This is part 2 of a 6 part series on husband and wife photography teams. In this series I will highlight many of the struggles Geoff & I faced as husband and wife business partners and how we overcame them. Look for the series on Fridays. See part 1 on husband and wife photography teams.
Shoot Weddings Together or Book Out Separately?
One of the questions that may come up (usually at a later point in your career) is whether you should consider shooting separately. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and it’s about finding what works best for you as a photographer and as partners. Some couples have developed a strong work relationship and can’t imagine shooting without each other. However, there are some key benefits to consider if you are thinking about taking separate weddings.
Obviously, the biggest benefit is the ability to book two weddings on a popular date. Since most of us tend to book heavily during the season and not much in the winter, it makes financial sense to consider another revenue stream for your business. Each year there are hot dates that you know you could book twice.
Geoff & I have done both. I love shooting with him, but I also love the freedom of shooting by myself. We have a different pace, a different way of seeing, and when I began shooting without him, I was able to explore that creativity within myself. I was no longer in the role of “second shooter” which is a very different shooting style and approach than lead photographer.
Another thing that we have found is that is has helped us grow as a couple. There are times this past summer when I am heading off to a shoot and Geoff is heading to the golf course. Having a free summer Saturday on occasion has done wonders for us personally. It’s such a treat to have a weekend day to yourself, especially if you’ve been in the game a while and you’re feeling overwhelmed.
The way we’ve structured it currently is that we shoot together on big weddings and separately the rest of the time. This gives us an opportunity to still work together occasionally but also time to work apart. Plus it has been better for our budget. Since we are typically together 24/7, this is the one time we usually have something new to talk about-how our weddings went!
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