The Truth About Wedding Photographers

Kevin in an Ambassador Role for Fujifilm

In this video, I give six advice tips for wedding photographers.

1. Don’t be naïve about your finances: Profit First

2. Spend less time worrying about SEO

3. Stop posting endless BTS reels of yourself at weddings

4. Be honest with yourself about time

5. Follow your heart

6. Don't Compare Your Chapter One to Someone Else’s Chapter Ten

I’ve been a wedding photographer for sixteen years and shot almost 800 weddings at that time.

In this video, I offer a candid set of tips that will help everybody who photographs weddings.

Watch the whole video; any wedding Photographer out there will find it very useful.

Don’t be naïve about your finances:  Profit First

Let's start by talking about one of the most glamorous parts of being a wedding photographer—money! And by “glamorous,” I mean the part where you realise that being a creative doesn’t exempt you from being skint. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little financial wisdom to drop on you, courtesy of the Profit First principle.

The Profit First principle was developed by entrepreneur and author Mike Michalowicz in his book Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine.  You can buy the book or read loads about it online, but I’ll save you time by explaining how I keep my business in healthy profit every year.

Even if you are self employed I encourage you to follow this.  It works and whilst you might think its overkill…..I can tell you catagerically that it’s not.

You see, many photographers think money just sort of magically sorts itself out. What usually happens is that the tax bill arrives, and suddenly, you’re staring at your bank account, feeling like a teenager at a cash machine, hoping for a miracle.

So, here’s the solution—get yourself some metaphorical jars. Mine are labeled as follows: 23% Tax, 40% Salary, 5% Profit, and 30% Working Account. Simple, right?

Let’s break it down, shall we?

Every single day.  And I mean, every day, that I have income into my business I split it four ways.  I actually have four separate bank accounts for this, all bar the current account are highish interest accounts.

First off, 23% goes straight to tax. I know, I know—none of us enjoy paying it. But look at it this way: better to set it aside now than to be blindsided by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs knocking on your door. Plus, it keeps the ulcers at bay.  So, 23% of my income everyday goes into my Tax savings account.

Next, 40% Salary. I know what you’re thinking: “Kevin, I’m self-employed; I don’t need a salary!” Wrong. You absolutely do. You need to treat yourself like an employee—because if you don’t value your time and effort, who will? And if you don’t assign yourself a salary each month, you will end up with your financial situation out of sync.  Take a monthly salary and stop looking at your “business bank account” as just “money in the bank for me”.

Now, the 5% Profit account. This is your little reward—your pocket money, if you will. Whether you use it to reinvest in the business, grab a pint, or treat yourself to a new lens cap—this bit reminds you why you’re working so hard. It’s the ‘good job’ pat on the back we all need.

I usually empty my profit account into my personal account the same day I pay my income tax in January.  It’s a lovely feeling and it may just be a few hundred pound or it may be several thousand.  But keep it for yourself and treat it as a dividend or bonus.

Finally, the 32% Working Account. This is your bread and butter for keeping the business running. This is the money you spend on gear, marketing, insurance, and that fancy coffee machine you keep insisting is a “business expense.”

Essentially, the business should be run ONLY from the Working Account.  Try not to look at the other accounts when planning your business finances. 

If your Working Account doesn’t allow you to buy a new camera, then don’t. 

The Working account is your sanity figure.  Base all your expenses and business decisions on that account only.

The harsh fact is if you can’t run your business effectively from the Working Account then your business is in a financially difficult position.

And there you have it. Simple, but so effective. Remember, money management isn’t just for the suit-wearing finance folk; it’s for us creatives, too. Use the Profit First principle; you’ll be less of a starving artist and more of a thriving photographer.

And I promise you, it works.

Spend less time worrying about SEO

I’m about to save you a whole lot of time and a fair few grey hairs. If I had a quid for every time a photographer asked about SEO, I’d probably be a very rich man. SEO—Search Engine Optimisation—sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Like some sort of digital wizardry that only people with thick glasses and an affinity for spreadsheets understand. But here’s the honest truth: most of us are spending way too much time worrying about it.

Now, I’m not saying SEO isn’t important. I’m not mad. But here’s the thing—most modern website builders like Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, and the rest of the gang already do 90% of the heavy lifting for you. If you’re sitting there in the dead of night, stressing about meta tags and keyword density instead of, writing great blog posts that showcase your work, your probably mismanaging your time.

Let’s break it down. We’re wedding photographers, right? The job is to tell stories with a camera, not become full-time SEO gurus. I’m not saying to ignore it altogether, but for heaven’s sake, don’t let it take over your life. Google doesn’t care about an obsession with alt text; it cares about valuable, engaging content. That means real stories, real moments, real emotion—things we should be pretty good at capturing, yeah?

