Qualifications for wedding photographer?

nothing is needed but some clients require more than others before they will hire someone to record such an important event a blood relationship is all that many require, some require a photographer with a "pro" camera, and the smart ones require a great portfolio and references

The only qualification you need is to get someone to hire you. :) You mostly have to get a portfolio together of weddings with photos YOU took. You can do this a number of ways. If you don't have the abilities yet, you need to take classes until you get good. Then you may have to do some freebie's or try to work for another wedding photog. Good Luck.

really, i think it depends on what you like. take at a look at their portfolio. websites are nice, but they usually only pick the "good" photos for them. also, word of mouth is the best referral. if someone you know just got married or had photos taken, ask them how they liked working with the photographer. also, very important....do you get along with the photographer? do they seem to understand what you are looking for? are they easy to talk to? the best photographers know how to interact with people. congrats on the wedding! and good luck finding a good photographer

I like the comment on the SLR camera. My assistant emediately thought he was a professional when he bought his SLR. A great photographer can use almost any camera, because the intent, the vision, the capture, is done by the photographer. However, a better camera can make it easier and do things that technically can't be done on other cameras. As far as qualifications, I would say what is most important is consistancy of great photos. Some one could graduate from college, and still suck. People who join clubs, may only be a part of the club because they pay to be in it. Even though websites are a must, small photos online by no means shows what prints look like and at what size they can print. Which is also why they need a print portfolio. There are many things that go into what qualifications a wedding photographer needs. A person who has shadowed a main photographer may be better than one who went to college. Or maybe one who has transitioned from the studio to wedding photographer, may be better than the assist that is shadowing. A photographer with a reputation of producing great images over a period of time should be considered most when looking at qualifications. Not how many stripes they wear on the sholder, how many letters follow there name, how many years experience they have, or who taught them. Especially in today's market where digital is a must. A film photographer may transition over decently, others may not. So to say I have 25 years experience isn't necesarily anything. I am not saying one can't transition, because I have done the same, but reproducibility today, not yesturday is more important.

1. Have someone hire you like stated by other posters. 2. Know how to shoot in low lighting or verify lighting conditions first. 3. Have an SLR Camera 4. Know how to set the camera properly 5. Present the final images or proofs in the most professional way possible. (Have a good proof site or album and a good professional printer.) Those are qualifications for a wedding photographer. Qualifications for a GOOD wedding photographer are another story all together.