Experiences Second Shooting | Tips

Let

Ashley is an avid crossfitter and you can tell by those amazing arms!!

me start this by saying, I am absolutely in no way an expert on second shooting! However, I, like many other newbies out there, understand how difficult it can be to get selected for a second shooting gig. 

Let's be honest, we live and work in an over-saturated market filled with tons of talent... which isn't a bad thing if you are a bride, but is hard to deal with when you are trying to fill your portfolio and learn. Second shooting can be a catch 22 -- it's hard to find someone to work with you if you don't have any experience, but you can't get any experience if no one will work with you! 

All that being said, I have been so incredibly fortunate thus far to have not one, but two amazing photographers who have selflessly given me advice through absolutely no gain of their own. First is Ashley, from Jen + Ashley / We Are The Mitchells -- Ashley has been so kind to let me second shoot with her and asked for nothing in return. I badger her with questions and always get an answer with a smile :) Second is Abby from Abby Grace Photography, who openly shares so much knowledge and wisdom about this business that I wouldn't know otherwise. 

I am eternally grateful for their help and I think it speaks volumes to the character of the people working in this industry.  I really want to pay it forward by passing along some tips that I have picked up along the way. Without further ado... 



1. Watch how you are interacting with clients --  of course be friendly, but you are not the person they hired, so you don't want to over do it. Steer clear of adding anyone as a friend on Facebook. 

2. Step up where needed, even if it means putting your camera down -- you might miss some shots, but part of your job as second is to assist where needed. Help corral family for shots, grab items left behind, etc. Which leads me to 3...

3. Don't make it all about you! We all want to soak up as much as possible and that will happen naturally throughout the day just by observing. Of course ask questions when there is time, but your focus should be on assisting the main photographer to ensure a smooth wedding day.

4. Do NOT ever self promote -- if you're handing out business cards, they better belong to the main photographer. That's all that needs to be said for that one.

5. Shoot with a different lens than the main photographer for greater variety. Also, be sure to keep enough distance, when necessary -- this is because you don't want people confused about which lens to look into. Focus on getting candids, different angles, etc.

6. Try not to overshoot! This one was super hard for me as a beginner, but remember, you aren't the one culling the images at the end of the day along with 3,000+ they took themselves!

7. Don't post pictures until you have permission. Many photographers submit their work in hopes of getting it published -- and many publishers require the images not to be posted online in order to publish the work! So, you don't want to be the reason that they got held back.

8. Finally, ask before doing! Every photographer is different and has varying expectations. None of these tips are set in stone and some photographers may want completely different things! Be upfront and honest to get to know their needs.