So here’s the advice: spend more time blogging and less time chasing backlinks – they will come organically. Write about the weddings. Write about the lovely couples met, the gorgeous venues shot at, and those moments that make everyone’s eyes well up. Trust me, when people search for photographers, they’re looking for someone who can tell their story, not someone who’s figured out how to stuff the words “wedding photographer” into a webpage 73 times.

And when there’s a nice blog post up? Share it. Share it on social media, share it with the couple, share it with the venue. Make connections in the real world, not just the digital one. A happy client sharing a blog post is worth more than any SEO trick you can think of. It’s not about gaming the system; it’s about being genuine and showing off your talent.

Look, we’ve got better things to do than become slaves to the SEO gods. Focus on the craft, tell the stories, and Google will take care of itself. And if it doesn’t, well, at least there’ll be a portfolio full of cracking images instead of a boring site full of keywords.

Of course, you do need to keep one eye on ensuring your titling things right and naming your images correctly etc but honestly, spend less time worrying about SEO and more time doing what you do best—capturing love, laughter, and all those little moments in between.

Before I recorded this video, I went to five of my friends wedding photography sites.  NONE of them had blogged a wedding in the last three months.  Some, for much longer.

And you don’t have to just blog weddings.  Take a look at my site and you’ll see entire blog posts based on one photo as well.  I simply talk about why I love that photo.

Feed the Google monster what it wants – which is good, honest, regular content and the rest will look after itself.

Stop posting endless BTS reels of yourself at weddings

Let’s talk about something that might ruffle a few feathers: those behind-the-scenes reels and self promotion on Instagram, tickety tok and the likes. Now, I get it. It’s tempting to show off all the hustle and bustle, running around with a camera, climbing on chairs, lying on the floor, pulling off ninja moves to get the perfect shot. Makes us look like rock stars, doesn’t it? But let’s be honest for a second—who are we really making those reels for? Ourselves or our clients?

Or worse – are you making those reels to impress other photographers?

Here’s the thing: couples aren’t booking us because we look like we’re auditioning for Mission: Impossible 7. They book us because they want amazing photos of their wedding.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m all for a bit of sharing content for suppliers etc and A glimpse behind the curtain can be fun. But when the feed is full of nothing but BTS reels, it stops being interesting. It becomes a bit, well, self-indulgent. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t really add value for the people who matter most—potential clients.

What if, instead, we focused on the stuff that actually resonates? Like showcasing those magical moments from the weddings themselves. You know, the tears during the vows, the ridiculous dance moves, the cheeky glances from across the room. The moments that make couples go, “Yes! That’s what I want for my wedding!” Real content that tells a story and connects emotionally.  Potential clients really don’t give a damn about where you stopped for coffee on the way to a wedding, or what you are currently watching on Netflix while editing.

The truth is, there’s a fine line between showing authenticity and showing off. If you’re posting more about yourself than your clients, it might be time to rethink the strategy. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about us. It’s about them—the couples, the stories, the moments that really matter.

So, I would personally dial it down on the endless BTS and up the game on content that actually speaks to people. Make it about the clients, not about us. After all, that’s why we got into this in the first place, isn’t it?

To capture their stories, not to make mini-documentaries about ourselves.

Be honest with yourself about time

Alright, let’s have a little chat about time management, shall we? And before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh no, here comes another productivity lecture,” just hear me out. I’m not going to tell you to get up at 5 a.m., take an ice bath, and drink a kale smoothie. No one wants that. What I am going to say is this: be honest with yourself about how you’re spending your time.

Here’s the thing—being a wedding photographer isn’t just about taking photos on the day. There’s editing, client meetings, emails, marketing, and all the other bits that make the business tick. But let’s not pretend it’s some never-ending cycle of work. The truth is, most of us could wrap up everything we need to do in about two days if we just focused.

There are a lot of lessons that can be taken from the book The Four Hour Working Week.  But the honest truth is, I generally run my business by shooting the wedding on a weekend and spending Monday and Tuesday working on editing, business etc.  That’s pretty much it.  We become Wedding photographers, usually, for a better work life balance and if you don’t think you have that – then its time to change.

We tell ourselves we’re “super busy,” but in reality, a lot of us are just really good at procrastination. How many times have you sat down to edit and ended up down some bizarre YouTube rabbit hole, watching videos about the ten most dangerous animals in Australia? (Which, by the way, is all of them.)

I’ll be blunt: if you’re finding that tasks are taking you a week, two weeks, or even longer, it’s time to look in the mirror and admit that Netflix, Instagram, or whatever your distraction of choice is, might be running the show. We can spend hours faffing about with Lightroom sliders, tweaking one image a thousand times, all while convincing ourselves we’re working. But are we, really?

So here’s a little challenge: what if, after shooting a wedding, you gave yourself just two days to get everything done? One day for culling, editing, and album basics. Another day for all the admin bits—emails, invoices, social media posts. Two days. That’s it. No more dragging it out.

