10 Steps to being an Inclusive Wedding Photographer

17 Jun

Inclusivity is important in all aspects of life, and wedding photography is no exception. Every couple deserves to feel comfortable and represented on their wedding day, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or abilities.

As a wedding photographer, you have the power to make a difference. You can use your platform to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. You can also use your skills to create beautiful and timeless images that will capture the love of every couple.

Here are my 10 tips on how to be an inclusive wedding photographer:

Tell the World you are an Inclusive Wedding Photographer. Make sure your portfolio features couples of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities. This will show potential clients that you are an inclusive photographer who is open to working with all types of couples.
Be mindful of your language. Use inclusive language in your marketing materials, website, and social media posts. Avoid using terms like "bride and groom" or "man and wife." Instead, use terms like "couple" or "partner."
Be respectful of all couples. Be respectful of all couples, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or abilities. This means being mindful of your words and actions, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all couples.

Inclusive Wedding Portrait 2 — **4. Be an ally.** Use your platform as a wedding photographer to speak out against discrimination and promote inclusivity. This could mean participating in protests or marches, or simply using your social media platform to raise awareness of important issues.
5. **Educate yourself.** There are many resources available to help you learn more about inclusivity and diversity. Read books, articles, and blog posts, and attend workshops and conferences. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to be an inclusive photographer.

6. Be open to feedback. Be open to feedback from couples and other photographers. If someone tells you that you have done something that was not inclusive, listen to them and learn from your mistake.

7. Be willing to change. The world is constantly changing, and so should your photography. Be willing to change your style and approach to photography to be more inclusive.

Inclusive Wedding Portrait 3 — 8. ***Be patient.*** *It takes time to build an inclusive business. Don't expect to change the world overnight. Just keep working hard and being the best photographer you can be.*
9. ***Don't give up.*** *There will be times when you feel discouraged. But don't give up. Keep fighting for inclusivity in the wedding industry.*

10. Celebrate your successes. When you see that you are making a difference, take a moment to celebrate your successes. It will help you stay motivated to keep fighting for inclusivity.