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- 7 Reasons Why This Might Be the Most Underrated Side Hustle
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Are you an experienced photographer who loves the craft but wants more?
Perhaps you want to make money?
Perhaps you want to turn this creative outlet into a business but want to start slowly?
Becoming a wedding photographer is no longer a profession that photographers look down on. It's a legit creative outlet that can put some money in your pocket if you just want to work a little or be the launching pad for a new career path for you if you're ready to go all in.
If you've been poo-pooing the idea of shooting weddings, let me feed you with a quick handful of solid reasons why shooting weddings might be the perfect side hustle, along with a bonus tip from some of the heavy-hitters in the industry (in case my encouragement isn't enough for you)
Constant Demand
Weddings are one of the most significant events in a couple's lives, and there's always a need for a skilled photographer to capture that day.
Not every couple can afford a premium photographer, so positioning yourself as a "part-time professional" might be the answer to getting clients early on.
As long as people continue to fall in love, there will be a need for your services.
"Weddings are timeless. No matter the trends, people will always want beautiful photos of their special day. It's a market that never goes out of style."
Good Pay
Wedding photography can be quite lucrative, but PLEASE DO NOT go into weddings for the money.
Photography is a great hobby, but it's also an expensive one. If you love serving people with your photography, shooting weddings on the side can be a great way to not only pay off your gear but allow you to buy more and build that photographic arsenal you've always wanted.
Be realistic and be fair with your couples and you'll build your business and your income the right way.
"Don't undervalue your work. Pricing yourself appropriately not only reflects your skill but also attracts clients who appreciate quality."
Creative Outlet
Each wedding is a new and unique opportunity to express yourself and develop your unique photographic style.
This is important for any photographer.
The more you shoot, the better you get, and the better you get, the more you'll want to shoot.
That's the path of the photographer.
"Weddings are a playground for creativity. From the details to the emotions, there's always something new to capture and challenge your artistic vision."
Networking Opportunities
Weddings are social events, and if you like rubbing shoulders and meeting new people, weddings are fantastic!
BUT, do not treat a wedding like a big networking event!
You're there to do a job, and the best way to build trust and respect from everyone is to do your job well.
You'll have plenty of time to interact with guests, vendors, and other professionals, which can lead to more photography gigs and business collaborations.
Just never forget why you're there to begin with.
"Networking at weddings is invaluable. Every event is a chance to showcase your work and build relationships that can lead to future opportunities."
Flexible Schedule
Most weddings happen on weekends, making managing this side hustle alongside your main job easier.
This flexibility allows you to balance your photography business with your "day job" fairly easily.
Starting slowly with weddings is very doable, even for the hardestcore of hardcore people working 50-hour work weeks.
"Weekend weddings fit perfectly into a busy schedule. It's a great way to pursue your passion without sacrificing your weekday responsibilities."
Portfolio Building
Shooting weddings help you build a diverse portfolio.
Weddings give you the opportunity to ability to handle different types of events and photo disciplines (Portrait, Product, Architecture, ets).
A strong portfolio can attract more clients and open doors to various photography opportunities.
"A wedding portfolio is a testament to your versatility. It shows potential clients that you can capture a wide range of moments beautifully."
Personal Fulfillment
Capturing the happiest days in a couple's life is incredibly important, and it can be incredibly rewarding. The joy and gratitude you receive from couples and their families make wedding photography so fulfilling.
There's also a tremendous amount of value you get through the process.
You become better and stronger in a variety of different interpersonal areas, and the more you grow, the more people will be attracted to you and your work.
"There's nothing like the emotional connection you create through wedding photography. It's a privilege to be part of such intimate moments."
What to do now?
If you're considering wedding photography as a side hustle, start by shooting a wedding or two to see if it's a good fit for you.
I recommend finding a local pro and offering to "second shoot" for them. Second-shooting alone is a fantastic side hustle, and you'll find how much (or little) you enjoy weddings.
In the meantime, keep shooting, read more about the gear you need and even before you offer to shoot for them, talk to a local pro and ask them what this business is like.
It's not for everyone, but for those who love it, this could be the career you've been looking for.
"Take the first step. Try it out, learn, and see where it takes you. The journey of turning your passion into a business is incredibly rewarding."
Starting small and building your business as a side hustle is one of the little parts of the "inner game of wedding photography." THIS is what I write about each week in this newsletter.
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