When we stop treating our time like it’s unlimited, we get more done and, shockingly, have more time to do other things. Like, I don’t know, having a life outside of weddings? Crazy idea, I know.

The point is, it’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Being busy isn’t a badge of honour to plaster on a BTS Reel on Instagram. Getting things done efficiently is. So, stop kidding yourself about how “busy” you are and start being honest. Block out time, get the work done, and then, I don’t know, go watch those dangerous animal videos guilt-free.

Let’s be real: time management isn’t some mythical art. It’s about deciding what matters, getting it done, and then getting on with your day. So, be honest with yourself about where your time is going, and you might just find you’ve got more of it than you think.

Follow your heart

Alright, let’s finish with something that might sound a bit fluffy, but stick with me—it's probably the most important bit of advice I’ve got. Follow your heart. Now, before you roll your eyes and think I’m going all philosophical on you, let’s break this down a bit.

When I started out in wedding photography, I decided to be a documentary wedding photographer. I wanted to capture real moments—the tears, the laughs, the slightly tipsy uncle who’s had one too many and thinks he’s Elvis. And that’s what I’ve stuck to. No gimmicks, no trendy filters Just genuine, honest storytelling.

But here’s the problem: too many photographers out there are like magpies, chasing every shiny new fad that pops up on Instagram. One minute it’s all about bright and airy; the next, it’s dark and moody, then it’s neon vintage with a side of cinematic drama. And hey, if that’s genuinely your thing, then crack on. But if you’re just doing it because it’s trendy, well, you’re gonna burn out fast.

Fads come and go, but authenticity—being true to what you love—sticks around. When you’re authentic in your work, when you shoot in a style that speaks to you, you create a brand that’s cohesive, recognizable, and, most importantly, sustainable. You’ll attract clients who love what you do, not what the latest Instagram trend says they should love.

Think about it: would you rather spend your career constantly reinventing yourself to keep up with every new trend or spend it doing what you truly love, with people who appreciate it? Because when you start chasing trends, you’re no longer in control of your brand. Instagram is.

Instead, let your passion, your creativity, and your gut guide you. If you love deep, emotional black-and-white shots, go for it. If capturing wild, colourful celebrations is what gets you out of bed in the morning, do that. But make it yours. Be consistent with it, and own it. That’s how you build a brand that stands the test of time.

And look, I get it—it’s easy to get sucked into the hype, especially when you’re scrolling through social media and seeing everyone else jumping on the latest bandwagon. But remember, followers don’t pay the bills; clients who connect with your genuine style do.

So, follow your heart. Stick to what you love. The right people will find you, and they’ll love you for being you—not for being a copy of what everyone else is doing.

Don't Compare Your Chapter One to Someone Else’s Chapter Ten

Let’s talk about something that gets all of us from time to time—comparison. It’s like that annoying itch you just can’t scratch. You’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, and there it is: another photographer posting about their 50th wedding of the year, their latest publication in some glossy mag, or—their announcement as the new ambassador for Fancy Pants Cameras.

And there you are, in your underpants, editing a wedding from two months ago, wondering what the hell you’re doing wrong. Sound familiar? Well, let me give you a reality check: you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just at a different point in your journey.

See, the problem is we’re all guilty of comparing our Chapter One to someone else’s Chapter Ten. You’re just starting out, trying to figure out how to balance shooting, editing, marketing, and maybe even just remembering to eat lunch. Meanwhile, the photographer you’re comparing yourself to has been at it for years. They’ve made the mistakes, done the graft, and learned the lessons. What you’re seeing is the result of years of hard work, not some overnight success story.

And here’s where I’m going to throw in a bit of advice that might sound a bit harsh: slow down. I see so many photographers these days who are fresh out the gate already chasing after that ambassador role like it’s some golden ticket.

 Here’s the thing: being an ambassador should be a reward, not an ambition. Let me say that again for the folks in the back: a reward, not an ambition.

Becoming an ambassador for a brand shouldn’t be the goal. Your goal should be to develop your craft, build a solid reputation, and create images that make people feel something. If you’re doing all that and doing it well, the ambassador stuff may come to you when the time is right. But chasing it right out of the gate? That’s running before you can walk.

Focus on building your own unique voice and style first. Focus on learning the ropes, making connections, and creating work that makes you proud. That’s where the real value is. Not in slapping “ambassador” on your Instagram bio because you got a free camera strap.

So, next time you find yourself knee-deep in the comparison game, remember this: every photographer you admire had to start somewhere. They had their Chapter One, too. And yeah, maybe they’re at Chapter Ten now, but that’s because they kept at it, focused on their own path, and didn’t spend all their time trying to jump ahead.

Comparison is a thief of joy, as they say. It can make you feel like you’re never enough when, in reality, you’re exactly where you need to be. So, take a deep breath, put the blinders on, and focus on your journey. Because if you stay true to yourself and your craft, your Chapter Ten will come—and it’ll be worth the wait.