Can we all just agree that moving is the absolute worst? It only takes one or two rounds of packing, unpacking, and starting all over again in a new area to understand how difficult it can be! As a matter of fact, research indicates that “moving is more stressful than a relationship breakdown, divorce, or even a new job.” That is HUGE!

If you're a small business owner who has moved or is getting ready to do so, you're probably feeling the effects of stress and anxiety ten times over. When your local network and reputation is everything, the idea of relocating your wedding photography business can be downright scary! But what if I told you that this doesn’t have to be the case?

Meet Emily Chappell – Dallas Wedding Photographer

My name is Emily Chappell, and I am a Dallas wedding photographer who has been capturing weddings for four wonderful years. I average 20-25 weddings each year and have shot domestically and internationally. In 2015, my family and I were living in South Carolina where I started and successfully grew my business. Due to some significant changes happening in our lives, we agreed that it was time to move back to Texas where both of our families lived. On top of the stress of moving, I was also pregnant with our son, Lincoln – talk about crazy! After our move, I finished out the remaining weddings I had in South Carolina and got very familiar with the Dallas and Atlanta airports. In February 2016, our baby boy arrived and I took a two-month maternity leave. That same year, I shot five weddings in Texas. This year will be my most successful yet with 25-30 weddings, and I am continuing to receive inquiries for 2017-2018.  

If you're a wedding photographer facing the potential of an upcoming move, be it out of state or just a couple of zip codes away, I get it. I understand. I’ve been there, too. But for now, take a deep breath and try your best to calm those nerves! Moving your business might seem daunting, but it is possible and may actually prove to be profitable in the long run. Today, I am going to show you how to successfully relocate your wedding photography business!

Update All Marketing to Reflect Your New Area

The first step you need to take is to update your online marketing. Obviously, your website copy will need to reflect your new target market area. You'll also want to update your Google Business listing, Facebook, and other social media and advertising platforms to show that you're a wedding photographer in whichever city to which you've moved.

Refine your SEO and Online Presence

This is a whole topic unto itself, but SEO will be your best friend as you begin shifting gears into your new market. If you don't know anything about current SEO trends, begin learning as much as you possibly can. Work on your on-page SEO by optimizing your page titles and image tags. And of course, start blogging with relevant content about your move to your new location. You might not have sessions or weddings in your new city, but you can certainly share your personal experiences as you move! What a great opportunity to connect with your readers on a relatable level! 

When it comes to off-page SEO, I highly recommend hiring someone reputable to optimize your local citations to match your new city. There are hundreds of places online that list your business, and you don't want to leave these untouched. These listings all need to reflect your new market, as well.  

One of your biggest allies will be all of the reviews you've collected while in business! I'm talking about Wedding Wire, The Knot, Google Business – all of these and more. These carry with you no matter where you go! If you haven't reached out to past couples to ask for reviews, do so NOW. Don't be afraid! Let them know that you are relocating and that their reviews are a huge part of the success of your business in your new area.

Join Local Wedding Photographer and Wedding Industry Groups

When we were in the early stages of moving, one of the first things I did was join a few local Dallas photography and wedding industry Facebook groups. This played a vital role in my success as a Dallas wedding photographer. Making a point to get connected allows you to get to know other photographers and vendors, and learn “who's who” in your new market. This also gives you the opportunity to learn what the wedding market is like before you dive in. And on a personal note, many wedding industry communities host meet ups, which help to build a sense of community so that you won't feel quite as lonely! 

One disclaimer – don't feel discouraged if you are denied access to local groups before you actually move. Oftentimes, admins and moderators won't yet approve your request as a measure to maintain the integrity of a local industry group. This is normal, so just try to be patient.

Research and Study The Wedding Market

Moving from South Carolina to Texas, I noticed that the wedding photography market was vastly different, but I let that inform me rather than simply discourage me. Be prepared that your target demographic in your new city may look different than that in your former city. Geographic changes reflect different styles and trends, and while you will want to stay true to your artistic style, you will need to understand what consumers are buying in your new market.  

With this in mind, start learning about the top photographers in your new city. Study what they are doing and discover what makes them successful, but use that knowledge as a tool to decide how you can then stand out on your own.   

