Starting out as a second shooter in wedding photography can be both exciting and daunting. It’s a fantastic way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and learn the ins and outs of wedding photography without the pressure of being the lead photographer. If you’re new to second shooting and wondering how to get started, here’s a guide to help you break into the field.
1. Understand the Role of a Second Shooter
Before diving in, it’s important to understand what a second shooter does. Your primary job is to assist the lead photographer by capturing different angles, moments, and details that they might miss. This often includes:
- Photographing the groom and groomsmen getting ready
- Capturing candid shots of guests during cocktail hour
- Providing alternative angles during key moments, like the ceremony or first dance
- Assisting with formal portraits by reading off shot lists or helping to arrange subjects
You’ll be expected to work closely with the lead photographer, following their direction while also using your creativity to contribute to the final collection of images.
2. Build Your Basic Photography Skills
While you don’t need to be an expert to start second shooting, having a solid foundation in photography is crucial. Here are some skills you should focus on:
- Understanding Manual Settings: Get comfortable with shooting in manual mode. This includes knowing how to adjust your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to adapt to various lighting conditions.
- Mastering Focus: Learn how to nail focus, especially in low light or fast-paced situations, as weddings often involve both.
- Shooting in RAW: Always shoot in RAW format. RAW files contain all the image data captured by your camera’s sensor, giving you greater flexibility in post-processing. This is especially important in wedding photography, where lighting conditions can be challenging and the ability to recover details in highlights and shadows is crucial.
- Using Dual Slot Cameras: Invest in or become familiar with dual-slot cameras. These cameras allow you to write images to two memory cards simultaneously, providing an immediate backup. This is crucial in wedding photography, where losing images due to card failure can be catastrophic.
- Using an On-Camera Flash: Practice using an on-camera flash effectively, as weddings often require shooting in dimly lit venues or during nighttime receptions.
- Composition and Framing: Study composition techniques to create visually pleasing images. Understanding the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry can make a big difference.
If you’re not yet confident in these areas, consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or practicing with friends and family.
3. Build Your Portfolio
Even if you’re just starting out, having a basic portfolio can help you land second shooting gigs. You don’t need a vast collection of wedding photos—just a few solid examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to capture composition, emotions, details, and candid moments. Here’s how you can start building your portfolio:
- Practice with Friends and Family: Offer to photograph family events, friends’ gatherings, or even mock wedding setups. Focus on capturing genuine moments and emotions.
- Attend Styled Shoots: Look for opportunities to participate in styled shoots, where you can photograph models in wedding attire in a controlled environment. This allows you to build your portfolio with wedding-like images.
- Collaborate with Other Photographers: Reach out to local photographers and ask if they need a second shooter for smaller events or portrait sessions. This can help you gain experience and build your portfolio.
4. Network with Wedding Photographers
Networking is key to breaking into the wedding industry. Start by connecting with local wedding photographers, either online or in person. Here’s how you can do that:
- Join Photography Groups: Participate in online forums, Facebook groups, or local photography meetups where you can connect with other photographers.
- Attend Wedding Expos or Photography Events: These events are great places to meet established photographers, learn about the industry, and even find opportunities to assist or second shoot.
- Reach Out Directly: Don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers you admire. Send a polite email introducing yourself, expressing your interest in second shooting, and offering to share your portfolio. Be clear about your level of experience and your willingness to learn.
5. Offer to Assist, Third Shoot, or Second Shoot
If you’re struggling to land your first second shooting gig, consider offering to assist a photographer without the pressure of shooting. Assisting can involve carrying equipment, helping to set up shots, and generally being an extra set of hands on the wedding day. This experience will:
- Help You Learn: You’ll observe how a wedding photographer works, manages time, interacts with clients, and captures key moments.
- Build Relationships: By assisting, you’ll build trust with the photographer, which could lead to future second shooting opportunities.
- Offer to Third Shoot: If the opportunity arises, you can offer to third shoot. This is where you take photos but with less pressure, allowing you to learn and contribute without the main responsibility. It’s a great way to gain experience while still being guided by the lead photographer.
- Get Your Foot in the Door: Once you’ve proven yourself as a reliable assistant or third shooter, the photographer may invite you to second shoot or recommend you to others.
6. Be Prepared for Your First Gig
Once you land your first second shooting job, it’s important to be well-prepared:
- Know Your Gear: Make sure you’re familiar with your camera, lenses, and flash. Bring backup bodies, batteries, memory cards, and any other essentials.
- Dress Appropriately: Weddings are formal events, so dress professionally. The lead photographer may provide guidelines on what to wear.
- Arrive Early: Being punctual is crucial. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to meet the lead photographer, go over the plan, and prepare your equipment.
- Follow the Lead Photographer’s Direction: Remember that your role is to assist, so be attentive and ready to follow instructions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about something.
7. Taking It to an Advanced Level
Once you've gained some experience as a second shooter and are looking to advance your skills, here are some additional steps you can take:
- Anticipate the Lead Photographer’s Needs: With more experience, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of what the lead photographer needs. Anticipating moments, helping with lighting setups, and being ready with extra gear can make you invaluable.
- Capture Unique Angles: As you grow more confident, focus on finding creative and unique angles that add depth and variety to the final gallery. Think about shooting through objects, capturing reflections, or finding elevated positions.
- Improve Your Time Management: Advanced second shooters excel in managing their time efficiently, balancing between capturing candid moments and fulfilling specific requests from the lead photographer.
- Enhance Client Interaction: As you become more experienced, you may find yourself interacting more with clients. Learn how to manage brief interactions professionally, offering assistance when needed without stepping over the lead photographer’s role.
- Master Off-Camera Flash Techniques: Develop your skills with off-camera flash to create dramatic and well-lit images, even in challenging lighting situations. Understanding how to set up and control off-camera lighting will make you a more versatile and capable second shooter.
- Develop a Strong Portfolio: Continue to curate your portfolio with high-quality images from your second shooting experiences. Showcasing a diverse range of shots, including details, candid moments, creative compositions, and well-lit scenes using off-camera flash, will make you more attractive to potential clients and photographers looking for second shooters.
8. Reflect & Improve
After your first few gigs, take the time to reflect on your experience. What went well? What could you improve? Seek feedback from the lead photographer and use it to refine your skills. The more you shoot, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.
Breaking into second shooting can be a rewarding way to start your journey in wedding photography. By building your skills, networking with other photographers, and gaining experience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a sought-after second shooter. Remember, every photographer starts somewhere—so embrace the learning process, and enjoy the ride!