SWR: Need opinions

Ok ladies, my wedding has come and gone (whew!) and DH and I are looking to focus on our careers now. I am trying to break in to the wedding photography business. I went to RIT for three years as a photography major and finished with my art degree from Hofstra. I realize now that photography is my true love, and want to start the slow road to making it my career.

But how?

I know I can't go out there and just start demanding $2k per job.

So, after the long schpeal my question is:


Would it be totally stupid, brazen, uncalled for, if I placed an ad on say Craigslist soliciting my services for free? I was thinking of saying something about how I would come to your wedding even if you have another photog to take a few pictures, etc.

I think if I was a bride, I'd be like 'that's weird. a stranger coming to my wedding for free, etc.' or I think if I was the photog on the job that day, I'd be annoyed a little bit, no?

It's not like I would be pushing my way in front of him stealing shots or anything. I think more than anything, I would be nervous to shoot the bride and groom, I was thinking more BM's, etc.

Anyway, sorry for the looooooong post, and Ron, Liz, delete if this is inappropriate. But I am a real member with a question.

Thanks all, and I look forward to your opinions.

Kim

Do you have any friends getting married? I think when you start the best way to get clients would be word of mouth. What if you took a position as someone's assistant? That would help get you more material for your wedding portfolio. Then in a few years you could break out on your own. The engagemnent pic idea is very smart too! Try craigslist and your local neighborhood papers. Try to get connected with other local wedding vendors like florists, that way you could recommend each other.

congrats on getting married!