The Best and Worst Things about Being a Wedding Photographer or Videographer

Being a wedding photographer or videographer comes with lots of merits.

It can be a really rewarding career that’s filled with positive emotions and fun interactions.

On the flipside, being a wedding photographer or videographer can become super draining and difficult.

So, what are the best and the worst aspects of being a creative wedding professional?

Do the pros and cons balance out each other?

 

The Best Aspects of Being a Wedding Photographer or Videographer

 

Many people start a creative wedding career because of the numerous amazing things stemming from this line of work.

Here are some of the biggest advantages related to choosing such a career path.

 

Highly Rewarding Job

 

Some jobs lack emotional appeal and the sense of fulfilment in the end of a busy day.

Being a part of someone’s special day results in an amazing sense of satisfaction, especially when the job is done well.

Seeing the happiness in the eyes of the bride and the groom after they go through the album or a wedding video can’t be compared to many other aspects of having a career.

Anyone who needs emotional fulfilment from their job will thrive as a photographer or videographer.

Obviously, there is some risk of disappointing clients and failing a project.

With time and experience, however, the risk of such occurrences goes down significantly.

 

The Freedom of Self-Employment

 

Being someone’s employee isn’t the right choice for everyone.

Many people have gotten tired of the rigid routine and structure such modes of career-building involve.

Most wedding videographers and photographers are self-employed professionals.

Being self-employed involves assuming a lot of responsibility but this kind of work is also linked to unparalleled freedom.

You will decide which clients to work with. You have the freedom to turn down projects that aren’t a particularly good match.

Photographers and videographers decide on their workload and the number of projects they’d be taking on simultaneously.

If they aren’t happy about an interaction, they can “fire” a client and move forward with something more interesting and suitable.

Self-employment puts a person in full charge of their professional journey.

While this way of doing work isn’t right for everyone, it’s an excellent opportunity for free spirits and those who have gotten tired of the traditional nine to five hustle.

 

A Chance to Meet Lots of People

 

Wedding photographers and videographers get to socialize with lots of new people during every project that they take on.

Are you a people’s person who loves joking, getting to know new individuals and being involved in their life stories?

If so, you will have so much fun building a wedding-related creative career.

Each couple is unique. Each wedding party has its dynamics.

Photographers and videographers become a part of the experience.

They often need to have a good understanding of human psychology and a lot of emotional intelligence to do an amazing job.

All of that networking and involvement can create additional professional opportunities in the future.

In addition, these professionals gain a set of soft skills that can be incredibly beneficial going forward.

 

Opportunities to Travel and Witness New Cultures

 

Wedding videographers and photographers have a very dynamic career.

It often involves traveling to new places or being a part of cultural rituals that most people will never get a chance to witness.

It’s a colorful, exciting and enriching job.

Weddings often occur at beautiful venues, some of them exotic and distant.

Wedding photographers and videographers will go to these places while doing their job.

Business expenses are paid for by the bride and the groom.

And while most of the time will be dedicated to getting a job done, there will still be an opportunity for some exploration and enjoyment.

 

A Seasonal Job

 

That can be both a good and a bad thing.

Experienced photographers and videographers are fully booked during the wedding season.

They’re probably busy every single weekend and maybe even during the work days.

While high season involves a lot of hard work, there is also an off-season.

It provides the perfect opportunity to relax, become emotionally and creatively recharged, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Photographers and videographers can also use that opportunity to accept alternative projects and build a diversified portfolio.

 

A Chance to Earn a Lot

 

While building a solid career isn’t easy, well-known photographers and videographers can earn a lot.

In the end of the day, earning enough to enjoy good life quality is an important part of choosing a career.

Photographers and videographers can make a lot of money if they’re good at what they do.

For amazing monetization to happen, however, they’ll need to invest in a number of things.

Good equipment, marketing and the provision of a stellar service all require an investment that has to be made before money starts coming back inside the business.

 

The Worst Things about Being a Wedding Photographer or Videographer

 

Like any other career, this one has a few shortcomings that have to be taken in account.

Understanding the disadvantages and being ok with them is an important prerequisite for the establishment of a successful career.

 

Say Goodbye to Your Weekends

 

Most weddings happen on a weekend.

You’ll need to dedicate that time to doing work instead of being with your family.

Many photographers and videographers struggle with poor or non-existent work-life balance.

That’s especially challenging due to the fact that spring and summer are the busiest seasons.

While others are having a seaside family vacation, photographers and videographers are spending those amazing moments with their clients.

 

An Investment in Career Establishment Is Required

 

When it comes to wedding photography and videography, most clients will never settle for mediocre outcomes.

To become a successful professional, you will have to invest money in your business.

Studies on the topic suggest that beginners should be prepared to spend anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 US dollars on the establishment of their career.

That amount includes professional trainings, equipment, marketing and all other business-related expenses.

 

You Have to Be a Lot More Than a Photographer or Videographer

 

Doing an amazing job as a photographer or videographer is only a part of the deal.

You are now self-employed and you’re a business owner.

Building your reputation and doing consistent outreach will be as important as shooting like a rock star.

As such, you need to handle numerous aspects of running the business.

That involves accounting and bookkeeping, marketing, customer relationship management and even legal work.

If you don’t feel like handling those aspects of being a business owner, you’ll have to outsource.

To do so, you’ll need to have enough money to dedicate to those business activities.

 

Work Is Seasonal

 

If you don’t earn enough during the peak wedding season, you will probably struggle financially during the fall and winter.

The seasonal nature of wedding photography and videography work is amazing but it can also turn in a challenge.

You will have to find enough work during the peak season in order to earn an annual salary.

Many beginners will find the goal impossible to accomplish.

One way to address the issue is to accept different kinds of projects during off season.

Family photography, baby photography and creative photography/videography work can provide good professional opportunities during the months when only a few people are getting married.

 

Emotionally-Draining Work

 

Being a part of someone’s special day is great but it’s a lot of hard work.

You have to be present, you have to be in a good mood and you have to interact with lots of people even when you don’t feel like it.

The job can be emotionally-draining. It’s also challenging for shy or introverted professionals.

Socialization is an important part of completing a project. If you’re struggling with it, you may find the career too stressful instead of fulfilling.

 

You Have Only One Chance to Get Things Right

 

A mistake can be corrected in many lines of work. Wedding photography and videography don’t provide such opportunities.

Equipment malfunctions and unforeseen circumstances can ruin a shoot.

Not giving your clients the result they hoped for (especially on one of the biggest days in their life) will almost certainly set your career back or ruin it altogether.

That’s a lot of pressure to handle, especially if you’re a newcomer to the field.

You need to be emotionally prepared and quick on your feet to overcome challenges and still do a good job every single time.

 

Is the Career Right for You?

 

Ther answer to that question depends on numerous considerations.

Your character, your ability to handle stress and to improvise will all be very important.

At the same time, you need to have some business acumen and some marketing know-how.

Every aspect of building a business will depend on your strategic thinking.

If you prefer to have someone else being responsible for business establishment, a freelance photography or videography career may not be a suitable choice.

People who crave the freedom and dynamic nature of wedding photography and videography work, however, are going to thrive in such a role.

While the job can be nearly impossible and super difficult at times, it will also result in amazing rewards whenever work is done to fulfill client needs.