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An image by wedding photographer SAS Becker. © SAS Becker

Q: What is the biggest mindset change that needs to happen in order to make a successful transition from part-time to full-time wedding photographer?

A: Making the switch from commercial photography to the private sector seemed like an easy transition.  At first, I thought private clients would be easier than photo editors and art buyers… somehow not as demanding. This is not the case. Just think about how much is riding on a wedding: all of the planning, money, anticipation. You can almost always reshoot a model — not a wedding. I think you should approach your families and couples like a commercial shoot. You should always have a concept or an idea you are trying to convey. Are your subjects free spirited, strong, inspiring, or traditional? How will you illustrate this visually? Having a concept brings depth to your images and brings them to life. In the end, whether it’s an art director, a bride, or a new mom, all you really want is for them to be happy with the end result.

This is also really a question about values. I would prefer to think of myself as more than simply a service provider or vendor. In the end I am providing my clients with a photographic product. But, I am not making widgets here; I am giving 110% of my time, talent, and heart as an artist. My values tell me to treat it like a business. Your customer always comes first. It is my job to make sure they are satisfied. So before, during, and after the creation of the photos I am a business professional, they just get a little piece of me in every sale ;-)

What are you looking for from speaker proposals, especially from people who haven’t spoken at WPPI before?
We have 10 new speakers this year who have never spoken for us before. They’re a little different from what we normally see. They may be talking about a different aspect of lighting, or a different approach to Photoshop, or right now photographers are very interested in posing and lighting techniques. And, of course, they should address how to make their work stand out from everybody else so that they can continue to do business in this down economy.

What goes into that program description?
There is an outline, essentially, of what they want to teach. Sometimes it’s only five or six lines, and then we ask them for more information. Remember it’s got to fill up a 2-hour class. It has to be a topic about which the person is extremely knowledgeable and a topic that will pique interest, to make the audience want to ask questions. We also check out a potential speaker’s website to see what kind of photographer they are.

Do you think there are topics that are particularly hot-button issues right now, and how do you keep a finger on the pulse of what people who come to WPPI would like to hear more about?
We always send out a survey after the convention. We ask people to critique the classes that they have been to and also to submit topics that they think were missing.

In the big classes, people want to go back to the basics. We have a lot of attendees who have never been professionally schooled in photography. They picked up a digital camera and thought they had a feel for it. They didn’t go to Brooks or RIT. They feel they have a lot to learn in some of the basic areas they may have just skimmed over because they have a good eye.

As I said, posing and lighting are two of the main areas of interest. They also want to learn how to get the picture right in the camera, without having to “fix” the image in postproduction. This year, of course, we’re emphasizing how to keep your studio afloat in this bad economy. We have a whole program track, The Business Institute, which covers that topic, with seven classes specifically addressing marketing. More »

A wedding image by SAS Becker. ©SAS Becker

Q. How can you assess when is the right time to make the transition from part-time to full-time wedding photography?

A. It is extremely important that you be ready to deliver a professional product when you make the switch from weekend shooter to pro. You really are only as good as your last job. You have time to bone up on the business end of things, but your images are your reputation. Go out on as many jobs as possible as a second photographer. Then you’ll have time to learn but not the pressure of being a lead. Your knowledge of your equipment should be second-hand. Practice at home in every conceivable lighting condition until you feel comfortable with any challenges that may arise. Look at the other work in the marketplace and ask yourself if yours measures up. Then, if you feel confident with your skill and vision, go for it!

Rachel LaCour Niesen is an old-hat at WPPI and has taught there with Andrew Niesen and Mark Adams for many years. That might make it sound like she doesn’t understand what a first-time WPPI attendee is going through — on the contrary, Rachel has such a reputation for helping new and experienced photographers alike, we knew she’d be the perfect person to share a few tips about surviving the huge WPPI show in Las Vegas, which starts February 14.

An image by LaCour photography. © LaCour

1. Start with a Strategy

First-time WPPI attendees are often spotted meandering through the tradeshow with a glazed, “deer in the headlights” look on their faces. Don’t risk being overwhelmed and paralyzed in the tradeshow. Before you leave for Vegas, write up an action plan. Compile a “Must See” list of products and vendors that most interest you. Prioritize visiting those booths first. Then, you can be confident that you’ve visited your top vendors before wandering around the rest of the tradeshow. When you arrive, start by reviewing the WPPI Program Guide and the Tradeshow Map.

2. Take Risks

Human nature is to seek out seminars that affirm our strengths. Rather than hang out in your comfort zone, push yourself by attending classes that challenge your weaknesses. Prioritize attending seminars that push you beyond your comfort zone. Are you intimidated by lighting techniques? Then attend Matthew Jordan Smith’s “Lighting Secrets” seminar on Monday, February 16. Need to boost your confidence in your sales skills? Then attend Corey McNabb’s “Sellification” seminar on Tuesday, February 17.

3. What Happens in Vegas Should NOT Stay in Vegas

Don’t leave your new knowledge behind. One of the biggest mistakes I made after attending my first WPPI was stuffing my notebook into my desk drawer. I never pulled it out again! WPPI is an amazing learning opportunity. Don’t waste it by taking tons of notes that will never be read again. Schedule a “WPPI Recap Retreat” for yourself. Put it on the calendar, block it off so you don’t get interrupted. You will need at least a full day to review your notes and decide how to apply your new knowledge to your business in 2009. You will learn so much at WPPI — soak it up and then implement it! More »