How to Find Wedding Photography Clients in Your First Year

[@brietoujours8600]

Going through your videos as I get my website completed. This was the final push I needed to try and get it done ASAP even though it's not perfect yet. Also this clarified the importance of written reviews on my website. So encouraged by hearing about your journey.

[@remj17]

I had my first payed wedding yesterday. Today im reflecting on all the things i would have done differently. I know I need to be more direct and firm about directing my clients. Over all im still very happy with the results, but it was definitely scary and intimidating. I watch and learned so much from you, thank you.

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!! Congrats on your first paid wedding that’s so great! I still leave weddings with takeaways and things I would do different. We are always learning

[@aviralbissa3931]

i haven't seen this type of honest and real advices...so clear and to the point...best wishes for your upcoming events... MASTER

[@Joymichelle]

+Aviral Bissa wow thank you !!!

[@germanevision]

You nailed it, Ms Michelle! No one gives you these practical tips like saying, finish website first rather than wait for everything to fall in place

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks!!

[@casidenton2238]

These are great tips. I'm in year 8 of business and because of you and your help I'm learning more about my ideal client and how I want my photos to look. You rock girl!

[@Joymichelle]

That is awesome! So humbled you've learned from me :)

[@artisanwalkertapleyco]

Love the give before you take! I’ll start using that ASAP!

[@Joymichelle]

Learned it from Gary V!

[@artisanwalkertapleyco]

Joy, thank you for the response. I’m a pretty big photographer in VA. I’d love to collaborate sometime and bounce some ideas back and forth! What’s a good way to contact you?

[@linseyhuffaker2304]

Oh my gosh This video is from 2016 but still SO PERTINENT to business today!! Thank you so much this video is incredibly helpful!

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks so much! 😀

[@jennyrussell8839]

This information was so helpful! I just booked my first engagement session and first wedding and it’s been a struggle to feel like all I’m doing is worth it! Thank you so much for the amazing information.

[@Joymichelle]

So glad to hear that! CONGRATS!! Keep it up, Jenny!!

[@motavice3499]

How's it going now 3 years later?

[@stephanyfaycohen3842]

Wonderful and very helpful information. Thank you so much Joy. Love and blessings.

[@Joymichelle]

Same to you!

[@pgtips4240]

Thank you for putting this video together, this is so inspiring to me as I want to do exactly what you are doing. I am at the point of purchasing speedlights for off camera flash. Can't wait to start shooting with flash.

[@Joymichelle]

+PG Tips glad you enjoyed this! Are you a part of the FB group? :)

[@pgtips4240]

Joy Michelle Photography I followed the fb link you posted, are you referring to a different fb group?

[@Joymichelle]

+PG Tips the #photoboss one :)

[@matthewbell1968]

Great and highly professional presentation Joy many thanks ☺

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks Matthew!

[@matthewbell1968]

@@Joymichelle As someone looking to move to wedding photography your videos are first rate. Professional, educational and witty - thanks. Off to collect my new fuji xt3 today ☺☺

[@marcdaniele5305]

just found your channel and love the content and your style! All very inspiring! keep up the great work!

[@Joymichelle]

+Marc Daniele thanks so much!

[@Viviancphotography]

your channel is amazing! I really love it. Thanks so much for making all these videos!

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you, Vivian. You're welcome. I'm glad you're learning lots! Be sure to join the FB group!

[@robertwaye2819]

Just had my first wedding booked have been a second shooter for a month

[@Katalin_Fodor]

Thank you for mentioning that the reviews should be visible on the website. I have some reviews on another website that I could highlight on my portfolio this was very helpful thank you

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@victorfox9348]

Great video. Very informative and to the point. That's my style. Keep it up.

[@Joymichelle]

Glad you found this helpful!! cheers!

[@francesca_ragucci]

What are you recommendations on going about a styled shoot? I produce real estate/ commercial photography.

[@Joymichelle]

Video on this topic is coming!! But here’s the quick outline 1. Choose theme (one that reps your brand well and will be easily published) 2. Choose location (venue) 3. Assemble your team (vendors) 4. Shoot and edit your photos 5. Submit those photos for publication and share with the team

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

Done IS better than perfect. Amen girl!

[@focusandbloom]

Your studio/office looks sooo cool. Love it!

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you!! It's never actually this clean 😂

[@focusandbloom]

But it works for the camera! :p

[@focusandbloom]

Mine's the same though... haha

[@biancadegroot7213]

Thanks for your tips!

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!

[@HaileyGraceLife]

Such great advice!! I definitely know the value of styled shoots as a wedding coordinator as well! :)

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you! So true -- they're great for all wedding vendors

[@mactaduyo9318]

So informative 😍

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks!

