I've worked a lot of weddings with second shooters over the years and I thought I would put together some basic principles that should help all of you second shooters out there (and by extension, the primary photographers you work for).
(1) Do go to www.time.gov the morning of the wedding and update the time on all your bodies to this time. Having accurate time stamps on all of your images will greatly help the primary shooter organize and process the shoot.
(2) Do use higher capacity cards like 8, 16, or 32 gig cards. If you hand the primary a half dozen cards at the end of the night it will make it easier to inadvertently skip or lose a card.
(3) Do scout the location for spots to take portraits. While you're at it, take some scene-setter shots of the venue and grounds.
(4) Do remember to always keep it light and fun. If the bride, groom, family and bridal party don't like you, they won't like any of the images.
(5) Do not shoot over the primary photographer's shoulder. You'll end up with duplicate images that don't help the primary at all.
(6) Do not ask the bride/groom/bridal party to look at your camera while the primary photographer is shooting. While the primary is taking the must-have shots, have some fun and look for the unique images that will complement what the primary is shooting. If you find people looking at your camera while the primary is shooting, stop shooting and point to the primary photographer so they know where to look.The bride here is looking at my camera while my 2nd shooter Jennifer Tai is catching this image from another angle. Sometimes I prefer these images to the ones I'm shooting!
(7) Do help organize the groupings during the family formals. This - and not picture taking - is your primary responsibility during the formals.
(8) Do take lots of detail shots.
(9) Do make sure that you're always shooting from a different angle than the primary. In fact, it's often a good idea to shoot in the opposite direction. For example, while the primary is shooting pictures of the best man giving a toast, you should be taking pictures of the bride, groom and audience reaction.
(10) Do try to avoid being in the primary's field of view. The B&G do not want lots of pictures with you in them!
(11) Do not make direct contact with the B&G before or after the wedding. They are not your client.
(12) Do not pass out your business cards during the wedding. If asked, answer that you are at the wedding working for the primary photographer's studio.
(13) It is okay to occasionially break the fourth wall by taking an image of the primary photographer interacting with the wedding party and guests. These interactions were part of the day, so go ahead and document it.
That's pretty much it. Being a second shooter should be fun! In fact, if I could make as much second shooting as I could running my own business, I'd probably do that instead. While the primary has all the pressure of getting the must-have shots, you are free to play and be more creative. Joe Buissink always says in his seminars that he is the second shooter at his own weddings. He hires a guy to take all the portraits and formals. Just keep it light and use your common sense.
Location Lighting 101 Workshop
January 23, 2010
Seattle, WA
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