Rhiannon Hendricks
Becoming a second shooter at a wedding is a great way to build a portfolio, gain experience, and earn money. It can be challenging to get started, as many photographers don't have the time or interest in training someone. However, once you get your foot in the door, it can lead to numerous opportunities. To become a second shooter, you should first create a list of photographers you want to work with and reach out to them via email, providing details about your skills, gear, and a link to your webpage. It's important to remember that you may face rejection, but persistence and a willingness to learn are key. As a second shooter, your role is to support the primary photographer, capture unique moments, and provide a variety of creative images. You should always follow the lead photographer's instructions and be mindful of their brand and reputation. Building a good relationship with the lead photographer is essential, and you should also be respectful of the couple's wishes and privacy. With the right attitude and skills, you can become a valuable second shooter and develop your photography career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Getting started as a second shooter | Create a spreadsheet of photographers you want to work with and draft individual emails. |
| Role of a second shooter | Support the main photographer by capturing additional angles and shots they might miss, such as candids, and unique moments. |
| Mindset | Do not act as a "back-up" shooter. Focus on serving the photographer and the couple, not your portfolio. |
| Etiquette | Dress professionally, be punctual, and avoid using your phone during the event. Do not tag the couple or guests on social media. |
| Building relationships | Be helpful and follow the main photographer's instructions. Show gratitude and share your learnings after the event. |
| Payment | Rates for second shooters range from $20 to $75 or more per hour, depending on skill, involvement, and location. |
| Gaining experience | Offer to assist experienced photographers for free to gain insight and build connections. |
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What You'll Learn
Building a portfolio and gaining experience
First and foremost, consider apprenticing yourself to an experienced photographer. This is a common way to gain experience quickly and learn the tricks of the trade, including lighting, angles, and posing clients. Being a second shooter gives you an inside look at a wedding day and allows you to learn from a seasoned professional. Embrace this opportunity to absorb knowledge and develop your skills.
To find second shooter opportunities, you can start by networking within your community. Join local Facebook groups, as these are popular places for photographers to search for second shooters. You can also leverage your personal connections, as it's often easier to gain trust and opportunities through people you know.
Another strategy is to offer your services for free or at a low rate to gain experience and build your portfolio. Contact photographers you admire and express your interest in working with them. Create a spreadsheet of your dream photographers and draft personalised emails to each, detailing your equipment and providing a link to your portfolio or website. Be prepared to allow the lead photographer access to your RAW images, as this is a common practice when working as a second shooter.
If you're unable to secure paid second shooter work, consider reaching out to budget photo companies or using platforms like Craigslist or Facebook to find couples with small budgets who are willing to work with less experienced photographers. Styled wedding shoots are another option, where you can purchase a "ticket" to participate and gain experience while photographing a couple modelling for a wedding session.
While building your portfolio, it's important to respect the lead photographer's wishes. Do not poach their clients or talk about your own business during the wedding. Always ask for permission before using images in your portfolio and abide by their guidelines, such as not tagging clients in social media posts or providing photo credits to the lead photographer.
Remember, gaining experience and building a portfolio takes time and persistence. Don't be discouraged by setbacks, and always strive to learn and improve your craft.
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Finding and approaching photographers
Finding photographers to work with can be done through Facebook groups, Reddit, and networking at workshops and conferences. Facebook groups such as Rising Tide Society’s Tuesdays Together, Second Shooter Source, and Second Shooters + Lead Shooters are recommended by some. When you find a group, it is suggested to comment on posts from photographers explicitly asking for a second shooter, rather than posting yourself. Be honest about your experience and gear.
Another approach is to create a spreadsheet of all the photographers you want to work with and draft individual emails to them. In your email, include something personalised about their work, lay out what gear you own, and provide a link to your webpage.
When approaching photographers, it is important to be polite and express your interest in learning from them while building your portfolio. You can also post on your own social media that you are getting into wedding photography and are looking for opportunities.
