GUIDE TO SECOND SHOOTING WEDDINGS MEGAN BREUKELMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
GET STARTED SECOND SHOOTING WEDDINGS Second shooting is basically when a photographer hires you to join them in shooting a wedding and you’re there to provide high-quality images that are extra insurance that the couple is going to get exactly what they want out of a wedding day. Second shooting is different than assisting a wedding photographer, as assisting is exactly what it sounds like–– you’re specifically assisting the wedding photographer with their equipment and other shooting needs. Second shooting, on the other hand, is full-on shooting at a wedding making sure that between both of you, you have the best variety of shots and perspectives. Second shooting weddings can be a great way to dip your toe in the waters of wedding photography. If you are not quite ready to handle taking on a wedding on your own, second shooting is a perfect learning experience to get you comfortable during the hustle and bustle of a wedding day. There’s a lot that goes into wedding shooting
besides just taking really good photos, and experienced wedding photographers get into a sort of routine with the events. Every single wedding is unique and special, but there will be some major consistencies across weddings. If you’re not quite ready to start shooting weddings solo or as a lead photographer, second shooting is a great option for you. Sometimes experienced wedding photographers second shoot weddings with other photographers that they like just because they like to work with that photographer. Second shooting is totally not limited to beginners and can be a really great experience for both the shooters and the couple. I first got started doing a little bit of second shooting before I was comfortable enough to venture into shooting weddings on my own. Even now I do like to shoot weddings with a fellow shooter (which is typically my husband, Kenneth) because I do think if you can offer your couples two different perspectives of their wedding, why not really give them a range of styles and shots and make sure nothing gets left out?
GET SECOND SHOOTING JOBS FACEBOOK GROUPS
COLD OUTREACH
Local Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with photographers who are looking for second shooters.
Reach out to photographers whose work you admire in your area to see if they are in need of second shooters.
CRAIGSLIST
WORD OF MOUTH
Check Craigslist listings (yes, really!) to see if there are photographers posting in your area looking for a second shooter.
Spread the word! Let people know you are looking to get into wedding photography and are looking to start second shooting.
GET THE DETAILS Make sure to photograph all of the little details of the wedding day. You want to make sure that the lead photographer is totally covered when they're delivering to their clients. Ensure that you're taking pictures of decorations, food, smiling guests, and all of the little details that they put so much hard work into for their special day. Planning a wedding takes a lot of work and even if the guests might not notice every tiny detail, you know that the brides or grooms are going to be thinking a lot about those tiny little things that meant a lot to them. When they were up until two in the morning grappling with decisions on napkin colors or menu cards, they will want to see that their hard work paid off and their details were noticed. Every couple has different details that are important to them, but of course, there are major things like the rings and shoes and accessories that cannot be skipped out on. Second shooting also frees up the lead photographer to be able to take more shots of the dress or have a little more one on one time with the bride to get the perfect shot.
SHOOT A LOT... NO REALLY, A LOT Shoot a lot of images. This may be a given for any event photographer, but don't be afraid to just keep snapping. You’ll want to make sure that not a single moment is missed, and the best way to do this is to just keep shooting. It is way better to end the day with a handful of totally full memory cards to edit down than to realize you forgot to take a shot of something. Yes, editing does take a lot of time, but I promise it’s so much better than having not taken the time on the actual day.
MAKE YOURSELF BUSY If you have nothing to do, make yourself busy. This goes hand-in-hand with the rule to always keep shooting. Even if you really really have nothing to do, make yourself look busy at the very least. You don’t want to have a couple questioning the investment of a second photographer if you’re on your phone every time they look over. If you are not shooting at that exact moment, check your equipment or prepare your next shot from the shot list. I cannot overstate how important it is to just keep working to get the right shots.
REVIEW THE SHOT LIST Go over the shot list before the wedding and keep it on hand during the event itself. Many couples are willing to provide a list of essential shots and of people that are important to them to help photographers capture their day better. Keep a copy in your bag or on your phone so you can refer back to it. The lead photographer might be busy and be forgetting something that the bride or groom said was an essential shot, like photos of grandma or pictures of the cat (which yes, was on one of my essential shot lists for a wedding). Double check and cross all of the shots off the list, and point out to the photographer if they are missing a shot. A note on shot lists: try not to let family intervene too much in these shot lists. Sometimes family members can try to direct the shots that they’re looking for but your couple might not necessarily be wanting. Tell the family members that you’ve got a shot list and you need to stick to it.
QUICK TIP: IF YOU DON'T HAVE WEDDINGS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO WHEN YOU'RE REACHING OUT TO SECOND SHOOT, TRY AND PUT TOGETHER A STYLED WEDDING SHOOT TO BUILD OUT YOUR BOOK. That way you can show the photographers you want to work with that you're putting in the effort to continue shooting, you're finding your eye in wedding photography and you're excited to get learning.
COLLECT A VENDOR LIST Collect a list of vendors before or after the wedding, preferably before, and grab their contact information. Sending the vendors photos from the wedding is a hugely helpful thing for the vendors themselves, and a huge win for your own word-of-mouth marketing. This list can be super helpful for both you and the lead photographer to be able to send images for them to post and to use in their own portfolios. It’s also a great opportunity for you to start a conversation with some of these vendors and network.
SCOUT LOCATIONS If you have the opportunity, scout locations at the venue beforehand. If you can’t get there ahead of time, scout while there are getting ready shots happening. Make sure you know which areas you can–– and can’t–– shoot around. You’ll want to be totally prepared for whatever comes next and really look like you’re on the ball. Getting acquainted with the venue and its surroundings will also help you feel more comfortable when you are shooting. Maybe there’s a hidden spot tucked away in one of those areas that no one really noticed, but you just know will make an amazing shot. Scouting ahead of time can hand you these opportunities.
STAY OUT OF THE SHOT If you are second shooting a wedding, it's important to remember that there are two photographers. Try to stay out of their shots as best as you can throughout the day. It might not always be 100% possible, but try to make it 99% possible. If there are videographers, do your best to stay out of their way as well. It can get tricky working with multiple camera people who are all doing their best to get the right shot. Bottom line: It's important to be present, but also to be inconspicuous. You want to capture the moment, not be crouched in the background of it!
BRING BACKUP EQUIPMENT Always bring back up equipment. Backup batteries, backup memory cards, even handy dandy portable chargers for batteries and phones. The lead photographer should have backup equipment for themselves, but in case they don't or something goes wrong, you should be ready to help them out. The most important part of the day is making sure that the clients get the results they wanted at all costs.
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