First Time Shooting a Wedding - Need Advice

01/19/2008 12:01:01 AM · #1

I just responded to a Wedding Photographer's ad for an assistant / second shooter for various weddings in 2008. I told him that I've never done a wedding before but that I'd be willing to work for free for him the first couple times for the experience. To my surprise he actually called me a half hour later and accepted my offer, and I'll be shooting my first wedding with him in February!

So now I'm starting to freak out a little - I know pretty much nothing about shooting weddings, and more importantly, being a second shooter. I just read through Fotoman Forever's tutorial on shooting weddings, but that's all about being the primary photographer. My question is: What's expected of a second shooter? I'm hoping once I get there, the photographer will give me clear direction as to what I'm supposed to be doing, but I'd like to get an idea of what a second shooter's duties are typically. I'd love to hear from anyone who shoots weddings regularly and hires second shooters, or from any people who work as second shooters. Please walk me through a typical wedding, where you go and what you do.

Thanks so much!

fotomann_forever

01/19/2008 12:11:40 AM · #2

He'll let you know what to do. He'll have you shooting most likely from a different angle thn he is shooting from. So, basically he wants someone that can get him decent shots of things he might miss. Because you are a second shooter, you don't have to be as accurate as he needs to be, but the more good shots you get, the better off you both are.

Don't stress about it a lot though. He'll let you know what's going on. If he doesn't, you might want to look for another "first-shooter" :-D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/19/2008 12:17:38 AM · #3

Cool, thanks for the advice, Leroy... looks like you do a lot of this. So do you usually just have your second shooters shooting the same thing as you, just from a different angle?

fotomann_forever

01/19/2008 12:21:55 AM · #4

I generally don't use a second shooter. I have an assistant most times, but she's more for logistics than for shooting. She gets people where I need them, poses people, watches my gear, keeps up with what I've shot, etc.

For me, it means less processing. But, there are times when I do wish I had a second shooter at a different angle during the ceremony and reception.

cryingdragon

Canon EOS-10D

01/19/2008 12:22:53 AM · #5

The 2nd is usually there for a lot more of the candids. Also, to get a different view of the actual ceremony. Kind of like he's gonna shoot the faces of the bride and groom when they are lighting the unity candle, and you shoot it from the back.

Like Leroy said, it's his job to be as accurate as possible and get as much as he can, but you are there to help him out and do your best as well.

The best part of being 2nd is that you really don't have the stress of the shoot on you and you can have fun with it. So, do just that and learn as much as you can.

fotomann_forever

01/19/2008 12:26:26 AM · #6

Originally posted by cryingdragon:

The best part of being 2nd is that you really don't have the stress of the shoot on you and you can have fun with it. So, do just that and learn as much as you can.

That is an excellent point. If I were shooting with a second shooter, I would certainly give them license to be more creative with things, since they don't HAVE to get the shot. But, your photographer may feel differently.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/19/2008 12:32:37 AM · #7

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by cryingdragon:

The best part of being 2nd is that you really don't have the stress of the shoot on you and you can have fun with it. So, do just that and learn as much as you can.

That is an excellent point. If I were shooting with a second shooter, I would certainly give them license to be more creative with things, since they don't HAVE to get the shot. But, your photographer may feel differently.

Yeah, I was wondering about that. Like if he wants me shooting the formal bridal party with him, but I see action elsewhere that looks worth shooting, would it be okay for me to take the initiative and shoot that? I guess I'll probably just have to figure it out on a case by case basis. I was just trying to get an idea of what will be expected of me before the event actually happens.

cryingdragon

Canon EOS-10D

01/19/2008 12:37:36 AM · #8

Originally posted by Breeee123:

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by cryingdragon:

The best part of being 2nd is that you really don't have the stress of the shoot on you and you can have fun with it. So, do just that and learn as much as you can.

That is an excellent point. If I were shooting with a second shooter, I would certainly give them license to be more creative with things, since they don't HAVE to get the shot. But, your photographer may feel differently.

Yeah, I was wondering about that. Like if he wants me shooting the formal bridal party with him, but I see action elsewhere that looks worth shooting, would it be okay for me to take the initiative and shoot that? I guess I'll probably just have to figure it out on a case by case basis. I was just trying to get an idea of what will be expected of me before the event actually happens.

The best bet is to talk with the photog and see what his expectations are. If he's not clear, tell him what you would like to do.

I shot 2nd on one wedding, then started doing them on my own...I used to video tape them, so I had a good idea what to go for. I enjoy them, because it's never the same.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

01/19/2008 01:33:00 AM · #9

I love playing second shooter. It takes a lot of the stress out of doing the job. And you get to be more creative because you're not having to shoot the boring shots that "must be done" but are boring nonetheless. I just wish I had done this when I was starting out. You learn a lot and can grow very quickly by working with a mentor.

geoffb

01/19/2008 01:37:44 AM · #10

As was already said, try to be where he's not. When he's shooting the formals, get shots of those people who are not in the current shots (or perhaps in a completely different area). Most brides and grooms won't remember much about what went on around them that day; they're definitely not going to remember what went on somewhere where they weren't at!

