Tips for Second Shooting | For Photographers

When I decided to launch my new site and blog, I knew that I wanted to put educational content out there for aspiring wedding photographers.  Not too long ago I was in this exact same position, and I know how tough it can be trying to navigate the scary world of the wedding industry.  There are so many ways to learn the ins and outs of photography these days, from online classes, in-person workshops, and even one-on-one mentoring, however, my favorite way to learn is through second shooting!

Second shooters are hired on for wedding days to help assist the lead shooter by offering a helping hand (whether that be holding their gear or loading their film), capturing a different angle than the photographer, or by photographing other events if the timeline has the lead photographer in two places at once (such as photographing the groom getting ready, or getting the lead photographer a head start on shooting the reception details while she works on bride and groom portraits).  The tasks of a second shooter vary by the lead photographer you’re working with and your skill/experience level.

I’m only in my second year of taking on wedding clients, so I can give a fresh perspective as someone who shoots my own weddings, and still second shoots quite a bit!  Some of these tips are “no-brainers” that you’ve probably heard before, and some are small random ones that are helpful.

1. Get your skills down first.  I don’t mean that you have to know everything about shooting weddings beforehand, but I’d say knowing how to operate a camera in Manual is essential. Prior to taking on my own wedding days as a lead shooter, I made sure to spend my first two years of business nailing down my camera settings, developing my shooting style, and creating my “client experience.”  Because of this, whenever I started second shooting, I was able to focus on the things that I couldn’t have learned through an online class or elsewhere. This included learning things such as managing a wedding day timeline, working with other vendors involved, corraling 50+ family members to capture family portraits in a 15 minute time-span, and so on.  Take the time to master your camera beforehand, and then you can fully focus on learning how to document a wedding day and serve your future clients well.  It’s key to remember that when you’re second shooting, you’re on the clock, and more often than not, you’re getting paid to be there.  Don’t take that for granted.
2. Capture the unseen.  This goes without saying, but a big part of being a second shooter is getting a different angle than the lead photographer.  When I’m second shooting, I try to focus in on different elements such as getting a tight shot of the bride and groom’s hands wrapped around one another during their portraits, the mother of the bride’s reaction as the bride walks down the aisle, a shot of the parents watching the ceremony, the guests’ reactions to the toasts, and so on.  Getting these different angles helps the lead put together a full gallery, as opposed to just having doubles of everything she’s already shooting.
3. Be presentable and courteous.  When you’re second shooting with another photographer, you’re working under their brand for that day.  Whenever I second shoot with a new lead photographer, I always text them pictures or a description or what I’ll be wearing and make sure it’s okay with them.  Typically, I just wear a black dress and black sandals just to be safe!  Secondly, make sure you’re courteous to the clients and guests that day.  You’re working for the lead, and the last thing you want to do is hurt their reputation because you didn’t extend kindness to someone.
4. Bring a flash.  This one is so random and tiny that there’s literally no better way to title it than “bring a flash” haha.  Receptions are usually dark, so if you’re able to, invest in an off-camera flash or rent one.  The two types I use are a Canon 580EX II and the Yungnuo 600EX-RT II.  I recently purchased two Yungnuos and they’re such good quality for such a low price, so it’s a great investment to make, especially if you plan on continuing to second shoot!
5. Know who you’re working for.  On a wedding day, you’re representing someone else’s company.   Whenever I’m introducing myself on a wedding day that I’m second shooting, I always say, “Hi, my name is Gaby! I’m helping out XYZ today!” so that I can establish that I’m second shooting.  Maybe this isn’t as important to others, but I always want to respect the photographers I work with, so this is just a small thing I like to do.  Secondly, never ever ever hand out or say anything that leads back to your business–this means, don’t hand out your personal business cards and don’t talk about your business to other guests.  You’re there to serve the lead photographer and their couple, and that should always remain at the forefront.
6. Check on the tiny details.  Before starting out the wedding day, make sure your camera is in RAW, and ask the lead photographer if they’d like to sync cameras.  If you’re shooting in RAW, the lead has the ability to edit the images to match their style perfectly.  Also, if you’d like to go above and beyond, ask the lead beforehand how she likes to shoot (underexposed, true to lighting, or overexposed).  Doing this, and syncing cameras, saves them so much time that they’d have to waste in post-production.
7. Know their guidelines.  Most lead photographers will send over guidelines, or have you sign a contract beforehand, so make sure to take the time and read through all of their instructions.  I allow my second shooters the ability to use their images on their social media accounts and portfolio, so one of my biggest guidelines when hiring them is making sure they don’t tag the clients in their images after the wedding day.  This goes back to point #3, but outside of that, it’s important to note that not every picture you took is delivered in the final gallery.  The last thing you want is the client to see the non-delivered image you posted and question the lead photographer about it.
8. Don’t be an added stressor.  You’re there to serve the photographer and help in any way you can.  When I’m lead shooting, I’ve got a zillion and one things going through my mind while I prepare for the day.  Whenever I second shoot, I try to remind myself that the lead has a busy day ahead, so I try to help in any way possible.  I always check in with the lead photographer the week before and confirm the date, address, and contracted hours to see if anything has changed on their end.  Then, on the day of the wedding, I shoot them a text the morning of to let them know I’m on my way and will be arriving at XYZ time at XYZ location. Once again, this step isn’t always needed, but I’m a super paranoid person, and if my second shooter didn’t text me the morning of I’d probably think they weren’t coming! haha.
9. Be honest with yourself and the photographer.  This is probably one of the most important things, don’t be afraid to ask questions.  If the lead photographer asks you to document the reception details while they finish up family portraits and you’re not sure what’s expected of you, ask.  You’re doing a disservice to the photographer, couple, and yourself if you don’t take the time to ask questions.  Always be honest with where you’re at skill-wise.  There’s nothing wrong with taking a step back and admitting that you need some help.

Okay, I feel like I just talked your ear off, but I hope this post was helpful!! If you have any other questions about second shooting, feel free to ask below! Until next time,

via GIPHY

thankies!!