"What do you mean my photography skills aren't enough?!"

[Read Time < 8 Minutes]

The road to a fruitful career in wedding photography is exciting, sometimes scary, very rewarding, but often enlightening and not necessarily in ways you'd expect...or appreciate.

No one likes to know when they fall short at something, especially when it's something you think you have in abundance and are in complete control of.

It's kind of like thinking you look good for the big party.

The outfit is working perfectly, the hair is on point, and you're gliding around the room like a rockstar...only to have some random dude say, "Hey, your fly's open."

Whatever you WERE feeling is long gone.

Wedding photography can be like that...hopefully without the barn door being open.

While your technical skills are essential, the intangible qualities frequently set great photographers apart.

These skills take on a few forms, and when you're new to the wonderful world of weddings, seeing only the negatives (the things you don’t have) become what is commonly known as Imposter Syndrome (Issue #33 if you're feeling it a bit...and we're all feeling it.)

But it's not always negative. I would say that building these intangible skills is a very positive step for every photographer.

These skills not only enhance your ability to capture unforgettable moments but also help you build genuine and long-lasting relationships with your clients.

And the best part - You can practice these skills every day, throughout the day, with or without a camera, even as a Part-time Professional.

Sound like something you'd like to learn more about? Great, because that's what we're going to explore!

Emotional Intelligence and Connection

Empathy is crucial in wedding photography.

Understanding what your couple is feeling on this day helps bring you closer to them and their emotional place.

You don't have to wonder if a bride is nervous before walking down the aisle, but what's the groom feeling? What is Dad feeling before handing his baby girl off to this guy?

Reading body language and listening to what people are saying during key moments (even when they're not talking to you) will help you gain a stronger connection, which translates to better photos.

Patience is another key skill.

Weddings can be unpredictable, and timelines are great on paper.

Patience is about remaining calm and being ready to shoot at a moment's notice.

Like when we've reached the end of the ceremony and the couple is waiting for the green light to kiss, and the pastor...just...keeps...talking...and...talking...and talking.

Keep your head, stay in the zone and be ready for the green light OR for someone to pop out of their seat to grab the shot for you because they have the latest iPhone.

The better you get at observing and watching, the sharper your connection skills become.

Pretty soon, you'll feel like John Wick, and no matter what comes your way, you'll deal with it.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Good connection, patience and focusing skills lead naturally to adaptability, which is essential at weddings.

From weather to whining planners, being able to pivot like a pro ensures you'll get great shots no matter what.

You don't have to be a meteorologist to know that clouds make rain (and amazing light), so be ready if you have to move.

What's even more challenging? Scorching sunlight after a noon wedding.

The more you plan ahead and be ready to change things up, the more you look like a pro, and your photos will show it.

Problem-solving skills are crucial for addressing issues like broken gear or a missing family member right before the "big family shot."

Being resourceful and calm under pressure will make the day run smoothly and keep your blood pressure down.

Knowing you have backup gear ready is not just a pro-level move, it's THE only way to move.

And when Uncle Steve decides to take a stroll at the most inopportune time, don't sweat it. Offer to take the couple off for some shots by themselves and let everyone wait for him.

Odds are they won't, but it's your calm-under-pressure attitude that will impress everyone.

Flexibility or Adaptability, whatever you want to call it, is essential for a successful wedding pro.

Your cool and lack of stress is contagious.

Now, I won't say I haven't WANTED to freak out and start screaming at times, but I'm guessing that never helps, and there's still a lot of wedding left.

Be cool, be prepared for the worst and give everything (and everyone) with a boatload of grace.

Attention to Detail and Creativity

I've said it many times - a wedding is one big day made up of a ton of little things.

You don't SEE the details unless you LOOK for the details.

These details tell the real story of the day.

When Dad steps away down the hall for a little private moment before his big moment, shoot it!

When the groom quietly sits while the rest of his groomsmen are yuckin' it up. Take the shot!

