How We Became Wedding Photographers in Northern Ireland
As wedding photographers, we are often asked how we got started in this business. It’s a question we love to answer, as it gives us the opportunity to share our story and hopefully inspire others who are thinking of pursuing their own creative passions. In this article, we’ll take you through our journey and share some tips and insights for anyone who wants to become a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland.
Our Journey Begins
We started our journey in the world of photography as amateurs, we both always enjoyed taking photographs and we were always that couple that went on holiday and took half a million photos. Even as kids we both loved being behind the camera more than in front of it. While we didn’t know each other then, both of us started our photography journey with polaroid type cameras. There was just something magical about being able to press a button, capture a moment and see it printed right there and then.
When our eldest was born we wanted to capture all the best bits of her growing up so we upgraded our point and shoot style digital camera to a DSLR hoping that would make it easier to capture all of her firsts.
Falling in love with photography
We quickly realised that having a better camera, lenses and equipment didn’t automatically mean better photographs and that if we were going to be able to get the most out of all the money we had spent on equipment and be able to capture the photos we wanted, we had a lot of learning to do.
We very quickly became absolutely obsessed! We bought every book on photography we could find, we watched every instructional video on YouTube and attended photography workshops. After a lot of time spent learning we started to see a big improvement in our photography. We also started to get lovely feedback from family and friends when we would post photos to social media. We weren’t as confident back then though and so always took their feedback with a pinch of salt. We often got comments like “ you should do this professionally”, but always thought, well they are a friend of course they are going to say that.
Falling in Love with Northern Ireland
It wasn’t until we started taking our photography more seriously that we realised how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country.
We started taking photos of the landscapes, the people, and the festivals, and soon realized that there was something special about this place that we call home and we wanted to capture as much of as possible in our photos.
More serious photography
At that point I wanted to take the next step in terms of photographing different things, while Laurene still continued with photographing our kids and the places we visited. I started photographing professional models for their portfolios and shot some commercial photography on a semi professional basis. This lead to eventually opening a portrait photography studio which was great for learning about the more technical aspects of photography. By this point I wasn’t just attending photography workshops but was also assisting another professional photographer who ran photography workshops.
At one workshop I got chatting to a local wedding photographer. She explained that she had a wedding the following week and she was a bit concerned as her husband usually came along to help her but he was unavailable. She asked if I would be willing to come along and fill in for her husband for the day. I was a bit reluctant at first as having at the point met a lot of wedding photographers they often gave bad feedback about what it was like to photograph a wedding. They often explained that weddings were difficult to photograph, that they were very stressful and very few seemed to actual enjoy what they did. In the end though I decided to at least try it once just for the experience.
The first wedding
Have to admit I was a bit nervous leading up to that first wedding but I shouldn’t have worried. The day went great. Photographing a wedding was different to anything I had done before as it felt I was able to combine all of the stuff I had learned leading up to this point. At a wedding you are a portrait photographer, a landscape photographer, a reportage photographer and a product photographer all rolled into one. I came home that evening and told Laurene straight away this it, this is what I want to do! While the studio had been going well I wasn’t really enjoying it as much as I had hoped as it was very repetitive and honestly a little bit boring most of the time. I much preferred working out in the real world than being tied to a studio format. Over the next few months I shot several other weddings as a second photographer before making the leap to opening my own wedding photography business.
Our first wedding photographed as a husband and wife team
For that first wedding the intention had been for Laurene to come along and act as an assistant, she would help me with organising people, transporting all the equipment etc. That went completely out the window after about 10 minutes. She grabbed a camera and started taking as many photographs as I did.
As we watched the bride walk down the aisle, the groom's tears, and the heartfelt speeches, we knew that this was what we wanted to do for the rest of our lives.
After the wedding we realised we were able to capture so much more with both us working at the same time. On reviewing the photos when we got home we realised that there was so many great moments we maybe would have missed if both if us hadn’t of been there to capture them. Laurene took to photographing weddings just like I had and from then on we have always worked together,
Honing Our Craft
After that first wedding together, we were both hooked. We spent every spare moment practicing our skills, attending workshops, and learning from the best photographers in the industry.
We experimented with different styles, lighting, and techniques, and soon developed our own unique style and way of working.
Building Our Business
As our skills grew, so did our reputation. We started getting more and more requests to photograph weddings, and before we knew it, we had a thriving business.
We built a website, grew a following on social media and haven’t really looked back since.
Getting Noticed
As our portfolio grew, we started to get noticed by wedding venues and other vendors in the wedding industry. We were featured in bridal magazines and on wedding blogs, which helped to increase our exposure and attract more clients.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy as wedding photographers is simple - to capture the essence of Northern Ireland and the love between two people. We believe that a wedding is not just a ceremony, but a celebration of two lives coming together.
Our goal is to document every moment of that celebration, from the first kiss to the first dance, in a way that reflects the beauty of Northern Ireland and the unique love story of each couple.
The Joy of the Job
There is nothing more fulfilling than being a wedding photographer. We get to witness and capture the most important moments in people's lives, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
We love the joy and the laughter, the tears and the emotions, and the opportunity to be a part of something so special.
Our Advice
If you're thinking about becoming a wedding photographer, our advice is simple - follow your heart. Find what you're passionate about, and let that guide you. Practice your skills, learn from the best, and be patient. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, because it's the journey that will shape you into the photographer you were meant to be. Don’t let any negative feedback from other wedding photographers put you off. While we can understand that some people might find being a wedding photographer difficult, if you are of the right mindset you might find its the most enjoyable thing you have ever done.
Tips and Insights for Aspiring Wedding Photographers
Develop Your Own Style
One of the most important things you can do as a wedding photographer is to develop your own unique style. This will set you apart from other photographers and help you attract clients who are looking for something specific.
Build Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card, so it’s important to build a strong one but it’s also important to build a real one. Don’t be that guy that has a wedding photography portfolio made up of staged images taken at workshops under the instruction of another wedding photographer. That is not a true refection of your work and ability level. It’s vital to be upfront and honest in everything that you do. To be successful your clients need to be able to trust you!
Invest in Quality Equipment and Insurance
Invest in quality equipment, including camera, lenses, and lighting. This will help you produce high-quality images and stand out from other photographers. Always buy the best that you can afford or you will end up wasting money by having to upgrade later on down the line. You should be making a significant investment in ensuring that you have the best solution for backing up and storing clients images, this is just as important in having great equipment to produce images with, For insurance use a reputable company that can provide you with not only equipment insurance but also public liability and indemnity insurance.
Learn How to Work with Couples
Wedding photography is not just about taking great photos, it's also about working with couples to capture their vision and create lasting memories. Learn how to communicate effectively, manage expectations, and handle any challenges that may arise during a wedding shoot.
Network with Other Wedding Professionals
Networking with other wedding professionals, including wedding planners, florists, and venue owners, can help you build relationships and attract more clients.
Treat Your Business as a Business
To be successful as a wedding photographer, you need to treat your business as a business. This means registering as a company, developing a brand, investing in marketing and advertising, and building a professional website to showcase your work and attract more clients.
Keep Learning and Growing
The wedding industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to keep learning and growing as a photographer. Attend workshops and conferences, read industry blogs and magazines, and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in wedding photography.