[@lilipoot33]

Hi Joy, thanks for your great tips. very honest and useful. I'm going to start as a wedding photographer but so far all I have done has been family and kids photography. How do you suggest I make a wedding portfolio? thanks again

[@Joymichelle]

A Styled shoot is a great start for establishing your style and getting more experience and portfolio. I have a playlist here on KZbin all about how to plan one and get the most out of it. BUT nothing can replace the actual experience of shooting real weddings so I highly recommend second shooting or third shooting! I also have a video about second shooting :)

[@lilipoot33]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will check your oder videos.

[@karlagarcia5228]

so i am aspiring to begin my own photography business however, i want to do more of elopements and intimate weddings. what recommendations would you make in obtaining clients in that area?. i have no "official" experience but want to get my first client to begin building my portfolio and showcasing my work. Thanks for sharing the video it really gave me a perspective!

[@Joymichelle]

My suggestion would be to build portfolio around this exact type of client and wedding. Check out my styled shoots playlist for some help in putting one together!

[@vimalalwaysrocks]

All your videos are truly inspiring and motivating.. thanks for sharing all your experiences!.. Quick Question - What do you mean by second shoot weddings?

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you! Good question - in most of my wedding packages, I work with another photographer (the second shooter). So I will be the primary photographer and have the help of a second. Second shooting is a great way to get experience as a photographer of weddings without having the pressure of being the primary shooter.

[@islandtimeliving]

The link to your website doesn't work, says certificate does not match. Using chrome on android

[@Joymichelle]

gahh Thanks!! It's a certificate issue. Working on it!

[@lNTOTHEGRAVE]

What is the difference between a wedding photographer and a fine art wedding photographer? thanks, love your videos!

[@emilybraverman4299]

Christian Becerra just a fancier way to say it😂

[@Alicks112]

thank you for the helpful tips!!

[@artsmodelstation9396]

Joy: if I don’t have a portfolio to share on social media and because of this I cannot second shoot for a photographer, do u recommend hiring models to create a portfolio? I am having a difficult time to have friends and family to pose for me.

[@Joymichelle]

+Art Lopez yes I recommend a styled shoot. Look for newer models on Instagram! There are always young aspiring models that need photos and you can hire them.

[@frenchromancephotography7408]

ask to tag along for free to a professional photographer. ok, you might not getting paid but you get you get to learn and shoot and create a portfolio.

[@mattdruery9963]

Remember you don't need a pro model to shoot portraits, directing is more important

[@scallen3841]

Make an album with prints etc

[@chandirap]

I tried it, now being 3 months 1 shoot per month. Still i'm getting 0 clients. What do you think i'm doing wrong? :(

[@Joymichelle]

What kinds of things have you tried?

[@chandirap]

@@Joymichelle i have put paid advertisements each month on fb on the work that i have done. I get likes but no clients.

[@aleson8590]

Hi I'm a new photographer. I'm finding to always doubt myself. I say things like why with clients pick me there are so many other amazing photographers out there. I'm constantly battling with that. I guess I could use some encouragement oh so how long did it take you where you were able to just be a photographer and no other job ? Also I have a type of style in mind that I would like to work on creating. I love the darker, black and white look, kind of a rustic look not sure if that makes any sense lol but with that have something to do with location, lens or editing or all of the above. I feel like i'm creating OK images I know I just started. But I'm feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[@Joymichelle]

+Aleson Hey Aleson :) thanks for watching and commenting! How long have you been shooting? I think confidence is such a work-progress for so many photographers especially when you're first starting out! I know I was really shy when I started but over the years I've really grown into the roll. I went full time in about 1 year ( after putting in 1 year full time into photography in terms of hours spent) I know exactly what you mean in terms of a grittier and moody style! It's great that you already have found your style! Do you have a mentor? I would highly recommend finding a photo coach or mentor that can really help you set your business up and guide you in the early years of the process! :) And video requests?

[@aleson8590]

Joy Michelle Photography I started shooting in February. I've done one wedding, a model, elopement, birthing (which is my favorite)2 graduation. Im the one that gain her 1st wedding in June. Not a second shooter lol. I know a few photographers (some as friends) but I don't know how they would feel about all my questions lol I did reach out to one. I didn't feel to much excitement from her:( Thank you again. Would you be my coach? lol I appreciate all you do for us:)

[@Joymichelle]

Good for you! Loving all the experience you're getting. Feel free to shoot me an email because I'd love to chat more about being your coach/mentor! :)

[@aleson8590]

Joy Michelle Photography Thank you very much. I will :)

[@lozkokaramitev8027]

I've been researching starting up a woodworking business and discovered a fantastic website at Enata Wood System (check it out on google)

[@sophiatravis9053]

Great video! Im just starting out and have had the same thing as you did when starting - I've booked my first wedding for a friend of a friend due to my Instagram feed despite low engagement! :-)

[@Joymichelle]

Isn’t that so funny? It works!

