Starting out as a Wedding Photographer in Singapore

1.    Research on Wedding Photographers in Singapore

2.    Gain experience as a 2nd Photographer

3.    Have a Shot List

4.    Scout the Location

5.    Be familiar with your Camera Gear

You can be a photographer who already has experience shooting other fields or a total beginner in photography who is keen to start on wedding photography. There are many elements to wedding photography. From pre-wedding shoots to shooting the actual wedding day itself, there are different details to take note of. As an amateur wedding photographer in Singapore, it may be overwhelming and confusing on where to start. Hence, here are some tips for you to begin your wedding photographer journey in Singapore!

1.    Research on Wedding Photographers in Singapore

Online portfolios of other current wedding photographers in Singapore are always a good place to start. Look at the photos they are shooting to get reference on the type of shots you can attempt. Also take note of the pivotal moments and common poses captured by others. While you may want to offer something unique and create your own photography style, it will be a good idea to understand the basics first.

2.    Gain experience as a 2nd Photographer

Weddings are important events that usually come once-in-a-lifetime for couples. Hence, it would be risky for you to experiment and develop your skills as a wedding photographer from the start. If you happen to mess up, you may possibly ruin the big day for the couple and also your reputation in the industry right from the start. It can also be extremely stressful for a beginner photographer as weddings can be quite spontaneous compared to other forms of photography.

Thus, you can contact other photographers in Singapore with a style that you admire to ask if you can assist them as a 2nd photographer for any of the weddings they’re shooting. Being a 2nd photographer would be less stressful and allows you to gain experience and learn under a mentor. As they’re getting a backup from you, it’s also a win-win situation and they will probably be willing to help.

3.    Have a Shot List

While weddings are special and vary from couple to couple, there are still some basic shots that are crucial to capture. You should still have a general idea on the events happening on the day and what to shoot. It will also be good to ask the couple for a group or family shot list. This helps you in identifying which family members are needed in photos such that you don’t miss out anyone.

4.    Scout the Location

Without prior experience shooting weddings, it is advised to arrive early to walk around the venue to prepare and visualise angles for you to get your photos. While you can also do so before the wedding date, doing so on the day itself could be more beneficial as the decorations and props would have been set up so you will be able to get a better idea. By doing so, it lessens the pressure to find the best shots while the wedding is happening.

5.    Be familiar with your Camera Gear

What happens on a wedding day can be very unpredictable. If you miss a shot at a wedding, there’s also no way for you to reschedule to get the shot again. You would not want that mistake to be due to you fumbling with your camera equipment. Visualise the location you will be shooting in and practise adjusting your settings accordingly. For instance, if you’re shooting in a dimly lit location, try to replicate the light situations to test out what settings you should set your camera to. By doing so, you will be able to work with your camera more efficiently to switch the settings in seconds on the day itself.