About Nikos Photography

After 12 years of photographing weddings I have come to the training side of the business quite late, but this has given me time to look around and sample what's on offer with the various training programmes that are available today. I have attended courses with the top professionals, and I am now in a position to offer my own wedding photography training programme.

I decided to offer a one year training programme because there is just so much to learn, and also so that you can see how a typical year works with my business, and apply that workflow and structure to your business.

The training programme is designed for someone who has a passion for photography and wishes to start their own wedding photography business, or a photographer that wishes to re-launch or change their photographic direction. Certainly, with our first group, there was indeed a mixture of these.

So the burning question is:
what am I offering?

Well, I feel really strongly that with weddings you do need to experience things as they happen naturally. For example, photographing a wedding day should be done at a "real" wedding as my co-photographer, not at a mock-up with actors.  Why?  Well you will not gain very much experience from the latter, apart from some nice pictures that have been set up. And nothing, I repeat nothing, can prepare you for a wedding unless you are actually there with 150 guests to organise. Without it, will you learn how to cope on the day? No! Will you learn how to improvise (like I have to at every wedding)? No! Will your pictures be unique? No! I can go on, but you get the picture (apologies for the pun!) This objective I have in the learning process applies to the whole year, and you will learn through experiencing the business "as it happens".

Today there are many different areas to learn about. Taking the pictures is the easy bit! For some people, starting a business is a daunting task. But if you have the determination to succeed then I can give you all the necessary skills to be successful and launch your business.

 

Photography

I practise a relaxed way to photographing the wedding day. Cheesy poses and clichéd shots that everyone else does will rob your customers of their unique day - natural is the way to go; following the day and capturing it as it unfolds is the most enjoyable part of your job.

Marketing

The basics of marketing can be read from any book. Putting it all into action is a different matter! That's what we will be doing, making it work for you. The programme price includes your own banner (unique to your business!), how to advertise, where to advertise, what pictures excite your customers, plus lots more.

Wedding shows

I could write a book on wedding shows/fayres (in fact I just might!!) It's all about getting it right. Just putting a few wedding albums on a table is not enough! Having a stand that will entice and invite your clients over with a range of products that will leave them wanting, I promise you will succeed in this area!

Editing

You will learn how to edit correctly and subtly to make your pictures look fantastic, using the latest 27 inch Apple iMacs, I will teach you how to process raw pictures and obtain a fast streamline workflow - tips and actions included. Colour correction is so important, and I see poor colour correction every day. It's easy and imperative that you learn the skills of colour.

Equipment

I have a huge system based around the latest Canon digital cameras and L lenses. These are great cameras to use, and I will also advise you on buying the correct selection of lenses and other equipment. You will have full use of my equipment in work and play.

I use Apple Macs and suggest that you use the same. Again, advice and learning will make your tasks easy and stress free.

Suppliers

I always make sure that I get the best deal for all the equipment and supplies that I buy, and so will you! Print supplies, website designers, advertising and promotional material will all be needed.

 

Accounts/Legal

Having a good accountant is invaluable! And a legal contact who can help when you need it. This is an important part of your business, and it will save you a lot of money!

Album Construction

We produce both digital "Wedding Book" style albums, and traditional albums. Both are very different in their construction (the latter being a very hands on method). Having produced many of both albums over the years I can show you how to design and construct them so that brides will not want to put them down!

Customer Service

Probably the most underrated part of most businesses is serving your customers in a correct and efficient way that leaves them with a good feeling about your company. With something so important as wedding photography, I make sure that my customers are treated to a first-class service from beginning to end.

Presentation

How you present your work is vital to gaining business. Also, correct presentation for your customers - years ago it was a proof book of wedding pictures, nowadays its a High Definition slideshow to music!

Your full year of training will include all of the above, plus more! It is based on 30 training days over the year, in two and three day courses. This will of course include weekends as well. All food is also included whilst you are with us too. There will also be a three month telephone support line after you finish the course as a final assistance as you grow your business.

Please contact me directly for an informal chat and to discuss in more detail. Our second group will begin in March 2010. If you would like to come to our open day, then please let me know. Places are limited

I believe this to be the most comprehensive training programme out there for anyone with the desire to successfully run their own wedding photography business.

I look forward to hearing from you.