wedding photographer

How to Earn Money in Photography: Wedding Photography, Newborn Photography, Fashion Photography, Product Photography & more

Passionate about photography? Thinking of ways to make money with photography? Well, by enhancing your artistic/composition, technical, communication and networking skills, you can increase your earning potential.

Wedding Photography

wedding details photography

To start with, create a portfolio by practising at your friends or family weddings. You can also start as an assistant wedding photographer which will help you gain experience. Promote yourself – word of mouth, tell friends/family to recommend you, if they come to know of any requirement for a wedding photographer in their circle. Create a business account/page on social media – Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest etc. and showcase your best work to get wedding bookings.

A pre wedding photoshoot is a great way to know a couple; you get to know them – the poses they are comfortable with (open pose, V pose, closed pose, stacked on, the swing etc.), which helps you to create a photograph that reflects a mood: romantic, playful and so on. As you gain their trust and confidence; they may even ask you to shoot their wedding.

Some of the wedding styles you can incorporate in your wedding shoots:

Formal

wedding photoshoot

You set up the photograph by giving poses/directions to the couple and ask them to look into the camera before taking the shot.

Candid

wedding photographer

You do not give any directions instead observe and take shots that depict beautiful emotions/moments of the bride, groom or the couple.

Romantic

wedding photos

You use soft lighting to create a romantic mood in the photo; if outdoors you can photograph the couple during the golden hour for soft light wherein the couple can be shown embracing, looking at each other etc. You can also try capturing silhouette photos of the couple.

Photojournalistic

You document the day with Black & White photographs capturing the moments, the couple may not be a part of, which they can see later in their wedding album. People shouldn’t be aware of being shot, so use long/telephoto lens, do not use flash instead go for a high ISO, use wide angle lens and capture the different moments of the day as they unfold.

Pro tips:

  • Carry extra memory cards and batteries
  • Take informal/candid shots, formal portraits and detail shots
  • Try different angles, vantage points and variations in your images
  • If you have an assistant photographer, you can ask them to move around the venue and take candid shots of the guests while you capture formal shots of the couple and their family
  • For family shots – give directions, arrange everyone in a line and ensure there is balance & consistency in their heights
  • The wedding photos should tell a story – it should cover the moments prior to the wedding ceremony (haldi ceremony photos), wedding preparation, wedding venue – the exterior and the interior, wedding ceremony & couple shots, group shots of the guests and evening shots of the reception (formal & informal shots)
  • Recommended settings for group shots: aperture of f/8 to f/11 to keep everyone in focus, ISO 100 – 800, shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions (to avoid motion blur – do not use shutter speed slower than 1/60 sec)
  • In group shots, people may blink – so take multiple shots
  • Take detail shots which include photographs of the wedding rings, mehndi on the bride’s hands, betel nut used in 7 pheras, flowers at the venue, wedding cake etc. using shallow depth of field
  • Use Leading Lines, Rule of Thirds, Frame within Frame composition techniques in your shots
  • Take close-up, mid-length and full-length shots
  • With the fairy lights in the background, set the focus on the couple in front using the widest aperture to create a beautiful bokeh effect
  • Evening shots: To photograph the couple dance, take shots from different angles; recommended settings include wide angle lens, wide aperture, ISO 1600 – 3200 depending on the lighting conditions, shutter speed – not slower than 1/60 sec
haldi wedding photography

Photos by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to an aspiring photographer named Jo.

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Wedding Photography with the help of practical examples.

wedding photographer

Newborn Photography / Baby Photography

As a parent, getting your baby photoshoot done is a great way to capture and preserve the best and precious moments of your life. As they say – it’s not possible to travel back in time, but in the future, these beautiful photographs of your newborn can certainly help you relive those amazing moments!

newborn photography

Photo by Shamiya Khan – Photographer: Newborn-Baby-Mamma-Family. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/stockbylovephotography/

Baby photoshoot includes taking photographs of babies from birth till they are 1 year old.

Pro tips:

  • Good time to photograph the newborn is just after they have been fed; they are sleepy which makes it easy for you to capture some amazing shots
  • Go for a wide aperture to create shallow depth of field that will give a dreamy look to the image  
  • Use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec or 1/200 sec to avoid motion blur
  • Avoid using flash, it can upset the newborn; carry your studio lights to the client’s place and set up a studio there
  • Use lots of props like soft toys, cushion, wraps, headbands, baskets, etc. to add another element the baby can interact with
baby photography

Photo by Nancy Bindal – Photographer: Baby whisperer | Memory maker. For more such amazing images, do check her Instagram profile here instagram.com/nancy_bindal_photography/

Fashion Photography / Portrait Photography

Fashion photography

It is used to sell a product/lifestyle; it is a glamorous, fast-paced industry. A very creative field, it requires good communication skills to give directions & explain different poses to the model. Good understanding of lighting is needed –knowledge of how to use natural lighting, operate studio lights and how to use reflectors to create visually appealing photos. Technical skills are also required for post-production. 

