6 Tips to Be an Awesome Second Shooter

I have been a second photographer at many weddings and was told recently that I am a very skilled second shooter. (In fact, one of my local photographers is my first choice – which made me giddy. Ryan is my second wedding photographer, which has worked out wonderfully for me. Ryan and I have a common style, so we get along well. Ryan is a great photographer, and I know that he will capture strong images from a different perspective. He also fills out every wedding album with amazing images. Based on my experience as a second photographer and working for another person, I decided to write an article about how to be an amazing second shooter.

1) Don’t promote yourself!

This is the most important rule in the second shooting. I hope you find it common sense. You are an employee of your main photographer’s business while you are working. It is totally inappropriate and unprofessional to market or advertises your business while working for another photographer. You will appear unprofessional and amateur if you try to market your business while working for another photographer. You should show respect to the photographer who hired you and let them know that you are a business owner for the day. As an employee of the photographer, it is important that you are prepared to answer some basic questions and to have your business cards available to guests.

2) Try new angles

Your photographer doesn’t want you to duplicate every shot he/she takes. They hired you to be their eye, and they hope that you will look at different angles. It is the job of the main photographer to capture all formal images on a wedding day. You have the unique chance to view each shot from a different perspective or angle. You never know what the photographer might have missed between shots, so keep an open mind!

3) Make sure you are not in the main photographer’s shot

This is a problem that can often be faced by new second-shooters. It is important to pay attention to where the main photographer is and to ensure that you don’t appear in their backgrounds. Their shots are more important than yours, so don’t forget them! Keep out of their way. Remember to also look for other angles, so she/he isn’t in your background.

4) Pay attention and pay close attention to details

You can also help your photographer by paying attention to details while setting up a photograph. Straighten the bride’s dress if you see wrinkles. Correct any imperfections in the groom’s handkerchief. Fix any hair problems at a bridesmaid’s party. Your attention to detail will be appreciated by both the client and the photographer.

5) Pay attention to the needs of your main photographer

Sometimes second shooters double up as assistants. Keep an eye out for any camera malfunctions to ensure you are able to quickly identify them. This is especially helpful if you have worked with the same photographer for a while. You will know which lenses they are looking for when setting up shots. You can also be available to help them with any lens needs.

6) Chat with clients while the main photographer prepares for the next shot

Do not feel that you have to be polite and friendly with clients just because they’re not your clients. Many times, brides and grooms feel uncomfortable during those awkward moments when the photographer is getting ready for the next shot. You can ease their discomfort by telling them how amazing they look, asking them what they are most looking forward to, and asking them questions like “How is it going?” This is a great way for clients to be happy and distracted while giving the main photographer time to prepare for the next shot.

There are many things you can do for your photographer to make the day more memorable. The main photographer must ensure that the client buys images, but you have the chance to capture unique and creative images. It is your responsibility to ensure that the client and photographer are taken care of. Remember that you can’t market or advertise yourself while working as a photographer. These six tips should help you be the best second-shooter you can be.