Every couple wants their wedding to be captured in photographs, so that they can relive those moments. To make this possible, they hire a wedding photographer, who has, over the years, become an indispensable part of the event.
A wedding photographer shoots all the activities related to a weddingthe rehearsal dinner, the wedding, the reception, etc. S/he can be hired to shoot all these events or just a few of them. Earlier the role of a wedding photographer involved only shooting the bride and groom, it has now evolved significantly. Today, couples travel all over the world for their pre-wedding shoot. The salary of a wedding photographer, thus, has become significantly rewarding than what it was before.
Please Note:
All figures are as of January 2014, and in U.S. Dollars.
All figures are average annual salaries and may vary according to education, experience, location, and type of employer.
Salary By State
Alabama
106,000
Alaska
84,000
Arizona
91,000
Arkansas
102,000
California
114,000
Colorado
95,000
Connecticut
119,000
Delaware
96,000
Florida
100,000
Georgia
122,000
Hawaii
68,000
Idaho
72,000
Illinois
117,000
Indiana
104,000
Iowa
103,000
Kansas
96,000
Kentucky
90,000
Louisiana
91,000
Maine
91,000
Maryland
109,000
Massachusetts
126,000
Michigan
107,000
Minnesota
93,000
Mississippi
116,000
Missouri
104,000
Montana
101,000
Nebraska
79,000
Nevada
89,000
New Hampshire
104,000
New Jersey
115,000
New Mexico
94,000
New York
129,000
North Carolina
104,000
North Dakota
94,000
Ohio
102,000
Oklahoma
97,000
Oregon
101,000
Pennsylvania
99,000
Rhode Island
101,000
South Carolina
100,000
South Dakota
79,000
Tennessee
99,000
Texas
102,000
Utah
85,000
Vermont
96,000
Virginia
107,000
Washington
105,000
West Virginia
102,000
Wisconsin
96,000
Wyoming
91,000
Source: Indeed
Educational Requirements
Usually, students have no option but to acquire a general photography degree and then, post that, individually choose to be a wedding photographer. There is no separate degree per se, that is completely dedicated to wedding photography. However, acquiring this degree gives you a stronger technical backing. You study equipment, technique, related software, composition, etc., which can be later used to creatively invent a style of your own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiNJrn_zpXY
Taking part in workshops related to wedding photography, completing courses offered by other schools/universities, and staying up to date with newer equipment will increase your chances of earning more.
Job Description
First and foremost, a wedding photographer has to talk to the couple who is getting married. S/he has to know them properly before shooting what is perhaps the most important day of their lives.
After knowing them for the people they are, s/he has to make a list of what they're expecting in terms of number of photographs, number of events, particular moments they want captured a particular way, etc.
Based on what is expected, s/he has to form a contract and get it signed before the first session.
The photographer should click all the special moments during the weddingthe bride walking down the aisle, the couple taking the vows, exchange of rings, etc.
The photographer is also responsible for the bringing in of equipment that s/he thinks is necessary.
The wedding photographer is also responsible for editing photographs. Sometimes, the couple might want changes in some photographs. In such cases, the photographer is responsible for doing the needful.
Sometimes, a particular package might help the couple financially. For example, a DVD along with the photographs might come cheap than hiring two separate people for these jobs. It is the duty of the photographer to inform the customers of such packages, if any.
If the wedding photographer needs to work closely with the church staff, special permissions may be required. For example, certain churches may not allow flash during a certain part of the ceremony. In this case, the photographer may request an imitation later on.
Today, more than experience, couples look for photographers who can do something creatively. Experiment as much as you can with your skills, to offer something that is unique, affordable, and yet beautiful.