Portrait photography

Portraits can be for weddings, for family, or to capture the personality of a person.

wedding portrait photography

Photo by Omkar Kadam, a professional wedding and fashion photographer. For more such amazing images, do check his Instagram profile here instagram.com/pixelerphotography/

Pro tips for Portrait Photography:

  • Make your subject/model feel comfortable and communicate/suggest different poses for the shoot
  • Go for a wide aperture/opening (small f/number) to create a Shallow Depth of Field that will keep the subject in sharp focus and make them stand out and blur the background (you can also use aperture priority mode)
  • Your subject can blink/move, so use fast shutter speed of 1/125 sec depending on the lighting conditions, try to use a low ISO of 100 – 200 
  • Use props to add some visual interest and context
  • Natural daylight is the best light for a portrait photography or else you can create light with flash or use studio lighting
  • Focus on the eyes of the subject; the eye contact between the subject and the viewer makes for an engaging and powerful photograph that could tell a story about your subject or reveal your subjects’ mood or personality
  • Crop above any joints (avoid cropping through neck, elbow, knees)

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Fashion/Portrait Photography with the help of practical examples.

wedding portrait photography

Product Photography/ Food Photography

Product Photography

Product photography is used to attract customers to buy a product by showcasing great photos that give important information of the product – its shape, colour, size and so on. Product photography could be for a hotel that can be displayed on their website, it could be for real estate or food of a restaurant etc.

Pro tips for Food Photography:

  • Depending on the height, size & shape of the food, you can either photograph it from the front or from the top that best highlights its qualities
  • Use cooking utensils, tableware, ingredients, sauces, herbs, spices, spoons, jars, glasses, pepper grinder & other related props in the foreground or background to add depth to your photograph
  • Colour Theory will help you decide on what background to use to make the food photo visually appealing
  • Go macro, go close
  • As per your comfort, use natural light or club it with studio light and reflectors to avoid shadows that hide the details of the food

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Product/Food Photography with the help of practical examples.

food photo

Few more ways to earn money in photography:

  • Sell your photos on stock websites like iStock (Getty Images), Shutterstock, EyeEm etc.
  • Enter photography competitions/contests and stand a chance to win prizes
  • Be a photography tutor on any online course platforms or design your own photography courses with/without photography tours, conduct photography workshops
  • Place ads in your photography blogs – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these ads or place sponsored links within your blog content – get paid every time a visitor clicks on these links or makes a purchase through these links  
  • If you have good amount of followers onInstagram, you can collaborate with brands and take pictures of their products and sell/advertise them through your Instagram account
  • Some wedding photographers do need help in post-processing of the wedding photos – if you have good post-processing skills in Lightroom or Photoshop you can offer your services
  • Become a photojournalist or a freelance photographer for a travel magazine/portal etc.

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Have you found your photography niche, yet? Do let us know in the comment box below.

Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!

5 Reasons to go for Black and White Photographs

Do you always capture colour photographs? Want to create Black and White photographs but unsure when to go for it? Well, then scroll down to uncover the 5 reasons that will help you decide which photos would look better in Black and White!

Black and White Photography

1) When you want to add drama to the photograph

Black and White Photography
Black and White Photography
Black and White Photography

2) When you want to add charm to Portrait Photography; give a timeless feel to Landscape Photography (especially Waterfalls)

Black and White Photography

3) When you want to give the viewer, a feel of the bygone era

Black and White Photography

4) When capturing Shadows

Black and White Photography

5) It depends upon the artistic/creative vision you have in mind that you want to show your viewer through your photo, take the call accordingly

(Below is a photograph with Bokeh effect)

Black and White Photography

Other areas to create Black and White photos to create a mood or highlight the texture include Wildlife Photography, Street Photography, Architecture Photography and more.

Texture in Photography (Bitter Gourd in Black & White)

Texture in Photography

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept  of Black and White Photography with the help of practical examples.

Black and White Photography

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express.  

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!

Landscape, Portrait, Food, Sports/Action, Wildlife, Architecture & Macro Photography

As World Photography Day approaches (on 19th August), we bring you different types of photography that you can choose to excel in, as per your interests and passion!

Landscape Photography

Landscape Photography

  • Set a small Aperture/opening (select from f/16 to f /22) to create a Deep Depth of Field so that all the objects/subjects (humans or animals) in the foreground and background of the scene appear sharp
  • A Tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake since you may use a small Aperture or Slow Shutter Speed to capture the beauty of landscapes at different times of the day
  • Use wide-angle lens (18 mm is wide lens, 55 mm is zoom lens) to capture a broader view of the landscape
  • Try Composition techniques like Rule of Thirds and Centred Composition to create aesthetically appealing images

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.

Click on the below Images to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Landscape Photography with the help of practical examples.

How to shoot Landscape Photography

Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography

  • Make your subject/model feel comfortable and communicate/suggest different poses for the shoot
  • Go for a large Aperture/opening (small f/number) to create a Shallow Depth of Field that will keep the subject in sharp focus and make him/her stand out and blur the background
  • Use props to add some visual interest and context

Portrait photography ideas

  • Natural daylight is the best light for a portrait photography or else you can create light with flash or use studio lighting
  • Focus on the eyes of the subject; the eye contact between the subject and the viewer makes for an engaging and powerful photograph that could tell a story about your subject or reveal your subjects’ mood or personality

Portrait Photography

Click on the below Images to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Portrait Photography with the help of practical examples.

