Articles by Brenda Bergreen at PetaPixel https://petapixel.com/author/brendabergreen/ Photography and Camera News, Reviews, and Inspiration Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:27:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 191656271 The Key to Finding Your Ideal Wedding Photography Clients https://petapixel.com/2023/09/18/the-key-to-finding-your-ideal-wedding-photography-clients/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:27:34 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=704409

Want to know the key to finding your ideal wedding photography clients? Be true to yourself. I know, it doesn’t seem like it can be that simple but it really is.

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Tips for Creating Your First Contract as a Wedding Photographer https://petapixel.com/2023/09/14/tips-for-creating-your-first-contract-as-a-wedding-photographer/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:37:31 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=703917

Creating your first contract as a wedding photographer? My first tip is to hire a law professional to review your contract. While over a decade of experience in the wedding industry allows me to give you some tips based on my experience, a wedding photography contract is a legal document between you and your clients that outlines expectations, responsibilities, and deliverables.

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How to Shoot Outdoor Engagement Photography https://petapixel.com/2023/09/07/how-to-shoot-outdoor-engagement-photography/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:36:34 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=702621

Outdoor engagement photography is one of my favorite aspects of being a wedding photographer. I get to shoot environmental portraits in beautiful places without the constraints of a wedding day. Additionally, I get to spend time with my couple getting to know them and their interests in a low-pressure environment.

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7 Invaluable Accessories for Wedding Photography https://petapixel.com/2023/06/15/7-invaluable-accessories-for-wedding-photography/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:54:23 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=688498

Let’s talk about gear, I know some of you are obsessed with it and the act of photography is just an excuse for acquiring more gear. I can kind of relate because chips are just delivery devices for salsas. But for me, it’s actually the other way around, photography gear is all about making my job easier so that I can do it better, anything else is just in the way.

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How to Reduce Stress and Increase Creativity Before a Photo Shoot https://petapixel.com/2023/05/28/how-to-reduce-stress-and-increase-creativity-before-a-photo-shoot/ Sun, 28 May 2023 14:13:43 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=685162

Being a professional creative means that you don’t always (ever) have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike. It means you have to create your work, on demand, regardless of the circumstances. Building practices to help reduce your stress and increase your creativity before a photoshoot will make creativity less illusive.

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How to Use Wedding Photography Flash in a Way That Looks Natural https://petapixel.com/2023/05/25/how-to-use-wedding-photography-flash-in-a-way-that-looks-natural/ Thu, 25 May 2023 18:58:34 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=684822

Using flash in your wedding photography can take your work to the next level. It can look more professional and dynamic. Additionally, there are a variety of scenarios when flash makes certain things possible that wouldn’t be if you’re relying on natural light.

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What I Actually Love About Personal Photography Projects https://petapixel.com/2023/05/14/what-i-actually-love-about-personal-photography-projects/ Sun, 14 May 2023 14:44:36 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=682381

I remember when I first became a professional photographer and I was devouring advice from those further along in the path than me. People talked about personal photography projects and how important they were. They were important for developing your skills and getting noticed and setting yourself apart, but in my experience, there’s something more important.

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Tips for Location Scouting for Photo Shoots https://petapixel.com/2023/05/09/tips-for-location-scouting-for-photo-shoots/ Tue, 09 May 2023 19:50:56 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=681439

Just like most things in life, success can depend on location, location, location. I know that I’m coming from a state where there are a lot of beautiful backdrops so I’ll do my best to give tips that will apply to you wherever you happen to be. I’ve shot sessions in a variety of locations and while I have my locations and preferences, of course, I think it’s possible to make the best of whatever you have to work with.

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How to Make a Wedding Photo Album Your Clients Will Love https://petapixel.com/2023/04/25/how-to-make-a-wedding-photo-album-your-clients-will-love/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:12:14 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=678701

Wedding photography is arguably one of the most important parts of a wedding, of course (though I’m biased being a wedding photographer and all). But at the end of the day when the music stops, the cake is eaten, and the honeymoon begins, the photos are what helps our couples relive the magic of their wedding day. This is why it’s important that you know how to make a wedding photo album your clients will love.