It's a personal moment that belongs to them and when everyone else sees it, they'll wonder what was happening.

They'll SEE the genuineness in that moment they weren't a part of...and they'll love it!

It's those tiny things you have the privilege to see and shoot that will tell the complete and beautiful story of the wedding day.

Train your eye to look and see and capture the details, and you'll develop a keen sense of observation that will take you from a good photographer to a GREAT photographer faster than anything.

It's about creativity.

Creativity sets your photos apart. Finding unique angles and compositions makes your work stand out.

I love using reflections or framing the shot through random things to give the day a more voyeuristic feel.

You see those photos, and you feel like you're there.

Observation is key to capturing unexpected moments like a flower girl playing with the basket during the vows or a mom wiping a tear with a tissue - these candid shots become favorites because they are a part of the story.

Experiment with different techniques and perspectives, and build a creative mindset that will never go away.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is vital.

Clearly conveying ideas and instructions helps ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go.

Good communication can make the difference between a chaotic photo session and a smooth one.

Develop clear and concise verbal instructions and practice active listening and effective speaking to ensure everyone understands your directions.

When you communicate openly, you build rapport with the couple and guests. This makes them feel comfortable around you, resulting in more natural photos.

When people trust you, they are more relaxed and genuine toward you...the person staring at them with a huge camera.

Confidence in your skills and decision-making helps you take charge when needed. Wrangling the big groups and posing the couples takes a certain amount of confidence.

If you don't have it, pretend you have it, and sooner or later, it'll become so natural that you'll really have it.

Confidence reassures everyone that they are in good hands.

The better the communication, the more confidence you have.

See, it's all like a puzzle, and you're building The Ultimate Wedding Photographer.

Professionalism and Passion

If you haven't heard this from me lately, let me refresh you on a mantra I use for just about everything from photography to marketing.

It's not about you.

This wedding day is not YOUR day and no matter how much you think the events should be controlled by you (because you know what looks best), it should not.

This day is about your couple, and respecting their wishes (even when they're a bit...peculiar) ensures you will preserve the day in a way that is meaningful to them.

This might be something cultural or just a cute family tradition, but if it comes as a request and is moral, legal, and not dangerous, it's part of your job.

Don't get too worried. In 25 years of shooting, I can't recall ever being asked to do anything immoral, illegal or dangerous (I have stepped in my share of ponds, however.)

Bottom line - Respecting your couple and their wishes builds trust and satisfaction.

Researching and understanding different cultural traditions shows genuine respect and sensitivity to the couple's values and traditions, AND talking to them beforehand assures you won't be swinging at any curveballs (I prefer fastballs anyway.)

I completely understand how passionate you can feel about ensuring things go well for your couple. Just don't let it get in the way of any relationships.

Passion for capturing emotion shines through in your work. Passion drives you to go the extra mile, whether it's staying late because the farewell car is tardy or offering your playlist because you have that song the bride wants to hear and the DJ doesn't.

Let your passion push you to improve and innovate your photography, and let your passion push you to pursue professionalism in everything you do.

It takes the tangible AND the intangible.

Becoming a successful wedding photographer is about more than just mastering your camera. It's about developing a particular set of skills that would make even Liam Neeson jealous.

These skills allow you to connect with your clients, anticipate and preserve unforgettable moments, and handle the unpredictably awesome nature of weddings with grace and professionalism.

These skills will not only make you a better wedding photographer but also a better business person and a better human being (I KNOW, big words!)

And you want to know a really cool secret?

These "intangilbles" are 100% personalized to you.

No one sees a wedding day like you do, and no one can take all the skills and personality traits you have and make them their own.

This day may not be ABOUT you, but no one can take your passion and your panache and package it up like a professional better than you.

Embrace who you are and what you do, and you'll be much more than just a wedding photographer.

The intangible skills are some of the little parts of the "inner game of wedding photography." THIS is what I write about each week in this newsletter.

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Questions? Shoot me an email at [email protected]