Starting a wedding season strong sets the tone for the rest of your year. Having a clear process to prep ensures that you capture every opportunity effectively.
Coming to you from Luke Cleland, this practical video outlines Cleland’s routine for preparing for a wedding season. He emphasizes checking gear several weeks beforehand—everything from camera bodies to batteries—to spot and replace anything that’s missing or worn out. For photographers shooting both film and digital, Cleland notes the importance of verifying film expiration dates. It's a subtle reminder of the details that make a big difference when it counts. Cleland also explains how revisiting your gear preferences annually helps ensure intentionality in your approach rather than winging it on the wedding day.
Another valuable aspect Cleland discusses is conducting a detailed review of your previous weddings, something he intriguingly calls a "wedding autopsy." By analyzing past performances, you can pinpoint precisely what worked, what fell short, and where you have room to improve. Cleland’s recommendation to comb through galleries thoughtfully allows you to reconnect with your strengths and weaknesses objectively. Writing down these insights helps ensure you remember them in the rush of your next event. Additionally, he advises creating a specific shot list based on insights from previous weddings, highlighting both obvious essentials and easily overlooked details.
Beyond gear and past event assessments, Cleland advises reconnecting with your business’s core values—or "pillars"—ahead of the busy season. Clarifying your professional beliefs helps center your approach to interactions with couples and their guests. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear, conscious mindset to manage scenarios smoothly, reflecting the practical wisdom he shares from his years of experience. Cleland’s reminder that you deal with different workflows in the offseason versus the peak season serves as a practical cue to mentally shift gears.
The advice becomes even more practical when Cleland talks about seeking inspiration thoughtfully. Rather than attempting to adopt numerous new styles or techniques all at once, he suggests selectively integrating a few fresh ideas each season. This measured approach prevents overwhelm while allowing continued growth as an artist. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cleland.
