Nashville Wedding Photographers | McLellan Style

Originally this was going to be a single post, but as the details of each idea grew, I thought it would be better to space it out over a few days.  So, if you like what you see, keep checking back for the rest over the next week!

1. It’s not easy.  Make sure you love it.

It all starts with the foundation. Let’s back up and start at the beginning.  Possibly, let’s back up to before you even get started—or maybe you’ve already started, but you’re not full time and are considering taking your business to the next level.

It seems simple, right?  I have a digital camera and a computer, so I can be a wedding photographer.  HA HA HA!  I can’t tell you how many photographers have started out this way, only to be in tears a year or two later because they are being crushed by the mountain of work that’s on top of them.

If you love wedding photography, be sure to take steps to prevent from ever getting into this situation.  If you’re already in this situation, make some time to make an effort to get out.  If you’re serious about it, it is possible!  However, if you don’t love it and just thought you could make extra money on weekends, chances are you won’t have the motivation to work through it.  Without a passion for what you’re doing, it will eventually collapse, and you’ll be left with a trail of people that are all very unhappy with you which will lead you to be unhappy yourself.

Also, be aware that it’s not just running around with a camera and taking photographs.  You’re running a business.  You set the hours, you are responsible for keeping track of everything and staying on top of it all.  Mel and I love photography, but we also love business.  If you hate business, I would suggest looking into having someone help with that aspect.  Getting into wedding photography while loving photography but hating business is a recipe for disaster.  Seek help immediately!

Thanks for reading–that wraps up Tip #1–the rest are coming soon!