How to shoot Portrait Photography

Food Photography

Food Photography

  • Depending on the height, size & shape of the food, you can either photograph it from the front or from the top that best highlights its qualities
  • Use cooking utensils, tableware, ingredients, sauces & other related props in the foreground or background to add depth to your photograph
  • Go macro, go close

Sports/Action Photography

Sports Photography & Action Photography

  • Set a Fast Shutter Speed to capture/freeze the action or quick movements of the athletes (select from 1/250 sec to 1/4000 sec) depending on the sport you’re shooting
  • To capture sports events, telephoto lens/zoom lens is recommended (55 mm or higher) so that you can photograph your subjects even from a distance
  • Get on your knees and try low angle shots

Click on the below Images to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Food Photography & Sports/Action Photography with the help of practical examples.

How to shoot Food Photography & Sports & Action Photography

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife Photography

  • To photograph wildlife, you need telephoto lens (zoom lens) of at least 250 mm
  • On a trip to a nature reserve (wildlife sanctuary) – to blend into the environment, wear camouflage clothing and use a telephoto lens (zoom lens) of 600 mm to take sharp photos of the wildlife without disturbing them
  • If you don’t want to buy, you can take a telephoto lens on rent
  • Sit down and take the shot at the eye level; use a tripod/stand for support (since the lens can be heavy) to avoid camera shake/blur images
  • Research your subject’s feeding/active time; be quiet & slow while approaching your subject
  • Set the focus on the eye of the bird/animal (using single focus point); use Center-weighted average Metering mode 
  • For bird photography, you can buy a bird feeder and attach to your window to attract birds
  • Use Shutter Priority mode for moving animals or flying birds, Fast shutter speed above 1/1000 sec, ISO 400/800/1600. To arrive at a correct exposure, camera will set the aperture. Fast shutter speed is essential here to freeze the action/motion of the wildlife so that your photos don’t come out blur. (You will have to set/experiment with fast shutter speed depending on the lighting conditions available since with very fast shutter speed under low lighting conditions – you may end up with a dark/underexposed image)

  • Zoom lens and wide aperture (f5.6) will create Shallow Depth of Field which means it will blur the background and make the bird/animal stand out in your photograph
  • Use Setting – Continuous Shooting so that you don’t miss out on any action/movement/motion of your subject; ; also you’ll get multiple shots so that you can pick the best shot – a sharp image
  • A Tripod/stand is highly recommended to avoid camera shake or hold your camera closer to your body to support your arms & elbows for stability or find a surface to support your elbows or lean against a wall

Settings used to capture the below pic of Monkey (Hanuman Langur) – Shutter Speed: 1/60 secs, Aperture: F/5.6, ISO 800, Focal length: 250 mm:

wildlife photography

 

In the below pic, settings used were Aperture: F/ 5.6,  ISO: 800 and Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec; fast shutter speed of 1/4000 sec has frozen the movement/action of the Pigeon:

Bird photography using fast shutter speed to freeze motion

In the below example, you can see motion blur since slow shutter speed was used, it was set at 1/100 sec:

On the top is Female Purple-rumped Sunbird, below her is the Male Purple-rumped Sunbird.

Motion blur bird photography

Click on the below Images to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Wildlife Photography with the help of practical examples.

How to shoot Wildlife Photography

Architecture Photography

Architecture Photography

  • Photographing the building/structure from different angles will make it look more dynamic; try looking up and take the shot to give the viewer a different perspective/form of the building
  • Look out for structures with interesting shapes like triangles and so on
  • Use monochrome (Black & White) creative filter to give the image, a timeless feel

Macro Photography

Macro Photography

  • Macro Photography is used to photograph small subjects like insects, flowers and inanimate objects to bring out their fine details; you need macro lens of 100 mm or higher to take photos of them up-close. To read the Macro photography blog, click here

Click on the below Images to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Architecture Photography & Macro Photography with the help of practical examples.

How to use Macro Photography & Architecture Photography

Bonus: Photography Tips for You –

  • Step out during early morning hours or late at night when it is less crowded so that you can capture a better view of the place and from different angles without anyone obstructing your view
  • Visit offbeat destinations which will give you the opportunity to take photographs of less explored or unseen places that will make your photo stand out
  • Use different composition techniques and take wide angle shots of the scene so that you can capture all that is present; at a later stage – you can always crop your photos but you can never get back the elements that were present in the scene but you didn’t capture them
  • To freeze motion/action of your subject (especially for wildlife photography) – always set faster shutter speed; don’t worry about the exposure (brightness/details) coz exposure can always be enhanced while post-processing (Lightroom) but if you’ve used slow shutter speed it will blur the motion of your subject which cannot be fixed in post-processing
  • Click as many photos as possible; practice is the key to develop your own style as a photographer

When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer. 

Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!

Did this blog help you with some ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.