A few weeks ago, in one of the Facebook groups I’m in for wedding photographers, someone asked for advice, tips, and tricks for second shooters.

As I jotted down a few things to share, I realized that I had more thoughts on the topic than I realized! Further: I realized that I’ve never blogged about this topic (what?) so, here we are! I’m sharing some of the original advice I shared, plus a few more tips I’ve thought of over the last few weeks!

But first, a clarification:
For the purposes of this post, I will be specifically talking about SECOND SHOOTERS not ASSISTANTS. Sometimes, folks in the wedding world use these terms interchangeably, but in my experience, they mean two very different things.

An Assistant is simply there as a helper to the main photographer. An assistant is someone who carries bags, sets up & manages light stands & lighting equipment, and is quick to run in & hold the bride’s bouquet. An assistant is the fluffer of the bride’s dress & veil and helps during family formals by actively prepping the next group to step in with the bride & groom. An assistant is not an active photographer, they are simply there to lend a hand to the main photographer.

A Second Shooter is an active second photographer. They are shooting simultaneously with the main photographer. Many times they are solely responsible for shooting groom details & getting ready (while the main photographer is shooting bride details & getting ready), as well as groom & groomsmen portraits. They are a second set of eyes on the wedding day & a backup to the main photographer (in case, God forbid, something would happen that would pull the main photographer out of actively shooting).

A lot of times, second shooters are fully-trained photographers who are simply learning the ropes of a wedding day. If you’ve ever been a part of a wedding, you know that there are many many moving pieces & it definitely takes some time to get the feel for the ebb & flow of a wedding day (which is why second shooting is so important before a photographer would take on a wedding day on their own).

The following advice is for second shooters who are just starting out, or maybe as a refresher if you’ve been doing this a long time! I’ve been photographing weddings since 2009, but I still love to second shoot a wedding or two every year!

Advice for Second Shooters

BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY:

Ask for Clear Expectations

Talk with the main photographer (especially if you’ve never shot with them before) and have them outline exactly what they would like you to do. Having a set of clear expectations before the big day rolls around is key to having a great experience & providing your main photographer (and the couple) with fabulous images.

Dress Professionally

I used to think that “dressing professionally” went without saying, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Way back in the day (I’m talking almost 10 years ago now), I hired a second photographer, that I had never met, to come with me to a wedding. She arrived (late) to my house, dressed fairly casually. My goal has always been to present myself professionally & in a manner that will blend in with the guests of the wedding day – in other words, I typically wear a dress (or a blouse + skirt when I was breastfeeding & needed to pump during a wedding day). Yet, when this girl arrived at my house, I realized that I had not specifically told her what to wear, so the blame (partially) rested with me (from that day forward, I made sure to clarify with every single second shooter I hired what I wanted them to wear!) Even if the main photographer has not specifically mentioned what to wear – do yourself a favor & dress professionally.

ON THE WEDDING DAY:

Look For The Secondary Action

Photograph the main events, but be on the lookout for what’s going on “to the side” – is Mom crying during the father/daughter dance? who is laughing the hardest during toasts? are tissues being passed around before the ceremony starts? The main photographer will be shooting the father/daughter dance, the toasts, the processional straight on – so unless otherwise instructed, I LOVE when my second shooter is looking for those “side” moments that are JUST as important & special!

The Rule Of The Opposite Lens

One of the things I learned very quickly early on was that: the last thing the main photographer needs (or wants) is a thousand images that are simply duplicates of what they main photographer is shooting. In other words, please do not stand directly beside (or behind) the main photographer & shoot over their shoulder. The main photographer is already shooting that exact scene. The easiest way to avoid this is to shoot with the opposite lens that the main photographer is shooting with. In other words, if they are shooting wide, shoot telephoto. And vice-versa, if they are shooting telephoto, shoot wide. This will automatically mean that you are getting completely different photos than the main photographer & greatly enhance what you deliver!

Be Creative!

As a second shooter – you have very little responsibility, so why not try something different? Shoot through something. Slow your shutter speed down during the reception. Shoot at completely different angles. Open your eyes & see things differently. Second shooting is the perfect time to stretch your creativity & try new things! After all, if the shots don’t work out, no big deal (and if they do turn out – you might surprise yourself with capturing your new favorite image!)

Be A Helper

As a second shooter (defined above), you aren’t technically responsible to fulfill the role of an assistant, but it’s so helpful when you can! Volunteer to help carry the main photographer’s bags & help them set up lighting equipment. Be on the lookout for small things that the main photographer might not notice: necklaces being backwards, bouquets being held too high, pocket squares or boutonnieres being twisted. Jump in & fluff the bride’s dress and by all means, go grab your main photographer a glass of water (trust me, they’ll be so so grateful!)

Behind The Scenes

Words can not express how thankful I am when my second photographer grabs some “action” shots of me working on a wedding day. I mean, seriously, I can’t take photos of myself! I know it sounds weird (and maybe a little selfish) but behind-the-scenes photos are absolutely invaluable. I use them on my website & on social media – people love to be able to visualize a photographer working on a wedding day & behind-the-scenes images are exactly that!

NEVER EVER EVER

Last but definitely not least: never ever EVER speak badly of the venue, the couple, the bridal party, any of the guests, or the other vendors at the wedding while you are “on the scene”. No matter how bad you want to point out how tacky something might look or how poorly organized something is or how unprofessional someone may appear – mentioning it on the wedding day is a huge no-no. Even if you think you are completely alone – you never know who might be right behind you, listening to you gripe. Once you’re in the car, on the ride home – go for it! But on a wedding day – absolutely not. As photographers, we are there to celebrate what can be a very stressful (and at the same time, joyous) day. The last thing anyone needs is negativity heaped on top of a challenging circumstance.

There you go! Those are my top tips for second shooters heading into a new wedding season!
Second shooting is so much fun & if you have an interest in photographing weddings, it’s the perfect stepping stone to get you there. Do you have questions about second shooting or wedding days in general? I’d love to hear them! Leave me a comment below, or use my contact form to shoot me a message – I would be thrilled to help in any way I can!