What to Expect as a Second Photographer on a Wedding Day
This weekend I have been focusing on hiring my second photographers for 2021. And, it’s proving more difficult than normal (are you surprised with the way 2020-2021 is going? lol). But, it’s got me thinking about second shooting and what it takes to be right for the job…it’s not for everyone.
Are you maybe thinking about reaching out to some photographers you know/follow to ask to second shoot for them to gain experience but are not sure what you should expect?
You are not alone! I remember feeling the same way. Hopefully, this article will help you know if you are ready (or not quite) yet.
Second shooting a wedding IS:
A great way to gain hours of wedding shooting experience when you are newer
A great way to meet lots of people in the wedding industry and make friends
The perfect way to fill your schedule with shooting opportunities without the burden of editing afterwards
A nice way to gain experience at a particular venue you may have on your schedule in the future or would like to shoot in the future
Perfect for the person who loves the shooting part of the wedding photography thing but not the business part of it all
For someone who wants to shoot weddings on the side for fun and extra cash
A great way to learn from a slightly more experienced photographer (or to spend time with one of your photographer friends)
For reliable people who can be certain of their schedule and stick to it
For people who love to be a cheerleader from the sidelines
For people who can wear multiple hats
For “early” people
For people who can be flexible
Just plain FUN!
Second-shooting a wedding is NOT:
For portfolio building
A way to gain followers
A way to gain clients
A teaching session
For beginners
For someone who needs guidance while shooting
For “late” people
For those who don’t know how to find good light mid-day in the sun
For someone who doesn’t know how to pose wedding parties
For someone who wouldn’t feel comfortable shooting a wedding on their own
For someone who wants to be recognized and the center of attention
For someone who can’t be certain of their schedule
The section shooter role is a complex one. The second shooter will have shooting responsibilities throughout the day that will need to be completed without supervision but it is primarily a support role.
The second shooter takes the shots that are impossible for the lead photographer to take at the same time AND is the wing man to help the lead photographer throughout the day.
She (I’m going to say she here but it could just as easily be a he) is the one to go run and “get that thing.” She might grab water to make sure the lead photographer stays hydrated and dinner plates when the vendors are given 3.35 minutes to eat. She will fluff the dress and fix hair ALL. DAY. LONG. She will carry bags and stand out of the way. She will be an extra set of hands and an encouraging word to anyone who needs it. She will fix zippers and cut off hanger straps and hold the bouquet when it gets too heavy. She will help tie ties and pin boutonnieres.
She will pretend to be the bride using her camera as the bouquet for light checks like @sandyberryphotography always does with such grace!
The second photographer is an extension of the lead photographer’s brand so it is important that she “match” the personality, dress, and shooting style of the lead photographer.
The second photographer is one of the most important parts of the wedding day that hardly ever gets any recognition.
Most importantly, the second photographer is the next in line to lead in case something happens (heaven forbid) to the lead photographer on the wedding day. I have hardly heard stories of this happening…but it could. If you are not comfortable shooting the wedding day as the lead, I’m sorry, but you are not ready to second on a wedding day yet.
How do you get experience, then? Offer to assist or third shoot! These are often not paid positions but it is the best place to start. This is where you will have the opportunity to watch and learn without the pressure. I actually pay my assistants what many pay the second photographers because I always value an extra set of ready hands.
XO - Megan