[@rafashow3551]

wow ur really awesome!! love ur tips lmao u and Josh don't look alike but both of u r awesome ppl

[@Joymichelle]

+Raz Showhotti aw thanks!! Yes, people say he looks most like Jon. Idk who I look like! Lol

[@skylerdurden6857]

Do you have an actual page for your actual photography to promote to clients? a youtube I mean?

[@Joymichelle]

No I don’t

[@aleson8590]

Hi Joy I have a question about second shooting. When the main photographer is right in front of the bride&groom also they are looking at her. Yes I can go around to the side and take my shoots but I feel like they are weird cause they are not looking at me!?? You know?? It looks awkward more than an actual shot like looking away and I'm just shooting away?? Not sure if i explained this right🙈

[@Joymichelle]

Aleson, hmm. i see what you mean. I love images where the couple isn't looking directly at the photographer. This is when i focus on just 1 of them or their hands or her flowers etc. You can also get behind the scenes of the photographer working

[@aleson8590]

Joy Michelle Photography oh good point!! Thank you

[@Joymichelle]

+Aleson you're welcome!

[@chriskix]

Do you have any advice for finding/landing second shooter gigs? I have assisted several wedding photographers but only second shot once out of ~40 weddings. I honestly don't care if I get paid, I just want to tag along and get practice and some images that I could use in my portfolio that are from actual weddings. I haven't had any luck reaching out in social media groups and I'm just not sure where to turn.

[@Joymichelle]

Yes I have a video about getting hired as a second shooter :)

[@pgtips4240]

Just noticed the large cup, is that some kind of prop or do you just really like your coffee?

[@Joymichelle]

+PG Tips hahha definitely love my coffee!

[@treycolston7339]

What is a second shoot

[@Joymichelle]

Secondary wedding photographer

[@DianeCrystal]

Are styled shoots like for fashion and bloggers?

[@Joymichelle]

They’re almost like a fake wedding to grow connections in the industry

[@WhirlOmar]

I am trying to understand why a brand would be important for a photographer or videographer. It seems to me they would be minimal and neutral so they are pliable to the various styles their clients are desiring in their photos or videos. And I making sense ?

[@Joymichelle]

+WhirlOmar I'm not sure I understand what you are saying.

[@erikkasteele9773]

Having a brand helps photographers stand out from each other. Offering different things to different people. What audience you're speaking to? Who do you want to photograph? Why do you want to photograph them? What is your story? Things like that.

[@krisapkris]

thank you :)

[@Joymichelle]

You're welcome!

[@Dabos3TV]

Awesome video! I just put up a video about how videographers can find their first 3 wedding clients and this advice applies to us too! def some overlap between videography/photography. we gots to work together haha!

[@Joymichelle]

+Trent Dabos3 Madden ah really?! Sweet! I'll have to check it out! Definitely 🙌🏼 let's collab

[@Dabos3TV]

haha that'd be awesome! Just followed you on insta. love the way your doing your content! taking notes...

[@ladylizcreates7719]

Thank you so much for this. I do have a question though: is it okay to ask for reviews? Some in the photography environment say that clients don't like being asked to tag you in posts. Is this the same as asking for reviews?

[@Joymichelle]

A thousand times YES it’s ok to ask for reviews. Honestly, you don’t get many otherwise. You gotta ask for the things you want in life 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@ladylizcreates7719]

Joy Michelle Photography thank you for responding

[@ProfitableWeddings]

Good video! Great tips!!!!!

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you!

[@kathyrobinson1975]

Thank you so much!

[@Joymichelle]

+Kathy Robinson you're welcome, Kathy! 👍🏼

[@francesca_ragucci]

Joy, I love you office!!

[@Joymichelle]

+Francesca Ragucci thank you! I just moved so I'm starting over with a new office. Hopefully it will be just as cool!

[@jrgmakeupandskin]

yes love it!!!

[@MrTakeOne]

What kind of toothpaste you use ?

[@Joymichelle]

Lol

[@MrTakeOne]

Joy Michelle Photography lol I’m not kidding 😏

[@stevenmeans6873]

I am a new photographer I was getting work from last September to February now no more work .why I pass out cards I have a website and Instagram I have postings on Craigslist and 3 other sites no work why. And can yiu look at my work and tell me what's wrong

[@Joymichelle]

+Steven Means I couldn't say without more information! Feel free to book a mentor session with me so we can drive deeper

[@houslistka_market]

february-april(may) are not really favourable for weddings...that´s why

[@alina-xc1jd]

The problem with second shoots is that for a new photographer, no experienced photographer wants to take a shot at you. Pun intended ☺️

[@Joymichelle]

Yeah, I think the trick here is to not ask a photographer that is SUPER far ahead of you to second shoot for them. Find someone a year or two ahead. You do have to have some gear and some portfolio of course!

[@jiffcia]

20 years ago？u look just 20 year old? hahaha, so pretty