Take risks, explore career options.

We all have dreams and aspirations, but sometimes it can be difficult to take the plunge and pursue them. Taking risks is a necessary part of life, and exploring career options is no different. It’s important to take risks, explore career options, and be open to the possibilities that come our way.

Jasmine Blais is a prime example of someone who has taken risks and explored career options. In her teens, she was taking photos of album covers and felt a sense of joy from creating something she was proud of. As she got older, she continued to take photos of people and couples for free, allowing her to have a creative outlet and make mistakes while learning. She eventually decided to pursue a career as a teacher, but photography was still on her mind.

When her now-husband bought her a DSLR camera, she decided to explore her photography career further. She was taking risks, but they weren’t really risks because she was still trying to figure out life in her early twenties. She was navigating her teaching career while also exploring her photography career. Eventually, she decided to pursue photography full-time, and the rest is history.

Blais’s story is a great example of how taking risks and exploring career options can pay off. It’s important to take risks and explore different career paths because it can lead to new opportunities and experiences. It’s also important to be open to the possibilities that come our way, as we never know what might be waiting for us around the corner.

When it comes to taking risks and exploring career options, Blais’s story is a great example of how it can pay off. Taking risks and exploring different career paths can lead to new opportunities and experiences, and it’s important to be open to the possibilities that come our way. Blais’s story is a great reminder that taking risks and exploring career options can lead to success.

Gain confidence and experience.

Blais was a teacher in her late 30s to early 40s and was looking for a creative outlet or potential career as well. She took the leap to transition to a half-time contract, which was a big risk for her. With no children at the time, she felt that this was the perfect opportunity to take the leap and try something new. After having her two children, she realized that she wanted to invest in her photography business and really focus on it. She invested in two educational platforms, “Business Math with Jai Long” and “Jenny Maroney Mastermind”, which helped give her the confidence and knowledge she needed to succeed.

Blais’s first wedding was in 2014, and she admits that she was not very prepared for it. However, she has gained a lot of experience and confidence in the past few years and has fallen in love with wedding photography. She now has the confidence to say yes to more things and take risks, and has found that weddings are a huge positive event to capture.

Blais’s story is a great reminder that taking risks and exploring career options can lead to success. She has gained a lot of confidence and experience in her photography business and has found a passion in wedding photography. Her story is a great reminder that it’s important to be open to the possibilities that come our way and to take risks and explore different career paths.

Trust yourself and practice.

Blais’s advice to those wanting to get into wedding photography is to “trust yourself and practice”. She emphasizes the importance of trusting yourself and being confident in your abilities. She also encourages photographers to practice using manual settings and techniques before jumping into a wedding. This advice is invaluable for those wanting to get into wedding photography. It is important to be confident in your abilities and to have a good understanding of the technical aspects of photography.

Blais also stresses the importance of understanding that it takes time to reach your goals. She believes that too many people give up too quickly because they expect results right away. She reminds us that it takes time and dedication to reach our goals and that a failure should be seen as an opportunity to learn. This is an important reminder for anyone starting a business or pursuing a new career.

Blais’s advice is invaluable for anyone wanting to get into wedding photography. Her story is a great reminder that it’s important to trust yourself and practice. It is also important to be open to the possibilities that come our way and to understand that it takes time and dedication to reach our goals. By following her advice, photographers can be sure to have a successful and enjoyable wedding photography experience.

Know your camera settings.

One of the most important tips that Blais offers is to know your camera settings. She emphasizes the importance of being familiar with your camera in different lighting situations, such as fluorescent lighting, dark churches, and other challenging scenarios. Knowing how to adjust your camera settings for different lighting conditions is essential for capturing the best photos. For example, setting your white balance correctly can make a huge difference in how your photos look.

In addition to knowing your camera settings, Blais also recommends having a backup plan. She carries clear umbrellas in her car in case of bad weather, and suggests that photographers consider renting cameras or lenses if they don’t have the right equipment. This way, they can be sure to have the right equipment for the job.

Overall, knowing your camera settings is an essential part of wedding photography. By following Blais’s advice and being prepared for any situation, photographers can ensure that they get the best photos possible. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a successful wedding photographer.

Serve, don't sell.

However, it is not just about the technical skills. Blais also emphasizes the importance of serving your clients and understanding their needs. He says, “Don’t stand back and look at the monetary value of wedding photography, because I think when you do that, you know, the longevity of your wedding photography career, it won’t really last because actually wedding is, you know, it’s a huge task. So you really have to enjoy it, and you really have to love it in order to do it. So I would say that when you are, you know, if you are getting inquiries, or if you want inquiries, I would really focus on showing people how you can serve them, you know, versus then, you know, just reaching out for somebody to, to hire you kind of thing.”

By serving your clients, you show them that you understand their needs and that you care about their wedding day. This will help you build a strong relationship with them and will increase your chances of getting hired. Additionally, it is important to have a portfolio of images to show potential clients. You can create a portfolio by going out and shooting styled shoots and details. This will help you show potential clients what you are capable of and will increase your chances of getting hired.

