Wedding Season 2024 Sucks?

We need to talk about something that’s been on many people’s minds lately. The 2024 wedding season is shaping up to be a mixed bag for photographers. Here’s a breakdown of the issues and some strategic responses to help you thrive.

Why This Wedding Season Sucks:

1. Too Many Photographers: During the pandemic, a lot of new photographers entered the market because of the wedding boom in 2022-2023. Now that the number of weddings is normalizing, it's getting harder to get bookings due to the increased competition.

2. Big Companies Outsourcing: Successful photography companies are scaling up by outsourcing to subcontracted associates. This makes it tougher for smaller and independent photographers who rely on direct bookings.

3. Trend Overload and Price Wars: With so many trends becoming common, it's hard to stand out just based on style. This has led to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing, with newer photographers undercutting prices, which affects overall pricing standards.

4. Economic Pressures: The current economic climate is tough, and spending on wedding photography is often one of the first things to be cut. Many photographers are seeing a drop in leads and bookings.

What to Do About It:

1. Boost Your Online Presence: Invest in a high-quality website. Make sure it's optimized for SEO, user-friendly, and shows off your unique style and portfolio effectively.

2. Expand Your Services: Don’t just stick to weddings. Try offering other types of photography like boudoir or corporate events. This can help stabilize your income and fill gaps in your schedule.

3. Network and Build Partnerships: Work with wedding planners and other vendors. Networking can lead to referrals and more stable bookings. Invest time in building these relationships.

4. Focus on Your Unique Style: In a market full of similar trends, having a unique artistic voice can set you apart. Instead of following the crowd, create a signature style that makes your work stand out.

5. Adjust Pricing Strategically: It’s tempting to drop prices to compete, but consider the value of your work and the clients you want to attract. Too low prices might attract the wrong clients and make your business unsustainable. Focus on creating packages that offer real value.

At The Ginger Lab, we’re here to support you through these tough times. Our editing services ensure your photos look their best, giving you more time to focus on what you love—capturing beautiful moments.

Turn the challenges of this wedding season into opportunities for growth and creativity.

Keep shooting,
Your Ginger Lab Team

Better Getting Ready Photos

The getting ready portion of a wedding day can be one of the most stunning parts to capture. Yards of gorgeous fabrics and stylish details make the perfect eye candy! You may believe you can only create gorgeous photos in a beautiful room, so we're dishing out all the tips to equip you to create magic anywhere.

As these photos are often a priority, today, we're talking about how you can make them even better in any situation. Sit back and grab your coffee because you're not going to want to miss this one!

Tight, small rooms can be a common problem, so invest in a 35mm lens when you need a wider angle or those full-body frames. As portrait photographers, it's easy to forget to take horizontal images throughout the day, so mix it up and play with composition in a different orientation.

If the space allows, bring a backdrop and stand for studio-style portraits. It's a trend we've noticed in celebrity weddings (most notably Paris Hilton), and we are here for it! There are limitless backdrop options, so you have a huge variety at your fingertips for every style. You could even set up in a shady area outside for optimum light!

A neutral, empty wall can be a lifesaver. Place your subject against it, and it's perfect for grabbing closeups of buttoning the gown, putting on the earrings, and adjusting the cuff links and tie. Do be mindful of extreme shadows and bring a reflector to minimize them!

Don't be afraid to rearrange the room or move to another one. Be proactive and take the extra couple of minutes necessary to do whatever it takes to create a cover-worthy shot. In the end, you'll be thankful you did when you see the results! Sometimes, it may be moving a table or taking a photo off the wall. It's the little things that make a big difference.

Show up early, even if it's on your own time. Some couples opt for coverage to start right as the bride gets into her gown, but if you feel arriving earlier is beneficial, it's certainly worth it. Consider how it would add to the final gallery and if it's a wedding you'd love to share with potential clients or if it's at a venue where you want to become a preferred vendor.

Don't forget about the groom! Groom portraits and getting ready shots sometimes seem like an afterthought, so step up your game and make his photos stellar too. It's an element that can set your work apart and be an incredible addition to the full gallery. If you need inspiration, look at GQ!