Second Shoot for Other Wedding Photographers

For a couple of reasons, I spent a lot of time second shooting during my first year in Texas. For one, we definitely needed the money, but even more importantly I wanted to connect with the most popular and successful photographers in Dallas. I knew that I could learn so much by working for and observing well-respected Dallas wedding photographers and took any opportunity I could to second shoot for them.  

The great thing about second shooting is that you're able to pick up some new tricks and techniques through observation, but you also have the opportunity to impress that more established photographer by giving them your all. This gives you the potential to earn their trust, friendship, and possibly their referrals for dates they might be booked!

If you are cleared to do so, you can also blog the images you take from weddings you second shoot. Make absolutely sure that the lead photographer is okay with this, as you definitely don't want to burn any bridges.

Network With Local Wedding Industry Vendors

A great way to start getting your name out there is to begin following local industry vendors. Connect with venues, florists, bakers, dress shops, and planners. Comment on their Instagram feeds, blog posts, Facebook business page updates, etc. – but make sure your comments are natural and organic. No one likes spammy comments that have nothing to do with the content!

Find and attend local industry mixers such as grand openings and open houses. You can usually find these through Facebook groups and business pages. Also, don't be afraid to hit the concrete and introduce yourself to other businesses such as venues, bakeries, and dress shops! 

Strategize “Out Of The Box” Marketing Solutions

Your most successful business plans might be the craziest, most creative ideas! Come up with fresh and unique ways to connect with your community and market yourself to potential couples. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Contact local planners and offer to do complimentary headshots. Planners will love that you are contacting them from a perspective of what you can do for them rather than the other way around! In addition to serving them and initiating a relationship, you could also blog about the headshot session and ask if you could interview  that planner for your blog!

• Organize a styled wedding shoot. I actually prefer to call these “networking shoots”! Styled shoots are a great way to connect with local vendors while adding to your portfolio. You can also submit the final shoot to wedding blogs so that everyone benefits from SEO building!

• Host a giveaway. In each market I've worked in, I hosted a giveaway as a marketing strategy. In South Carolina, I gave away two engagement sessions. In Texas, I pulled out all the stops and gave away an entire wedding package. In both instances, I was able to attract buzz around my business and booked five or more weddings as a result. The key to making this work is to create entry guidelines, promote as much as possible, and establish a way to collect names and emails so that you can follow up with those who enter. I can't stress the last part enough – following up is absolutely crucial!

Become an expert at creative marketing strategies that no one else is attempting. This way, you'll set yourself apart from other wedding photographers in your area in no time!

Take It Easy On Yourself

It can be easy to look at the move ahead and become frozen and overwhelmed with fear. However, I want to encourage you to try your best to shift your perspective and look at your relocation as an opportunity to start fresh. Challenge yourself to try new marketing strategies, or maybe even consider a rebrand. Lastly, and most importantly, give yourself grace as well as the room to make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up if it takes longer to build your business than you originally expected. This could be the perfect opportunity to take a break in the midst of the stress that comes with moving.

So, deep breath. Slow down. You're going to be okay, and you're going to rock it as your city's newest wedding photographer!

The wedding day shoot is full of crucial moments for you to capture. But, with unforeseen challenges with the timeline, lighting conditions, and other unknown elements, it can often be challenging to know exactly which images you need to document. The wedding reception is the perfect opportunity for you to capture candid moments and memorable images of your couple with their guests. To help you focus on the necessary images your couples will love, ShootDotEdit is sharing 11 reception tips to help your wedding photography.

1. Grand Entrance

During the cocktail hour, the guests anticipate the arrival of the newlyweds to the reception. This moment is the first time they will be introduced to their friends and family as husband and wife, which will result in some memorable images for the couple. Make sure you snap a ton of pictures of the excitement on the bride and groom’s faces, and if you have a second shooter, have them take photos of the guests’ faces as well.

2. First Dance

After they are introduced, the newlyweds will move into the first dance. The first dance is a special moment for the couple and represents the journey they took to get to this important day. While they dance, switch up the angles you shoot at to capture a variety of images. You can shoot through the perspective of the guests, get close-up document their expressions, and shoot from higher and lower angles to mix up the photos you share with the couple.

