Now a days in the wedding industry, second shooters are a must have! There are too many important moments that happen on a wedding day for one photographer to adequately cover. From the “getting ready” portion of the day to the evening events, second shooters are crucial in allowing every important moment to be captured!
In addition to primary shooting for my own business, I actually second shoot for other photographers too! I love second shooting! It takes the pressure off of being the lead, and it allows me to get more creative shots and focus more on the in between moments. With my experience being a lead shooter working with second shooters and being a second shooter working with lead shooters (did that even make sense?), I have come up with some tips for second shooters to ensure you all are being the most helpful seconds you can be :)
Follow the Primary Photographer’s Lead:
Every photographer does things differently so make sure you follow their lead and ask what you can do to help. I love it when my second shooters check in with me and ask if there is anything specific I want them to photograph at that time. Communication is key so if you need to go somewhere or do something, let the lead shooter know. Second shooters are hired to be a second set of eyes and to be in places that the primary photographer can’t, so don’t disappear and start doing your own thing without them knowing.
On that same note, don’t stand around and do nothing just because the lead is busy and you don’t know what to do. Take details, candids, ask people chatting together if you could take a quick group photo of them, or you could even pick up some water or coke for the lead ;) I secretly love this!
Take “Behind the Scenes” photos:
Every photographer loves having “behind the scenes” photos of them taken! Sometimes with photographers, videographers, and even other guests blocking the view of the couple or wedding party, it’s hard to find a different angle of the same shot with so many people. These are the great moments where you could take advantage and get a couple photos of your primary photographer in action! What a surprise it will be to for them to come across a couple shots of themselves as they are culling through your photos :)
Be Creative:
You are the second set of eyes at the wedding, so take advantage and get the shots that the primary shooter can’t. At a ceremony for example, if the lead is on one side, photograph the other side. Or if the lead is focused on the couple, start photographing the guests and get those priceless reactions!
Go the Extra Mile:
Things that some of my second shooters have done that I LOVE and are the definition of going to extra mile:
- printing out the timeline and reviewing it before the wedding day
- offering to hold equipment or details
- during family photos- getting the family groupings together and crossing them off the list as we get them done
- getting the lead a water when it’s super hot or a coke during the reception (wink wink)
- capturing guests reactions
- reminding the lead of photos that are on the couples “want” list that still need to be done
Now go be an awesome second shooter for your next wedding!!
