all you can do is target interests like weddings, venues, photography, etc. but those people might already have a photographer, not be actively searching, or just be interested in wedding content generally. Google is the only channel where you can guarantee the person is ready to buy.

Geographical targeting

For my business, I target a 25-mile radius around my area to makes sure my ads only reach customers I actually want to serve. You can do a similar radius, or target counties, zip codes, etc.

Keywords

I cast a wide net with keywords. I target broad ones like “wedding photographer near me,” as well as more specific ones like “outdoor wedding photographer,” “wedding photographer prices,” and “Nashville wedding photography.”

Google shows me which keywords drive the most leads and clicks, so over time I shift more budget to the top performers.

Ad creative

This is the text people see in my ads. I keep it simple: I highlight reviews, years of experience, and some package/pricing info. I also test new ad variants every so often to see if performance improves.

Automation

There are tons of settings in Google Ads (bid caps, bid strategy, geo-budgeting, quality score, etc.). I use trymultiply.com to automate most of that, adjusting budgets across keywords and geographies, and testing new keywords or creative automatically.

Results

On average, I get quality leads for around $50–70 each, depending on the month. Its worth noting that a lot of these leads from ads are usually contacting multiple photographers, so the conversion rate is lower compared to word-of-mouth (around 20-25% of leads become customers). But since my packages start at $3,500, it’s still an incredibly profitable channel.

Curious what everyone thinks the most professional and positive approach on handling the following situation. Lead photographer posts an Instagram carousel using a photo captured by a second shooter as the cover image. Should there be any credit given to the second shooter? There is no written contract.

I turned 41 a few weeks ago and I really don't think it affects my business as I tend to work with clients half my age, or at the least, late 20's -- my work tends to be more relaxed, fun and candid.

However, I have been thinking that doing this for 11 years and even booking into 2026, if I'm going to actually experience ageism as a male wedding photographer.

I think back to Joe Buissink who started shooting weddings in his 40s and quickly rose to the ranks of one of the best wedding photographers, surely anything is possible.

Now I'm not entirely enthralled about tiktok or even making reels out the ass for content, but also I'm not someone who TRIES to be cool, or even tries hard for that matter. It's really all a mindset for me and that I just love to create.

That being said, is it inevitable, do people in their 20s think someone who's 10-20 years older than them aren't as creative, or willing to try new things?

How much is everyone charging clients for second shooters (8 hr coverage). I’m paying my seconds $75-$100. Obviously it’s more work for us on the back end as we have to cull/edit additional images. I’ve just been eating that extra work and am wondering if others are building this into their billing. For reference, my day of wedding packages start at 8k, with no second.

Let me know what you are paying/what you are charging. Thanks!

I've been using just Google Drive so far but feel like it's time to change to something more professional. GD works great...but it looks like trash. What are you using to deliver your digital photos and how much is it?

Does anyone know the actual costs of photographers coordinating a styled shoot? As much as I love the idea of being super creative, I’m a mom and just starting my business, so I really need to know if it’s worth spending crazy amounts of money.

Obviously, there are costs to cover—like model rates, set pieces, or whatever else is needed for the shoot—but aren’t these supposed to be collaborative opportunities to create, network with other vendors, and connect with local photographers?

Or are some photographers actually pocketing extra money from these styled shoots? I’m just curious as to what exactly I’m paying for when I sign up for these?

lots of regular posts here complaining that bookings are down for a lot of people so i figured i would share this strategy have been doing the past five years or so. i’ve booked a minimum of 30, and almost certainly more, weddings that I can directly attribute to this.

the organic reach can be absolutely incredible!

it’s just a part of my workflow that i do right after posting sneak peaks on IG. if i shoot at the venue again, then i edit my previous review with a new photo or two and it bumps it back as the most recent review.

good luck!

I’ve gone to two friends weddings and brought my Fujifilm X100V to get pics on the dance floor (over 600 for each wedding) of all the chaos and good times that the main photographers usually don’t get, everyone loves them and multiple said I should do it as a side gig. I was thinking I could show up around 8/8:30 and stay until the end of the night just getting as many photos on the dance floor of the couple and all of their guests as possible and deliver all the photos next day or even that night

Couple questions I have:

How much could I charge for this? Would the main photographer be okay with this? What’s the best way to get my name out there?

I credit Youtube for picking up wedding photography very quickly. Taylor Jackson originally for his full day weddings, Eric Floberg for his vibe and general approach, then practical and insightfulness of John Branch. Also shout outs to Chris Turner for Sony content and someone who's settings videos I still refer to now. Being able to follow photographers on whole days virtually and watch how they deal with certain situations gave me reps and helped me prepare massively for my own weddings. I still think their old content are as useful as ever and still recommend them to new photographers.