3. Reception Uplighting

During the reception, there may be additional options for lighting to help you create stunning images for your couple. Uplighting is commonly brought by the DJ or band to assist in creating a unique color, dimension, and texture for the walls at the reception. When shooting with reception uplighting, look for a smooth and light-colored wall to enhance the photos. This helps you highlight the uplighting your couple chose, and create images they will love.

4. Toasts

Although they may not be the most exciting images to capture, the wedding toasts are anticipated by your couple and those closest to them. Often times, challenges arise when shooting these images because of guests and their cell phones, or speakers who stand in front of the couple as they talk. Use this moment to showcase candid moments with the couple, as well as to highlight the speakers, and capture the celebratory moments with the couple and their guests.

5. Traditional Dances

From the father/daughter dance to the mother/son dance, to the money dance, there are several traditional dances your couple may choose to include during their reception. One of the easiest ways to capture the dances and expressions is to move along with them as they dance. Remember not to stand too close to them so they can be themselves and give you expressions that will make their images dynamic.

6. Cake Cutting

As the reception moves along, most couples take advantage of cutting the cake together. Before the couple cuts the cake, take a solo shot of it to highlight it and its unique details. Take another photo of your couple next to the cake to add variety. Shoot them as they grab the knife to slice the first piece of cake, and when they feed a piece to one another. These are all images your couple will love and will keep the memories with them for years to come.

7. Bouquet Toss

Once the traditional dances and cake cutting are over, there are still a few exciting traditions left to document. Discuss the shot beforehand with the bride, and ask her to slowly throw the bouquet so you can shoot her in action. If you have a second shooter, have them focus on the ladies while you work with the bride. This way, you both capture the anticipation and excitement on their faces during the bouquet toss.

8. Garter Toss

After the bouquet toss, it’s time for the groom to toss the garter to the single men. If time permits, ask the groom if you can take a posed shot of him before he actually throws the garter. Similar to the bride and the single ladies, document the excitement on the groom and guys’ faces (and don’t forget to get a few photos of the fight for the garter). These are moments your couple will want to remember, which is why it’s so important to include these photos from the reception.

9. Dancing

When the traditional reception activities are over, your couple and their guests are ready to celebrate. From the Cupid Shuffle to the YMCA, there are plenty of moments for you to capture. To capture the shots that matter, without getting in the way of the crowd and their dancing, use a longer lens. The longer lens makes it seem as if you are closer to your subjects and the background, which means your photos look like you are right in the center of the action.

10. Table Shots

Yes, it is very boring. But, table shots aren’t for you. They are often very meaningful to the couple. Table shots showcase the details the couple chose, and help share more about their style. Once guests are seated at the table, you can also take a few images of them as they socialize with one another. This is a great memory for your clients as they view their images. Plus, research has shown that table shots with guests are some of the most purchased prints in your online gallery.

11. Details

Before the wedding day, the bride and groom spent months on the specific details of the day. There are so many details that go into the wedding day, and this includes the details of the reception. Arrive early to the location to take an overall shot of the reception, and then capture the details up-close. Ensure you document the table tops, floral décor, the stage where the DJ or band will be, and any gift bags for the wedding guests.

The wedding reception is filled with memorable moments for you to document for the bride and groom. Do you know which images to capture throughout the wedding day? Our Guide, 127 Essential Wedding Images You Must Capture, provides you with a photography playbook to grab every important image. Grab your copy today!

The Dream

Sephi Bergerson, a photographer originally from Tel Aviv, Israel and now living in Goa has some big dreams indeed.

After starting from scratch some 15 years ago, Sephi, no stranger to adventure and to live a fully immersive life, is set to launch India's first wedding photography festival. Sephi is well-known documentary wedding photographer in his own right, publishing what I consider one of the best books on the subject: Behind The Indian Veil.

Now with help from some very talented wedding photographers, Sephi has envisioned a gathering for photographers in picturesque Goa. Silk Inspire will be held October 4th through 7th – four days of fantastic presentations and fun activities at each day's end.

