Why I Quit Being a Wedding Photographer | The Experimental Photographer

[@kaylasopinionpost]

Thank you for this. I just did my 6th wedding and I’m realizing I’m not about that life. I usually take portraits of seniors, families and lifestyle moments. I like the ease and predictably of it. I like that I have more control of those situations. Weddings are fast paced, unpredictable and you have so much pressure to get it right cause there ain’t no redoing. My anxiety just won’t let me be great in that situation. I agree, elopements are cool too. I appreciate your real perspective on this.

[@AleciaRenece]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I'm so glad you resonated with this and that you gave yourself permission to no longer do something you don't like. I feel the exact same way about portraits. The more intimate, the BETTER. 💛💛💛 Sending you lots of love! 🤗

[@jefferyapollo1411]

I guess im asking randomly but does anybody know a method to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost the account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.

[@thedrunkweddingphotographer]

As a wedding photographer, I can honestly say I DESPISE the 'how to make six figures in wedding photography,' 'how to land luxury clients in two weeks,' etc, etc. They're cringe AF. Personally, I LOVE to watch videos from other wedding photogs who tell it like it is. Just like this one. Thank you. ^-^ And yes, I too as of this year, have started marketing myself to only photograph small weddings with up to 120 guests, which surprisingly, tend to be on the higher end of the scale. Which is weird because for me, the over the top 12+ hour weddings with 500+ guests are the worst. Low balling clients, want you there the entire day, want a photo OF. EVERY. SINGLE. GUEST. and to top it off, parents are mad AF you don't follow their 'style of photos,' and are almost never happy with the final photos, because they're too modern, even though nowhere did I mention I'm a 'traditional' photog. In contrast, the handful of elopements and small weddings I have photographed in the last year and a half, have been my best clients and yes, have paid my actual asking rate without hesitation or negotiation. Had it not been for my current rebranding, I would have given up all together last year. One tip I tell myself is that weddings are expensive, clients know that and to charge what I want. Nothing triggered me more than to show up to an expensive looking wedding after the client gave me a sob story on how they're on a shoestring budget, Grandma only has a few days to live, etc. etc.

[@wildmano1965]

Yeah... been doing weddings for thirty years. A lot of changes in that time. One thing I have learned: Choose your clients as carefully as they choose you. Also, keep it simple. And, smaller gigs are best. Also, restrict your coverage to eight hours, then charge accordingly for anything over that. That's overtime.

[@Adrew04]

I just found this video and everything you say is so true. I did weddings for years and got so burnt out. I quit doing them and went in the complete opposite direction. And trying to explain to people why is so difficult sometimes. Thank you for posting this!

[@lonniewoodslll7305]

OMG!!!! I feel so seen! This is great content. I started off doing weddings and I totally agree !!

[@AleciaRenece]

Lonnieeeeeee!!!! Hiiiiiii! I didn't even see your comment! And YES!!! I'm SO glad I'm not the only one. It just was NOT for me! =(

[@swanseamale47]

I've done a lot of weddings. They have changed so much over the last 30 years. While I've always enjoyed doing them, over the last few years I'm finding it a lot lens fun now. Might pack it in myself this year.

[@gregcorker2193]

That was an informative and wholistic look at the occupation of wedding photographer. Beautiful, worthy, and perhaps even glorious work that is also a BEAST one must be willing to ride. Thanks for this earnest take on a job that offers much, but may demand more than some would be willing to embrace for long.

[@AleciaRenece]

Thank you so much!!! That's very kind of you! I'm so glad that it all came across well. There are folks who are killing it at wedding photography, but I am just not built for that right now 💛💛💛💛💛

[@Neanderthal_yardy]

I was about to criticize 😅 you but it all makes sense; especially after viewing a episode of Bridezillas. I've done the very same thing, by getting in the photographer way to get pictures.🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ now I have rethink this photography niche market I hoped to get involved with.👍✌️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@AleciaRenece]

Yaaaaay! I'm so happy this was helpful. My favorite genre is portraiture. It's LOVELY!

[@paulnyame7632]

Love your video and the information you have shared.

[@AleciaRenece]

I'm so happy you enjoyed this! It was my joy to share 🌺💛☺️

[@ThaoTrangPhotography]

😂🤣 this was hilarious when the event space didn’t have an electricity or lighting wise. I feel bad that you have to deal with that but I have never heard crazy things like this. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@dragnfly138]

Everyone is trying to talk me into doing full time photography, No thanks. I will do it from time to time on that level, and just enjoy ☺️ photography all other times. I did two events back to back and I was wore out. All together 6 hrs plus post work! I don’t think I can. I enjoyed it. But nope.

[@vanofgold1029]

You really should feel good doing work like photography dealing with people to be amazing at it. You’re a very smart young woman, you put in a lot of thought in everything which is also amazing to hear from someone so young.#🇺🇸ADOS

[@AleciaRenece]

Thank you so much 💛💛💛 It means EVERYTHING to me. I'm just getting comfortable with sharing my art wirh the world. Thank you so much for appreciating it and me. 😊❤️

[@Lifeof-Jo]

This is my last year. I have one more

[@matrixphotodesign]

I feel you

[@AleciaRenece]

Yes! You get me!!!

[@jamilgotcher5456]

The number one rule is to make sure you are getting paid enough to deal with all the less than fun things about wedding photography. And the experience of being a second shooter to a more seasoned professional is invaluable. No way you should take on big weddings without experience. You need to have a contract that the Bride signs that states you are the main photographer and the family photographers are to stay out of your way. Maybe it needs to state in the contract that the Bride is to let everyone know to not shoot iphone photos while she is walking down the aisle. You also need to state in your contract that if the Bride and Groom and family is not looking at your lens, it's not your problem. Keep putting the responsibility on the Bride and Groom and the wedding planner to let everyone know, it's your lens that is the main camera. Also, get all your money for the entire package, all of it. Because those family members will post their photos before you can edit yours. I don't even do weddings, but my Dad is a professional photographer and shot them for years, I was his second shooter, he prefers senior portraits. Less time and sometimes as much money as a wedding and less wannabe photographers to deal with.

[@seharris11]

14 years shooting weddings and I am so burned out...I usually can smell bridezilla from miles away and won't book them lol but it's still a very stressful career, etc.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

Bridezilla? more like the wedding planners and the wannabe photographer guests are the worst.