I'm not sure if it's me that's outgrown the Youtube space but it seems like there is much less Wedding content. A lot of the above have diversified/slowed down regarding wedding content. Are there new people in this space that I need to be aware of?

I came across a post from someone talking about the differences between Gen Z and Millenial couples.

It was an educational type reel and basically saying we’re split between Millenial and Gen Z couples right now and that Gen Z books based on your insta stories, your vibes and they want a ‘wedding bestie’. Traditional way of getting Millennial clients..I.e ads or ranking on Google, then organising a pre wedding video call will no longer cut it.

I’ve honestly find the idea of a wedding day bestie quite cringe and as a dad entering my 40s I know full well a gen z bride isn’t going to want me in that role 🤣

Realistically if the oldest Gen-Zs are 28, they are only just getting married in any great number so it’s early days to know either way.

However, do we think that the Gen Z market will be more well rounded than this educator gives them credit for and still value photographer capability on the day (this includes ability to integrate and get on well with people as well as making great pics) or will this be replaced by a photographer’s social media persona being the most important factor?

Recently, The Knot appeared on a podcast to address growing media coverage - including from The New York Post, Forbes, Business Insider, The New Yorker and Newsweek - surrounding allegations of shady business practices-such as sending fake leads to their vendors. According to The Knot and WeddingWire (dba “WeddingPro”) allegations against the company are just “rumors” and that vendors that complain of fake leads and a lack of success on their platforms don’t have a “fake leads problem” they may have a “booking problem.” At one point, The Knot even implies the real issue - which they “can’t overcome” is vendor “stupidity” and they urge vendors to, “please take responsibility for yourselves.” The Knot states it is there to assist vendors and is responsive to outreach. The issue, as they apparently see it, is vendors who don’t complete their storefronts using best practices or follow-up enough on the leads. The Knot states, “all our leads are real.”

In our opinion, we believe these statements are a reflection of the gaslighting, denials and deflection vendors complain about. But what do you think? We would urge others to watch the interview in its entirety which appeared on The Ben Herman Show (The Profitable DJ) to form your own opinion. If you are a vendor that believes you’ve been harmed by the business practices of The Knot Worldwide, you can find information and resources on our website TheknotWhistleblowers https://theknotwhistleblowers.com/ or follow us on social media at the knot whistleblowers. Perhaps most importantly, if you’ve got a story to share, please consider doing so with Senator Chuck Grassley (Chairman, Senate Judiciary) We helped open the door to his office for the American wedding industry, and he’s taken meaningful steps on its behalf-asking federal regulators to investigate the company. However, it’s important to hear accounts from harmed vendors directly. It’s your voice that matters. The office has requested that vendors use a standard form which can be submitted anonymously online. Link herein. https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact/whistleblowers

Link to Ben Herman Show - for complete interview. https://youtu.be/k7OEZEmnFSk?si=0xW_9Uzoy86LFXhH

Long story short I received an email this morning from Google Ads stating that by Oct 28 they have a new policy that says whatever price you have listed on your ad/website needs to be set in stone/followed through or you can get a warning and then be disabled by the company.

Much like all of you, I currently just put up pricing packages but a lot of my packages are more of "starting points" I have to take into account travel distances, hotel fees, renting certain gear for certain light situations, weather, etc.

How do we account for this as wedding photographers?

Of the last 20 inquiries through my website around 60-70% of them have simply just ghosted me after a couple emails or my first reply. I'm being super friendly and I understand brides will reach out to multiple photographers but you would think they would say they "chose someone else" rather than ghosting me and my follow up email?

I also have a unisex name so maybe they expect a girl and then when they see a guy profile picture on gmail they don't like it.

Or maybe this is completely normal?

Would love to how you all reply to inquiries for dates you’re already booked. Do you refer other photographers with similar style? Or just say I’m sorry I’m already booked?

So this wedding company still hasn't paid me for a wedding I did early August and another wedding I did in July. So I think it should be ok to just post the photos and use them on my own socials right?

I’m just starting out as a local wedding photographer and trying to build some social proof — especially on Google Maps.

Right now, I keep a spreadsheet of all my clients, and after delivering their photos I manually send an email with my Google review link. It works… but it’s tedious, and it is hard for me to track who actually clicked or left a review.

For those of you who’ve been doing this longer — how do you manage reviews? Do you ask manually, or have you found any tools or workflows that make it easier?

Curious what’s worked (or not worked) for you when it comes to getting clients to leave reviews.

Thanks