What is Silk Photos

Silk Photos describes itself as follows:

We represent a select group of talented wedding photographers, both stills, and motion, specializing in Indian weddings and destination wedding photography in India, and around the globe.

The Interview

So, what can you expect at Silk Inspire? I sat down with Sephi to talk about his plans for the festival, how it came about, why it was necessary to launch this now and where he hopes to take it in the future.

The Invitation To Attend

If you are in India, and you are a wedding photographer, registering for this wedding photography festival is a no-brainer! You must go. The place is right, the timing is right and the price is very right.

If you live outside the country, let me tell you that October in India is a wonderful time. I have friends who say they always want to go to India, so this is a great opportunity to not only learn from some of the best in the industry, but also travel through the country.

The Instructors

Here is who will be teaching at Silk Inspire: India's First Wedding Photography Festival –

Check out each of their websites to learn more about them individually:
Apresh Chavda, Christophe Vieseux, Franck Boutonnet, Joseph Radhik, Mahesh Shantaram, Sephi Bergerson, Susana Barberá, Two Mann Studios

If our schedules permit it, I hope to sit down with each of them to find out a little bit more about them and why being at India's first wedding photography festival is so important for them.

Hanging A Shingle

Congratulations! You have entered the amazing world of photography, and better yet, you have now become a photography business owner. This means, that there are no longer the “cushions” of bi-weekly salaries, you are on your own and you have to make this produce sustainable and expendable income!

As in any business, big or small you must have a plan; not just a business plan. But, you have to create plans of leading marketing directives. Also, have plans on how you expect to deliver the professional products you advertise. So, you must create a plan to bring it all to life. Networking and developing relationships are key!

Better yet while keeping in mind that you are not doing this on your own, I will tell you a secret: there are so many resources, right in the place you operate your business (your neighborhood, town or city) and if you play your cards right and this is done well, it will help your business soar while lifting other businesses up during your path to success. 

Understand, this will not happen overnight, you must be patient and have a strategy. You can launch a brand that you are proud of and really represents YOU!

Having A Strategy

As a business, there are various ways to compete (it is the nature of the beast) and I would say one thing about this: the true competition should be within your own structure, because you must focus on what you are doing for your business and not spending your energy worrying about what everyone else is doing.

That said, a few pieces of advice:

• Become an active member of your community. Join your Chamber of Commerce. Get to now your neighbors.

• Be kind – Maintain an open mind and be friendly with everyone, use the best of your abilities.

• Reach the right individuals – Get to know these business owners, make sure your services offer a good fit for their vision and their association is benevolent for you too.

• Team up within your industry, there will be a handful of photographers in the area, and not everyone will be pleased to know that you are offering likely services, but networking with the right creatives who have the same client in mind and are at the same level with your business plan will allow to cross refer services when booked and  develop some have amazing relationships.

• Expand your market parameters, by traveling and being accessible – Be your best billboard. Tell others that you travel and keep fostering relationships while traveling for seminars, classes, assignments, conventions and such.

• Show your work, let it speak for itself and then let your work ethics speak for you! 

• Make your clients happy and your clients will make YOU happy!

• Keep it simple and although not everyone will be on board: DO NOT give up

• One of  my most important pieces of advice : Make referrals a GOAL!  

I wish that when I took my “leap of faith,” I would have had the resources that are now so available to the new generation of photographers. Or, at least have had someone that would have been willing to shed some light on having the right networking opportunities with industry vendors. Again, this is the best time to do what you are doing! 

I currently handle three divisions under my main business and they all cater to different clientele. Although, all are my favorites as they offer different opportunities and dynamics in photography, I enjoy weddings the most.

Developing Relationships

I will unveil and I will be very transparent about my advice (and I know that wedding photography isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it is mine – we will use as a first example) – my wedding photography division has led me in the direction of knowing many professionals in the industry, not only locally but nationally.

That said, while working locally, I'm focused on teaming with fantastic and experienced vendors, and because I have seen their work ethic, I definitely want to refer them to my couples. This is important in order to maintain a standard of customer service with my clients. Nationally, I nourish my own vendor relationships. The ones who take care of me, my products and the services I offer my clients. These are very essential to my branding.

