How do I get samples of wedding photographs for my wedding business?

I have been a avid photographer for many years.Now I am launching my wedding photographing business, I have upgraded all my Equipment. I want make a sample Portfolio but I do not have anything good in my collection as I used to give all pictures away, How do I get pics for my Portfolio ?


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I would call only the most recent jobs you did and explain to them that you are setting up a business. Ask if you could get a copy of the photo and get permission to use it. Going forward, Maybe you can offer a small discount or offer a few prints free of charge in exchange for your portfolio.

The best way for you would be to have the following stated in the orignal work contract. "your photo may be used for business purposes in the future"

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By taking more photos. Simple as that really. You cant use someone else's photographs because that would be misleading your customers. I'm sure you can take great pictures like ones you'd find in catalogs but you should show them what they would be paying for. As an avid photographer you should know you're supposed to be keeping copies or files of your photos. And as a photographer you should know better than to claim someone else's photos as your own. If anything you should contact the people you have taken pictures of and ask them if you can make copies of the photos you took.

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Go to someplace that sells products for engaged couples (such as where brides go to buy dresses), and let the manager and sales people know that you're looking for a wedding to photograph for free.

Tell them that you're an experienced wedding photographer, but are now starting your own business, which is why you'll do one or two weddings free, i.e., to create a portfolio. In your contract, it should state that you'll provide one copy of each photo taken of the wedding, without cost, but that the folks are giving their consent to have you show their pix to other potential customers for your photography business. Naturally, make sure that the bride and groom both sign your "free photography" agreement.

Also, after you've done those two weddings and have enough samples for your portfolio, if you continue to get calls from the person who you received referrals from, you can tell the truth. Tell them that you were doing that to get a portfolio, but now you have it. However, you'll do their wedding for just $.....

Best of luck to you.

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