Paolo Cardone , May 22, 2008; 10:16 a.m.
Hi to everybody
As established photographers, I hope you can help me.
Please excuse my English it is my second language.
I have moved here to New York from Italy, hoping to be able to work as a wedding photographer.
The thing more immediate to me is to find a job with other colleagues so I read Craigﾒs list. I sent
emails to all looking for a photographer or a second photographer for weddings but no one has
responded to me.
I have bought specialized magazines and I have sent 48 emails introducing myself and asking if
they needed a photographer or a second photographer. Only 3 photographers responded. They
complimented my photos but said they are full and will consider me in case they have a need.
Also, Bella Pictures has not answered me.
Is this normal according to you?
Can you give me some advice?
And can you tell me where there will be wedding expo's or wedding fairs in the USA?
Regards
Paolo Cardone
Jon Curtis , May 22, 2008; 10:37 a.m.
Response to I don't know...
Paolo,
Wedding photography is an over saturated market. Competition is brutal.
You have some great images, but I think your style is not something most b&g's are going to want. They are very artistic and even edgy. The type of clients that are going want your style are going to be limited, making it even harder to find work.
Thats my 2 cents.
Juergen Sattleru 
, May 22, 2008; 10:41 a.m.
Response to I don't know...
Hello Paolo,
when I saw your name I remembered your posts back in December last year. Welcome to the US and I sincerely hope that someone will finally realize the big potential of your work. I am not a pro photographer and have no advice for your New York situation, but I do wish you all the best.
Juergen
Paolo Cardone , May 22, 2008; 11:20 a.m.
Response to I don't know...
Thank you Juergen and Jon!
I agree what you say Jon, it is possible that the problem is a different style, what I
don't understand is the absolute muteness on the other side...
Paolo
Dan Ferrel , May 22, 2008; 11:41 a.m.
Response to I don't know...
The situation of not being able to find work as a second shooter or assistant for a seasoned wedding pro has led to many venturing out on their own. You may be in the same situation. I have responded to many craigslit ads asking for assistants only to never ever hear a reply back. I believe it reflects the huge number of emails that that particular posting receives.
Dan
David Bell , May 22, 2008; 01:18 p.m.
I think the best bet is to advertise yourself as the primary photographer. Forget about assisting, just go and do it yourself. You are abviously very talented and have fantastic shots, but maybe you need to "dumb it down" a bit for the market you are in. In other words, a bit more conventional may attract more business. All the best!
Nadine Ohara - SF Bay Area/CA 
, May 22, 2008; 02:36 p.m.
First, the wedding photography market in the US is, in general, pretty bad right now due to the economy and technology. Second, if you didn't send the 48 emails to the absolute top wedding photographers in New York, perhaps the reason you didn't hear back, besides the reason above, is because your level of photography is already at a higher level.
Your biggest problem and your biggest advantage at the same time, in my opinion, is that you are not American, and have no American samples to show. The ideal thing would be to get just one job from a high end client, do a super job, and then get referrals. Jobs at that level are pretty much referral. After getting that one job, I'd put it on your website and hopefully, it should grow from there.
Getting that one, first job is the hard part. You might consider getting some friends to help you out and at least shoot some bridal images around New York to put on your website. In the meantime, try to figure out how you can get that first job--maybe go to some high end bridal shops and offer to do fashion shots in exchange for referrals or displying your images. You will be rejected a lot, but you have to keep trying. I am not in New York, so I don't know what other kinds of things you can do, or who is influential there.
While I would get some New York wedding images on the website as soon as possible, I would not get rid of the Italian shots, and I would actually emphasize the Italian aspect to some degree. Italian design is highly regarded in the US, so your whole persona can be a big advantage in marketing.
Re Bella--I'm not surprised they haven't responded because, as I said above, your style is at a different level than what they market to their clients. Personally, I wouldn't pursue that avenue anyway.
Neil Ambrose , May 22, 2008; 04:02 p.m.
I think Nadine has got it in one.
Get off craigslist - it's totally the wrong place for you. You've probably had no replies
because people are scared stiff of working with you. I'd try contacting some of the well known
names in fashion/lifestyle weddings and sending them a link to your portfolio. You may or
may not get work, but at least you'll start making contacts in the right areas.
Anne Almasy , May 22, 2008; 04:17 p.m.
Some people may find it controversial, but I would suggest that you apply for
membership in the WPJA.
http://www.wpja.com
Bob Bernardo - LA area. 
, May 22, 2008; 05:40 p.m.
I would suggest hooking up (getting to know) the florists, talk to the priests, ask to post some shots at hotels and reception halls, tux shops, bridal shops, join networking groups like the Chambers. Zero in on the Italian sections of New York. There is a lot of loyalty, and a lot of Italians!
I like your work, give yourself time to promote yourself. Most of your efforts and time should be about 30 hours a week promoting your work.
Maybe you can pick up work working for newspapers. Your style will work for for other mediums, not just weddings.
