I’ve been there–you’re right at the start of your wedding photography journey and you’re eager to get some experience and start building up your portfolio…but you have no idea where to begin.

I totally get it, breaking into the wedding world can feel like a beast. You need experience to become a wedding photography expert, but you have to have experience in order to get it. Woof. 

And somewhere along the way, it seems like every photography blog out there started suggesting that the way to gain that experience was by reaching out to other photographers and asking to second shoot for them. But here’s the thing: most seasoned photographers can’t risk hiring second shooters off of a cold DM. 

Photographers who have been working weddings for 5 years, 10 years, or more are usually booking second shooters 6–8 months in advance, and they’re often people we already know, can trust completely, and have years of experience shooting weddings on their own.

It’s not that we don’t want to give new photographers a shot, we’ve just worked really hard to build trust with our clients, and we can’t risk delivering images that fall short of what they’re expecting.

But here’s the good news: there are ways to get started, and I want to offer some insight (and encouragement!) that might help you gain that experience.

1. Offer to Be a Third Shooter (or a Helping Hand)

This is one of the BEST ways to gain wedding experience without the pressure of being a hired second shooter. Offer to come along to carry bags, film behind-the-scenes content, help with gear, or just observe. Put the focus on serving the lead photographer and soaking in everything you can. 

2. Build a Peer Network

Look for other photographers who are at a similar stage in their career and who align with your values and style. Become friends, work together, and support each other. 

If you’re not sure how to get this kind of peer network started, here are a few ways to build that community!

• Set up a low key styled shoot. It doesn’t have to cost you anything–go find a couple together for an engagement shoot and pick a location that you want to explore.
• Connect with someone over instagram and ask if they want to do a headshot or branding swap!
• Go location scouting together and become experts on new places in your area
• Host editing days where you invite people to power through some galleries together. Editing is so much better with a buddy!

When you’ve started to establish this community, hire someone in your peer network to come work with you when you book something. That way you can both gain experience together and build trust and a community that grows with you. 

These things may seem small, but they’re how strong creative communities are built, and having that support system will take you so far in your wedding photography career.

You’ve got this. Just start by showing up, being helpful, finding your people, and building from there!