Education
Build A Photography Business That Ignites Your Passion, Embodies Your Values, And Empowers You To Live A Life Full Of Purpose And Beauty.
I’m Craig Peterman—a destination wedding photographer & videographer with a passion for capturing timeless moments. Beyond photography, I’m a business coach guiding others in growing their creative ventures, an adventurer who’s always on the lookout for new experiences, and an old soul with a modern outlook. You’ll often find me watching a great movie, running through new ideas, or breaking a sweat on a brisk run. I’m also a public speaker, an entrepreneur, and a dog lover. A realist by nature, but always holding onto a little bit of that dreamer spirit.
You and I share a lot of the same passions. We’re not just artists or dreamers—we're visionaries, creators, and builders at heart. I truly believe we’re both meant for lives of purpose and abundance, built by intentionally crafting each step of our journey. My mission is to help you build the photography business of your dreams by honing in on the mastery of your craft, your intentions, and your purpose.
I’d be honored to walk alongside you on this journey toward abundance and success.
"When a client books you, they’re trusting you with one of the most important days of their lives. That’s a responsibility you can’t take lightly—your work should reflect their hopes and expectations, and it’s your job to exceed them. As wedding photographers, it’s not just about capturing moments beautifully; it’s about mastering the business side too. Creativity is only half the equation. If you can’t navigate client relationships, marketing, and the business side of things, your creativity won’t have a platform. Learning to balance both is what leads to lasting success in this industry."
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Voted Top Photographer & Videographer in Arizona
2022 & 2023
"Working with Craig has been a game-changer. His approach is direct, insightful, and incredibly effective. If you want real results and a clear path to success, he's the one to trust."
- Melody M.
Are you ready to take your wedding photography or videography business to the next level? I offer mentorships that not only enhance your shooting technique, lighting, and composition but also focus heavily on the business side of this industry. While honing your craft is crucial, mastering the business of photography is equally, if not more, important. You can have the best portfolio in the world, but if you’re not attracting and booking clients, you won’t have the chance to put those skills to work.
Many photography educators focus almost entirely on shooting, leaving the business aspect overlooked. In my mentorship program, we dig deep into essential topics like advertising, SEO, website audits, keywords, market research, appearance, client communication, consistency, and social media marketing. We’ll work together on how to build an impactful website, master Google search, and create a solid marketing plan that keeps your calendar full.
By blending business strategy with creative mastery, you'll be set up for success not just behind the camera, but as a thriving entrepreneur.
"Craig's guidance and expertise helped me reach new heights in my photography business. If you're ready to unlock your full potential, he's the mentor you've been searching for."
- Jason T.
Ready To Get Started?
The signature mentorship from award-winning photographer and videographer Craig Peterman, designed to teach his client-focused approach for building a luxury photography brand. Perfect for photographers aiming to work with elite clients, book high-end projects, and establish a long-term, successful business.
Mentorships start at $450 per month with limited availability. Fill out this form below to apply.
“If you’re looking to work with someone who will give you the true pathway to reaching your goals, look no further. Craig is it.”
- Denise M.
Elevate Your Wedding Photography and Videography Business: An Educational Resource for Photographers
In the world of wedding photography and videography, success goes beyond having a creative eye or owning the best camera equipment. To thrive in this competitive industry, you must not only perfect your craft but also master the business side of things. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding photographer, understanding how to blend artistry with effective business practices is crucial for growing your business and staying relevant in the industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover essential strategies that photographers and videographers can use to grow their businesses, expand their skill set, and reach a wider audience. From improving shooting techniques to leveraging SEO and marketing, this guide is designed to help photographers around the world enhance their business skills and artistic vision.
1. Mastering Your Craft: Photography and Videography Techniques
a) Shooting for Storytelling
Wedding photography and videography are about more than just capturing moments—they’re about telling a story. To elevate your work, focus on capturing the emotion and narrative of the day. Techniques like candid shots, using natural light, and experimenting with different angles can add depth to your storytelling. Always think of how each shot fits into the larger story of the couple’s day.
b) Lighting Techniques
One of the most important aspects of both photography and videography is mastering lighting. Whether you’re working with natural light or artificial setups, understanding how to manipulate light can drastically improve the quality of your images. For example, golden hour is often ideal for soft, warm lighting, while diffused light from overcast skies can create an even, flattering glow. Experimenting with off-camera flash and reflectors can also help you control light in unpredictable environments like wedding receptions.
c) Composition and Framing
Composition is key to creating visually appealing images. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space to direct the viewer’s eye and highlight important elements of your frame. In wedding photography, subtle compositional elements like including architectural details or framing the couple with natural elements can make your photos stand out.
