Originally this was going to be a single post, but as the details of each idea grew, I thought it would be better to space it out over a few days.  So, if you like what you see, keep checking back for the rest over the next week!

1. It’s not easy.  Make sure you love it.

It all starts with the foundation. Let’s back up and start at the beginning.  Possibly, let’s back up to before you even get started—or maybe you’ve already started, but you’re not full time and are considering taking your business to the next level.

It seems simple, right?  I have a digital camera and a computer, so I can be a wedding photographer.  HA HA HA!  I can’t tell you how many photographers have started out this way, only to be in tears a year or two later because they are being crushed by the mountain of work that’s on top of them.

If you love wedding photography, be sure to take steps to prevent from ever getting into this situation.  If you’re already in this situation, make some time to make an effort to get out.  If you’re serious about it, it is possible!  However, if you don’t love it and just thought you could make extra money on weekends, chances are you won’t have the motivation to work through it.  Without a passion for what you’re doing, it will eventually collapse, and you’ll be left with a trail of people that are all very unhappy with you which will lead you to be unhappy yourself.

Also, be aware that it’s not just running around with a camera and taking photographs.  You’re running a business.  You set the hours, you are responsible for keeping track of everything and staying on top of it all.  Mel and I love photography, but we also love business.  If you hate business, I would suggest looking into having someone help with that aspect.  Getting into wedding photography while loving photography but hating business is a recipe for disaster.  Seek help immediately!

Thanks for reading–that wraps up Tip #1–the rest are coming soon!

Nashville_Weddings_CJs_Off_the_Square

Cj’s Off the Square is one of our very favorite venues!  It has such a beautiful, intimate feel and CJ and Amy, your event specialists, are just incredible to work with!

We’re excited to help them get the word out about their upcoming open house!  If you’re starting to plan your wedding, or are just curious about this great little venue, you should definitely come check it out!

At this event, brides and socialites can

  • View their 2010 Invitation Collection
  • Sample cake flavors by The Bake Shoppe
  • Get a sneak peak at the nearly finished event pavilion opening at Cj’s Off The Square in April

    • You can register for this event here

    I would say “we’ll see you there” but hopefully I will be having, or will have just had, our baby boy that day! :0)  With that in mind, we’ll just say “hope you can make it!!”  You’re going to love what you see!

    – Mel

    By now, you’ve probably heard a ton of buzz about Smug Mug launching Smug Groups around the country… Nashville photographers wait no longer, Mel and I will be launching the Nashville group this Monday 1/11 at 6:30 pm at the Hutton Hotel.

    Guest speakers will be the immensely talented Jen & Steve Bebb of Bebb Studios in Vancouver, Canada!

    Space is limited, RSVP now!

    Jen & Steve Bebb

    image by Boutwell Studio

    Sexy, playful, romantic, sincere, honest, uncomplicated, complex, quirky, dramatic, peaceful, modern, classic… these are all words that have been applied to the Bebb’s imagery. They also describe the Bebbs as people, to a tee. Never taking themselves too seriously, they understand that success is as much about who you are as it is about what you do. Staying true to themselves, the Bebbs create images infused with personality and spirit, inspired by the people in front of their lens.

    Six months after photographing their first wedding, Steve & Jen became full time wedding photographers, quickly taking their local market by storm. Quietly photographing over 50 weddings each year in Vancouver, Canada, no one was more surprised than they when they were thrust into the international spotlight in 2007 as the only Canadians named by American PHOTO as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World. Since then they have received numerous international distinctions, the most personal of which come from fellow Canadians.  Already known for their fantastic imagery, the Bebbs soon developed a reputation as fantastic educators as well. Since 2007 they have educated thousands of photographers, either through their smaller workshops, or at national and international conventions.

    They are still pursuing their dreams in Vancouver, Canada and with many more air miles to their credit. They are focused on the most elusive of goals: achieving balance between their photography, their speaking commitments, and their family.

    Nashville SMUG
    Monday, Jan. 11, 2010 | 6:30 PM
    Hutton Hotel
    1808 West End Ave.
    Nashville, TN 37203

    SPACE IS LIMITED, so RSVP here and get there early for the best seats.
    SMUGs are free and open to everyone who loves photography.