Overall, Blais’s advice is invaluable for anyone looking to become a wedding photographer. By understanding your camera settings and serving your clients, you can become a successful wedding photographer. With practice and dedication, anyone can achieve their goals and become the wedding photographer of their dreams.

You will miss moments.

One of the main concerns that many aspiring wedding photographers have is missing moments. It can be daunting to think of all the possible moments that you could miss, but it’s important to remember that you will miss moments. This doesn’t mean that you’re a failure or that you’re not good enough. It’s just part of the job.

Blais suggests that the best way to handle this is to accept it and move on. He also suggests that starting out as a second shooter or an assistant can be a great way to get your feet wet and see if wedding photography is something that you’d like to do. This way, you can learn the ropes and gain the confidence you need to be successful.

Blais also mentions that it’s important to understand yourself and your energy levels. If you’re an introvert, then you may need more time to yourself to recharge after a long day of shooting. This is perfectly normal and something that all wedding photographers should be aware of.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that you will miss moments. It’s part of the job and it’s something that all wedding photographers have to deal with. However, with practice and dedication, you can become a successful wedding photographer and capture all the special moments that make a wedding day so special.

Provide standout client experience.

One of the best ways to provide a standout client experience is to make sure that you’re there for your clients. That means being their timekeeper, their best friend, and their high girl. You should also make sure that you’re there to make the experience great for your clients. That means making sure that you’re there to help them adjust their veil, get ready, and take photos that they didn’t know they wanted.

It’s also important to make sure that you’re providing a great client experience by using humor. This can help to lighten the mood and keep the day going smoothly. It can also help to keep the clients from getting too stressed out.

Finally, it’s important to remember that your job as a wedding photographer isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s also about providing a great client experience. That means being there for your clients and making sure that they have the best day possible. If you can do this, then you’ll be sure to have successful wedding days and happy clients.

Provide client experience bonuses.

A great way to provide client experience bonuses is to ask for reviews. After the wedding, make sure to ask your clients to leave you a review. This will help you to build your reputation and get more bookings. Additionally, you can ask one of the bridesmaids to leave a review as well. This will provide an unbiased opinion of your services and will help to build your credibility.

Another great way to provide a client experience bonus is to give sneak peeks of the photos within 24-48 hours after the wedding. This will give your clients something to share with their friends and family, and will make them feel special. It will also help to build excitement for the final photos.

Finally, make sure that you are always open and honest with your clients. Don’t be afraid to let them know if you need to adjust a light or if you need to take a few extra shots. This will show that you are committed to providing the best service possible.

All in all, providing client experience bonuses is an important part of being a wedding photographer. Make sure to ask for reviews, give sneak peeks, and always be open and honest with your clients. Doing this will help to ensure that you have successful wedding days and happy clients.

Build a supportive community.

One of the most important things for wedding photographers to do is to build a supportive community. This is because when you are the lead photographer, you don’t want to be relying on your camera to make decisions, and if it makes a wrong decision, you don’t know how to fix it. Having a supportive community can help you to learn manual and other techniques so that you can take beautiful photos in any lighting situation.

When starting out in wedding photography, it is better to ask to be an assistant rather than a second shooter. This will give you the opportunity to learn the flow of a wedding day, how to interact with clients, and how to take great portraits in less than ideal lighting conditions. You will also get to see how the lead photographer works and can learn from them.

The best way to build a supportive community is to join forums and groups dedicated to wedding photography. This will allow you to ask questions, receive feedback on your work, and get advice from more experienced photographers. It is also important to attend workshops and events related to wedding photography. This will allow you to network with other photographers and get to know them on a personal level.

Having a supportive community can help to build your skills and confidence as a wedding photographer. It will also give you the opportunity to get feedback on your work and learn from more experienced photographers. Building a supportive community is an essential part of becoming a successful wedding photographer.

Find a photography community.

Finding a photography community is easier than ever before. With the rise of the internet, there are now many online communities dedicated to photography. These communities are a great place to connect with other photographers, ask questions, get advice, and share your work. Many of these communities are free to join and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

In addition to online communities, there are also local photography clubs and meetups that you can attend. These events are a great way to make connections with other photographers in your area. They are also a great way to learn new techniques and get feedback on your work.

No matter which type of community you choose to join, it is important to find a group that is supportive and encouraging. Make sure to read the group’s rules and guidelines before joining. Look for a group that is welcoming to new members and encourages constructive feedback.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook community. This is a great place to meet other photographers, ask questions, and get feedback on your work. The community is a safe and supportive environment for new photographers.

In conclusion, joining a photography community is an important part of becoming a successful wedding photographer. Whether you join an online community or attend a local meetup, make sure to find a group that is supportive and encouraging. The Beginner Photography Podcast Facebook community is a great place to start.