Learn from him, but don't get too caught up in trying to be his assistant. Be where he wants you to be if he asks for it, but otherwise just enjoy yourself. Try to get a few shots that will really wow him, the bride, the groom, and their families, like a shot that no first shooter could ever get because they're busy getting a "required" shot (maybe lighting the unity candle, but from directly above, if the location permits it somehow).

Message edited by author 2008-01-19 03:09:42.

01/20/2008 02:25:03 AM · #11

Originally posted by dwterry:

Cool, thanks for the link to your thread, Terry... you have some amazing shots! Now I'm getting kind of excited about this (although I doubt I can produce anything near your quality). I'll try not to let the pressure get me too nervous...

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/20/2008 02:25:57 AM · #12

Originally posted by geoffb:

Thanks for the advice! I love the idea of shooting the ceremony from above if possible.

cryingdragon

Canon EOS-10D

01/20/2008 02:53:15 AM · #13

Originally posted by Breeee123:

Thanks for the advice! I love the idea of shooting the ceremony from above if possible.

And the next day in the newspaper:

Church burns to ground after photographer falls 20 feet onto unity candles.

haha

Actually, that does sound pretty cool. The shooting from above, not the falling part.

Makka

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/20/2008 03:26:18 AM · #14

I have my wife

-bec- work as second shooter for me at weddings. Most of the time she skirts the main group with a 70-200mm taking those shots that people don't know are being taken. These can produce some of the best results, especially with those people who are camera shy. But, I also have her to help out with the posed shots in regards to making sure dresses are looking right, glasses are off heads etc, which sometimes I may not have noticed (because some of those formal shots are so boring). But I think you will learn a lot from watching someone in action and learning how he does things.

01/20/2008 05:31:07 AM · #15

Originally posted by cryingdragon:

Originally posted by Breeee123:
Thanks for the advice! I love the idea of shooting the ceremony from above if possible.

And the next day in the newspaper:

Church burns to ground after photographer falls 20 feet onto unity candles.

haha

LOL! That would SO be me.

01/20/2008 05:32:18 AM · #16

Originally posted by Makka:

I have my wife -bec- work as second shooter for me at weddings. Most of the time she skirts the main group with a 70-200mm taking those shots that people don't know are being taken. These can produce some of the best results, especially with those people who are camera shy.

Another great idea - thanks! I just bought a 70-200, so I'll make sure to put it to use.

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions! I really appreciate it.

Prof_Fate

01/20/2008 08:30:38 AM · #17

Ask the photographer what he expects you to do, how to dress, etc. Some are more informal and others wear tuexedos when the shoot a weddding.
A second shooter can be a glorified assistant or a totally independent photographer. And it will vary during the day.
What style does he shoot? He'll want you to shoot the same or else the wedding pics will look very weird. Meaning, does he shoot everything old school - posed, 5.6, flash, or more PJ - no to very little posing, lots of angles to shots, 1.2 to 2.8, very little flash?

My assistant also second shoots during the ceremony, but when I have a second shooter he's pretty independent - he'll pose the guys and shoot them when they're getting ready. If I have a short lens to get the money shots then he has a long lens and gets their expressions. At the reception when they're cutting the cake for example, I'll follow the bride and he the groom. Try like hell NOT to be in the other photogs pics!

For the formals my assistant sets up lighting, helps with corraling the people, posing, etc. A second shooter it off to the side getting reactions, candid moments - but that's a PJ style shoot, remember. I've also seen them do nothing during the formals wtih a more traditonal style photographer.

FocusPoint

XIAOMI Redmi Note 8 Pro

01/20/2008 08:59:03 AM · #18

Don't panic, calm down and have fun. Trust in yourself and machine. Remember, there are two machines working, be the best one, but don't worry if you miss shot or two... or three, four... They will love your pictures I am sure, after all you will have about 5 thousands to choose from ;)

jschro

Canon EOS-30D

01/22/2008 11:46:04 AM · #19

I've had a little experience with this...I was supposed to be the 2nd shooter at a wedding last summer. I did a lot of reading, figured out what gear to use ...blah blah blah. I showed up at the wedding and BAM, I'm now the main photographer. The 1st shooter was having issues and kind of asked me to take over. (keep in mind he wasn't a pro and was doing it as a favor for a neighbor). Stress, here I come. I had been laid back, but in my eagerness I had actually prepared like I was the main shooter. Good thing too. I'm almost 100% certain this will not happen to you, but just be prepared to do the best job that you can. Look through photo galleries to see some different type shots to look for, and read alot. Good luck.

geoffb

01/22/2008 08:57:24 PM · #20

Originally posted by jschro:

I hope that after swapping positions you also swapped profits.

jschro

Canon EOS-30D