8 Things You Should Know About Becoming a Second Photographer
Stock Image.
One of the best ways of getting into the wedding photography industry is to become a second photographer. This is a great way to learn the business, gain hands-on experience, but it’s also a huge responsibility. In many cases, looking to hire or bringing someone else aboard because they find more coverage is needed than they are able to provide if the wedding was photographed solo. So for me, finding and working with the right person as a second photographer is a key element to make sure the wedding is successful and that goes beyond just being a talented photographer.
Professionalism
This goes without saying but being professional is so important. We’re looking for someone that can represent our brand. This includes, but not limited to, presenting themselves professionally, delivering great customer service, and having a positive attitude. Someone who is willing to help and is always being proactive. We hire photographers who understand outstanding service which is the basis of our business. We believe that there are an incredible amount of talented photographers out there who has a ready-to-help attitude but also the technical skills to take a great image no matter what the situation is.
Creativity
For a second photographer, there are things that extend beyond customer service. Creating images that are in focus, exposed correctly, and being creative is the basis of a second photographer’s job. For our business, the lead photographer is generally directing the couple and the second photographer walks around getting different angles.
Reliability
We like to get the safe shots we know our couple is expecting before experimenting. We love and encourage to take risks but we ask that our second photographers don’t try something they’ve never done before until they’ve also shot some well exposed and composed images. So for the second photographer, making sure what you photograph is in the general style of the lead photographer. This shows that you are there to support them and do not have your own agenda.
Now, just because you’re not the lead photographer doesn’t mean you don’t have the best angle. Sometimes being forced to look for angles can push you creatively and make for some exceptional work.
Ask Questions
Weeks or even months prior to the wedding, it is vital to communicate to the lead photographer any questions that you may have. Lead photographers have often had months of communication with their couple. They know and understand the couple’s vision for the wedding day and will be able to share important information and ideally helpful information about the couple. For my second photographers, we provide the timeline, give a rundown of family dynamics, and discuss the basic types of images that the couple is most interested in. We hire people we TRUST and it’s important to us that they feel comfortable throughout the day.
Don’t Steal the Spotlight
Another factor you may not consider is social media. For example, we prefer that our second photographers do not post on social media so that there is no confusion over who was hired to shoot the wedding. If you are pursing your own wedding photography business and want to use your photos on your blog, we ask that you do not post them until we have had the chance to share them.
Credit the Brand You’re Representing
Social media is the driving force to get exposure. A good tip whenever posting images shot for another photographer, is to make sure that you credit them in some way. For example, our second photographer would write something like, “…love this image I shot for White Tiaré Weddings today!” With social media driving business for many photographers that acknowledgement will reflect well on you and make you more likely to be rehired.
Availability
For the most part, we love to use the same second photographer when we can. And we like to rehire those who have the ability to deliver consistent, well exposed images that are creatively composed while representing our brand which supports our business. Working with second photographers for the day is always enjoyable for all. They help us grow our business, expose them to new experiences with on-the-job experience, and we’re so grateful to have their support.
Flexibility
We like flexibility with our second photographers. Whether they’re great a running their camera or even run the camera gimbal for video, having other skills will give you more of an opportunity to work with us. Limiting yourself will lessen the possibility for opportunities.
In Conclusion
Being a second photographer is a very rewarding way to learn about the wedding industry. So by reaching out to photographers who inspire you and that you admire is a great way to start. No business becomes successful overnight and it takes years to build based on work relationships with other areas of the wedding industry like floral designers, caterers, and wedding venues. If you appreciate the reputation a business has, admire their images, and want to learn more, you may want to consider second shooting for them. These relationships can be beneficial for everyone and can help you as you establish yourself in the industry. And who knows, you might even become an ‘associate’ second photographer- one who we can always book for our wedding.
If you’re a photographer that shoots with a Sony A7 series mirrorless camera and wants to be part of our team, contact us directly for an interview. You should have a portfolio to show us your previous work- even if you don’t have any wedding photography experience.