There are countless opportunities to be explored, but another best piece of advice is that you make sure you take care of your venues locally (if you are into event/wedding photography). Provide images as soon as you have photographs ready, like the same or the very next day. Don’t wait weeks to contact your venue coordinator to send them your work. Also, always remember while sharing your work on social media, make sure you mention their venue (spelling is super important) and highlight the beauty of their site. Keep in mind that other potential couples will see your work at that venue, and because you have experience with the venue you are more likely to be hired.  

Networking Like You Mean Business

Make sure you invest on great marketing collateral because presentation matters. Distribute albums, canvases with creative images and real weddings. Remember be candid and honest about your intent in relationships. Always be kind and deliver on your promise, on time. 

The same practice should be followed for your other industry vendors such as catering teams, floral and cake designers, as well as any entertainment professionals. Network!  Support them anyway you can. Your fantastic images are your tools of your trade, and your relationships with selected venues and vendors will dictate the success of your business. 

If your main focus is portrait photography, then make sure you associate with offices, groups and other community affiliations and always maintain an impressive portfolio at all times. Remember, first impressions are key!

For example, when you have appointment somewhere or even while you are out running errands and frequenting your local shoppes, make sure you speak to others about what you do, and carry your business cards with you. Always, find an opportunity to market yourself.

Lastly, never forget, those times when you feel a little limited. Just take a look at your surroundings and act. Seek the chances to keep developing relationships and your business!

Below, tell us what you do to develop relationships for your photography business. Share your thoughts about how having these local or national partnerships has helped you succeed.

A Different Genre

I must have stumbled across this quote about wedding photojournalism several years ago, when I was starting to transition from being a photojournalist to a wedding photojournalist:

“The hallmark of the concept is both perspective and attitude, based on a mandate to be truly reactive rather than proactive, and a dedication to record events as historian rather than director. Content with reality, the wedding photojournalist quietly documents while anticipating action, sensitively observing details and nuance, capturing moments without subjects actively aware of the process.” – Denis Reggie, the Godfather of Wedding Photojournalism

And it took my breath away.

If you ever pursued anything without knowing that it was valid and that there would be a demand for it, you'll also know that sense of calm that washes over you when you know all will be well.

No one had so succinctly defined the kind of photography I wanted to deliver for my wedding clients. That someone had enunciated it so lucidly assured me that I was on the right path.

So began my pursuit at studying Denis Reggie‘s work. To be honest, I wasn't attracted to it because he had photographed the Kennedy's or that he comfortably commanded five figures for his services. No, it was this “hands-off” approach that captured my imagination. I'll bet you see it in my work at Amata Pictures. Take a look!

The Interview

It was on Facebook that Denis Reggie and I finally connected. I must have asked him a question or responded to something he had posted about wedding photojournalism. What follows is a short interview with Denis Reggie about wedding photojournalism:

We talk about:

– Photographer as a witness, not a director on the wedding day
– How to blend in as a wedding guest to photograph weddings as a photojournalist
– Photographing people without them being aware of the camera
– Why documentary weddings are specific to a particular age group of clients
– How Denis doesn't really use Photoshop to create fantasy photographs
– The Achilles Heels for any new photographer
– Creating consistent lighting, understanding flash to create quality light
– Producing matted albums vs. flush albums for high end clients
– Knowing your client's needs and experiences and delivering on it
– How wedding photojournalists are historians with a camera
– Getting started in the business of wedding photojournalism
– How Denis literally starved for 7 years before making it in his 8th year of business
– Working with wedding planners, banquet managers
– Time, education, practice, staying current all cater to a photographer's progress
– Whether we are sitting in a wedding photography bubble or not; will prices come down?
– There is a market for excellence in wedding photography
– Creating original works of art for discerning clients

The Wedding Photojournalism Gallery

Check out some of Denis Reggie‘s work below and visit his website:

Where Do You Stand?

Are you a photojournalist looking to enter the wedding market? Would you abandon all that you know about narrating visual stories and pose people all day long or would you prefer to work with clients who will respect your work at the end of the day? As Denis Reggie said in the interview, there is no right or wrong approach to wedding photography. If your clients expect (or even demand) a certain approach, then you are in essence only delivering on that promise you are making them at the very start of your relationship.