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Before I photographed a wedding on my own, I worked as a second shooter for a couple of different photographers, just to get a feel for everything that wedding photography entails.
I highly recommend that those of you who are interested in becoming wedding photographers, start out by second shooting for several weddings. Those second shooter experiences will really help you learn the ropes, and it won't take long before you are completely comfortable being the primary photographer for weddings.
If you have been hired for a second shooter wedding job, here are a few great tips to help make things run smoothly, whether you are second shooting a wedding or a different type of special occasion:
Getting to the venue early and having a grasp on the lighting and scenery will help you work out any kinks that might affect your photos. If it is a large venue, you will know you need your zoom lens. If the lighting is dim, then you’ll be prepared to adjust the settings of your camera ahead of time, and possibly set up any lighting you may need. With this approach, you will be sure not to miss any of the action while you are problem-solving. Know all the details of the wedding venue.
If you are shooting a wedding, the wedding coordinator will be your best source of information. They will be able to tell you the exactly where the bride will be entering, and give you details on the post-wedding schedule: toasts, first dance, bouquet toss, etc. Be sure to relay this information to the primary photographer, because they may not have a lot of time to cultivate a rapport with the wedding coordinator.
This part is very important! The primary photographer is going to be very rushed and preoccupied during the formal, posed portraits, so as they are photographing friends and family, be sure to have the next set of people lined up and ready to go. Time is a very precious thing when shooting a wedding or big event, so you want to make sure that everything moves as quickly as possible for the photographer. Having a few minutes left over for a breather here and there will keep you from getting tired early in the event.
Do not hover too close to the primary photographer. Part of your job as second shooter is to capture candid moments, and different shooting angles than the main photographer. You need to do your best to photograph everything they do, but with a different spin on it, so that if the photographer does accidentally miss a key shot, your photo will save the day! Also, be sure to capture the detail shots – flowers, centerpieces, programs, etc.
Even if you are keeping a little bit of distance between you and the photographer, keep your eye on them in case they need anything – new lens filter, lens change, new battery, or a new set of people to photograph.
Even though you are a second shooter, you should make sure that you are dressed professionally. As second shooter, you are not only representing the photographer who hired you, but you are representing yourself to potential clients.
This is not the best place to advertise your own photography. If you have been hired as a second shooter, you owe it to the photographer who hired you to let this event be their moment to network, so do not hand out business cards. Your time to network will come, but for now, just concentrate on the learning experience. It can be humbling to be a second shooter because naturally, you want to promote yourself, but for now, just enjoy the experience of second shooting and learn everything you can.
Believe it or not, guests look at the photographers when you’re least expecting it! It may feel like they aren’t aware of you, but subconsciously they are seeing you. I'm sure you have heard it a thousand times, but really, be sure to smile. Nobody is going to want a frowning, seemingly frazzled photographer taking their photo. Just relax, stay focused, and have fun!
Do you have any questions or comments about How to be a Perfect Second Shooter? Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (We really appreciate it)!
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