KEY POINTS
- Initially, sneakers and streetwear captivated Gomez as a photographer.
- Capturing emotions and preserving that memory gives him fulfilment.
- • Photography has several business aspects including sales and marketing.
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Wedding photographer: ang pagkuha ng magandang litrato ay maliit na parte lang ng trabaho
SBS Filipino
16/01/202411:20
The Australian wedding industry is a key contributor to the local economy. It rakes in about four billion dollars worth of annual contribution, based on reports.
Various vendors make up this booming business. It’s something that Justin Gomez, a Canberra-based wedding photographer, is pleased to be a part of.
Sneakers were Gomez’ first subject matter
Gomez’ journey as a wedding photographer was unplanned. Back in 2017, he was consumed by sneakers and streetwear. He loved taking snaps of these, fueling his interest in photography.
But circumstances presented a different path. A friend of Gomez invited him to be a second shooter or an assistant photographer at a wedding. The task only constituted purely taking photos. It was rid of talking to clients and doing back-end work, such as answering emails and calls, among others. Gomez found himself shifting his interest to shooting people and, eventually, capturing emotions.
“Photography is a superpower"
After the first lockdown in 2020, Gomez realised it was time to transition to being a full-time wedding photographer.
Photography is a superpower. You’re able to freeze time and preserve that memory forever.Justin Gomez, Wedding Photographer
"It makes me proud of the work I do. Knowing that the photos I take for my couples- they’ll last for multiple generations long after I’m gone. Everyone will forget who I was, but no one will forget those photos,” shares Gomez.
The business aspects of photography
There were serious realisations about wedding photography which Gomez had to contend with. He had to be adept at sales and marketing.
“You shoot good photos, but that’s only 20% of the actual work that needs to be done. When you put up your own business, you’re the manager. You have to be good at talking to people and selling your products. You could be the best photographer in the world, but if no one has heard of you, there’s no work coming in your direction,” according to Gomez.
Canberra-based wedding photographer Justin Gomez Credit: Justin Gomez
- Be ready for the shot - weddings are fast-paced events. You have to be there at the right place, at the right time (in capturing emotions).
- Suggest prompts to the clients in taking their photos - be there to guide them.
- Consider flexibility in pricing – a wedding is a personal event. If the couple wants certain items to be removed to fit the budget, try to accommodate them.
- Build a strong photography portfolio- For younger photographers, cultivate your style and brand.
- Learn from YouTube – as an additional tool, look out for new tips and tricks being shared on the platform.