Remember that second shooting is a valuable opportunity to learn from an experienced photographer, gain experience, and build your portfolio. It is also a chance to experiment with different lenses and ideas in a low-pressure environment.
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What to do on the day
On the day of the wedding, it's important to remember that you are there to help the primary photographer and serve the couple. Be prepared to assist with any tasks, not just those related to photography. Make sure to arrive early—if you're asked to be there at 1 pm, don't show up at 1 pm or even 1:15 pm.
During the wedding, your role as a second shooter is to capture the moments that the primary photographer can't. This could include the bride getting ready, the couple's first look, or the ceremony site before the guests arrive. Look for unique, natural moments to photograph, such as candids of family members while the primary photographer is doing family formals. Remember, you are there to provide a creative variety of images, so don't duplicate the primary photographer's shots. Be mindful of where you're standing during the ceremony to avoid ending up in their photos.
Throughout the day, be attentive to the needs of the primary photographer. Bring them water, make sure they get served food, and assist with lens swaps and carrying their bag. If you notice any issues with guests, the bridal party, or vendors, let the primary photographer know so they can handle it.
After the wedding, reach out to the primary photographer to thank them and share your favourite parts of the day. Ask follow-up questions and show your appreciation for the opportunity. Remember to wait for their go-ahead before posting any photos and always give them credit in your captions.
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After the wedding
Next, wait for the main photographer's instructions before posting any photos. Some may want you to wait until the final gallery is delivered, while others may have specific time frames in mind, such as waiting for six months. Respect this rule and do not post any photos until given the green light. When you do post, always tag the main photographer in the caption, but avoid tagging them in the photo itself, as it will appear on their tagged feed. Instead, mention that the photo was taken while second shooting and tag their handle in the caption. Refrain from tagging vendors, the couple, or guests at the wedding, as you do not want them to assume you were the main photographer or repost your work without credit.
Additionally, after gaining permission to post your photos, ensure you give credit to the primary photographer in your captions. This is essential, as it acknowledges their role and showcases your collaborative spirit. It also helps to build trust and foster potential future partnerships.
Remember, as a second shooter, your role is to support the main photographer and serve the couple. Your focus should be on contributing to their special day and enhancing their experience, rather than solely building your portfolio. By adopting this mindset, you will not only excel as a second shooter but also establish yourself as a valuable team player in the industry.
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Payment and progression
Payment for second shooters ranges from $20 to $75 per hour, depending on skill level, involvement in the wedding, and location. A beginner photographer will likely receive $20 per hour, while a seasoned photographer capable of photographing, posing, and directing on their own could receive $50 per hour.
It is important to note that some second shooters may offer their services for free initially to gain experience and build relationships with lead photographers. This can lead to more paid opportunities in the future.
To progress in this field, it is crucial to build a strong network and impress lead photographers with your skills, work ethic, and dedication. This can lead to more opportunities, and eventually, you may be able to start booking your own weddings and building your own business.
Additionally, it is important to continuously improve your skills and gain experience. This can be done by seeking out various second shooter opportunities, building a diverse portfolio, and learning from different lead photographers.
Progression in this field requires a combination of networking, skill development, and experience. By consistently delivering high-quality work and building positive relationships, second shooters can establish themselves in the industry and advance their careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by creating a spreadsheet of all the photographers whose style you admire and whom you would like to work with. Draft emails to these photographers, personalising each one with something you like about their work. Include details of your gear and a link to your webpage. You can also join local wedding photography groups on Facebook, where photographers often go to look for second shooters.
Before the wedding, make sure you understand what the main photographer wants from you and be clear on the dress code. On the day, remember that you are there to help the main photographer and serve the couple. You are not there to boost your portfolio. Do what the main photographer asks you to do, even if it's non-camera-related work. After the wedding, reach out to the photographer to thank them and ask any follow-up questions.
Do capture unique, natural moments and try to provide a creative variety of images. Do stay out of the primary photographer's shots, and don't duplicate their angles. Don't pass out your business card, but do make sure to tag them when you post your photos.