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The First Look Debate from a Wedding Photographer’s Perspective https://petapixel.com/2023/04/20/the-first-look-debate-from-a-wedding-photographers-perspective/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:05:30 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=678043

Normally when I write articles about photography, I’m not very polemic -- I try to stay neutral and give advice that photographers can apply to their own personal wedding photography style even if it differs from my own. I care more about giving people solid advice than worrying about clickbait.

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How to Deal with Family and Bridal Party Pictures at a Wedding https://petapixel.com/2023/04/13/dealing-with-family-and-bridal-party-pictures-at-a-wedding/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:41:59 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=676391

Family and bridal party pictures at a wedding are important, every couple wants them but none of their families want to be patient and present to take them. Meanwhile, there’s a lot of pressure from mothers and grandmothers to get all the important combinations while at the same time, there’s always a cousin that disappeared to the bar.

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Interested in Photography? Where to Start and How to Grow https://petapixel.com/2023/04/12/interested-in-photography-where-to-start-and-how-to-grow/ Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:21:23 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=676120

If you’re interested in photography and are trying to figure out where to start or how to grow, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a lot of information out there, how do you even determine what to focus on? Sometimes in trying to do too much we find ourselves accomplishing nothing.

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5 Essential Things to Have in Place for Your New Photography Business https://petapixel.com/2023/04/10/5-essential-things-to-have-in-place-for-your-new-photography-business/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 18:00:49 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=675756

Before you start your photography business, there are a few essential things you need to have in place. Utilize this as a checklist to tell yourself that you’re ready to launch.

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Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Wedding Photographer https://petapixel.com/2023/04/04/behind-the-scenes-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-wedding-photographer/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:26:43 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=674815

I thought it would be fun to walk you through the day in the life of a wedding photographer. Every wedding is a little different but weddings are also fairly predictable. In fact, wedding days are more predictable than the rest of my work days.

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Why Wedding Photography is an Underrated Specialty That Should Garner More Respect https://petapixel.com/2023/03/19/why-wedding-photography-is-an-underrated-specialty-that-should-garner-more-respect/ Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:50:32 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=671441

For some reason wedding photography isn’t a well-respected genre in the photography industry. I have no idea why that is when it’s so physically, creatively, and technically demanding. But I do have a lot of ideas about why wedding photography should garner more respect.

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How to Make Up for Lost Time on the Big Day as a Wedding Photographer https://petapixel.com/2023/02/28/how-to-make-up-for-lost-time-as-a-photographer-on-a-wedding-day/ Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:58:09 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=667620

Your bride still hasn’t put her dress on and you’ve reminded her three times. You see all the breathing room you created into your wedding day schedule slowly disappearing. And, the worst part, you know that you’ll be the one that has to make up for lost time or else get blamed for screwing up the wedding day schedule.

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The Best and Worst Parts of Being a Wedding Photographer https://petapixel.com/2023/02/08/the-best-and-worst-parts-of-being-a-wedding-photographer/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:12:53 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=663716

It looks like a glamorous job, taking photos in beautiful places and a dance party every night. Or maybe it looks like the worst job ever, dealing with high expectations and family drama. Wherever you stand on the subject, listen up because I’m going to share the best and worst parts of the job to help you decide if you should be a wedding photographer.

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Why Customer Service Might Be Your Most Important Photography Skill https://petapixel.com/2023/02/05/why-customer-service-might-be-your-most-important-photography-skill/ Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:41:59 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=662671

Customers form an impression of how you did before you even deliver a single photo. While we all hope our photography is one of a kind, it is either enhanced by a positive client experience or harmed by a bad one. And that’s just one of the many reasons customer service might be your most important photography skill.

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A Roadmap to Growing as a Beginner Photographer https://petapixel.com/2023/01/28/a-roadmap-to-growing-as-a-beginner-photographer/ Sat, 28 Jan 2023 17:31:45 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=661275

Are you interested in photography and ready to learn skills to up your game? Do you want to evolve from iPhone snapshots to crafting something intentional? Today my plan is to drop some photography-for-beginners tips onto your shutter finger.

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Why You Have to Value Yourself for Clients to Value Your Photography https://petapixel.com/2023/01/23/why-you-have-to-value-yourself-for-clients-to-value-your-photography/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 19:01:36 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=659897

Photography is a competitive industry in which professional photographers are competing against anyone with an iPhone, which means pretty much everyone. How do you convince a client to pay you for your work when they can get something that’s ‘good enough’ from someone else for free?

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