For videographers, framing dynamic shots that flow naturally between scenes is crucial. Movement, whether it’s a subtle pan or a drone shot capturing the venue, can add depth to your storytelling.
d) Post-Production Magic
Editing plays a massive role in wedding photography and videography. Post-production allows you to enhance your work by correcting colors, adjusting exposure, and adding artistic effects. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are essential tools for photographers, while Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro are commonly used by videographers. Developing a signature editing style can set you apart in a crowded industry.
2. Building a Brand That Stands Out
a) Developing Your Unique Style
Your style is what sets you apart from other photographers and videographers. Spend time refining your aesthetic and approach to ensure that your work reflects your personal vision. Whether you prefer moody, editorial, or light and airy tones, consistency in your style will attract clients who resonate with your artistic point of view.
b) Creating a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card. It’s essential to showcase your best work and arrange it in a way that tells a compelling story about your style and approach. Curate a mix of wide-angle shots, close-ups, candid moments, and artistic compositions to give potential clients a well-rounded view of your expertise.
3. Mastering the Business Side of Photography and Videography
a) SEO for Photographers and Videographers
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most critical tools for attracting new clients online. Here’s how you can boost your SEO for wedding photography:
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Keywords: Use relevant keywords like “wedding photographer,” “destination wedding photography,” or “wedding videographer” on your website, portfolio, and blog posts to improve search rankings.
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Geo-Targeting: Include local SEO keywords, such as “Phoenix wedding photographer” or “destination wedding videographer in Paris,” to attract clients searching for photographers in specific locations.
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Blogging: Regularly updating your blog with new content that targets specific keywords can help improve your search engine rankings. For example, write about recent weddings, engagement shoots, or offer tips for brides and grooms planning their special day.
b) Marketing and Social Media
Marketing is essential to reaching new clients and growing your business. Start by building an effective website that showcases your portfolio, provides clear information on your services, and includes a blog. From there, leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your work and engage with potential clients. Hashtags like #weddingphotography or #destinationwedding can also help your work reach a wider audience. Don’t forget to optimize your profile for SEO, making sure to include keywords in your bio and captions.
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Instagram: With its visual format, Instagram is ideal for wedding photographers. Showcase your best work, interact with your audience through stories and posts, and use Instagram’s advertising tools to reach a broader audience.
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Pinterest: Many couples use Pinterest for wedding inspiration, making it an excellent platform to share your photos and direct traffic to your website.
c) Client Communication
Clear and consistent communication with clients is critical. Make sure you respond to inquiries promptly and provide all the information your clients need regarding packages, pricing, and what they can expect from working with you. Having polished and professional client forms, contracts, and pricing guides can elevate the client experience. Tools like HoneyBook or Dubsado can help you streamline your communication and automate parts of your workflow.
d) The Importance of Reviews
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, The Knot, and WeddingWire. Positive reviews not only boost your credibility but also help with SEO. Reviews also build trust with potential clients who are considering hiring you for their wedding day.
4. Expanding Your Business Beyond Photography
a) Offering Additional Services
To stand out in a crowded market, consider offering additional services like videography, drone photography, or even photo booths. These added services can increase your value to clients and provide you with more opportunities for income. Many couples appreciate the convenience of hiring a single team to handle both photography and videography.
b) Destination Weddings
If you’re looking to expand your reach, consider marketing yourself as a destination wedding photographer. Destination weddings are a growing trend, and couples are often willing to invest in photographers who can travel to unique locations. Highlight your ability to shoot in different environments and showcase any destination weddings you’ve previously covered.
5. Continuous Learning and Improvement
a) Invest in Education
Photography and videography are constantly evolving fields. Staying up-to-date with new techniques, trends, and technologies is essential for growth. Take the time to invest in courses, workshops, and mentorships that can help you refine your skills and keep your business competitive.
b) Mentorships
One of the best ways to improve your business and craft is by seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. Mentorship programs that focus on both the creative and business sides of wedding photography can provide you with invaluable insights and practical advice for scaling your business.
Conclusion
Building a successful wedding photography and videography business requires a balance of artistic skill and business savvy. By refining your craft, developing a strong brand, and mastering marketing and client communication, you can create a thriving business that stands out in the competitive world of wedding photography. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, focusing on both the creative and business aspects will set you up for long-term success.
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