Being a second shooter at weddings is an exciting opportunity to hone your skills, build your portfolio, and contribute to capturing one of the most important days in a couple's life. If you're joining me as a second shooter at Caitee Smith Photography, here's everything you need to know to be a valuable part of the team and ensure a smooth, successful wedding day.

Caitee & second shooter Georgia at Nikki & Dean's wedding

Initial Process


Our collaboration starts well before the wedding day. To ensure we're a great fit, I'll request to see a full gallery from your previous work. This gives me insight into your photography style and how well it aligns with mine. Once we've decided to work together, here are the initial steps you'll need to take:


  • Sign a Second Shooter Contract: This formalizes our agreement and outlines the expectations.
  • Provide Your Hourly Rate and Payment Method: Let me know your rate and preferred payment method.
  • Dress Professionally: Weddings are formal events, so attire like slacks/blouses, jumpsuits, or dresses are appropriate. Sneakers are okay.
  • Arrive on Time: Punctuality is key. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you're ready to go.
  • Bring the Right Gear: You’ll need to bring two dual-slot DSLR or mirrorless cameras, either Canon or Nikon. I prefer not to hire Sony users.
  • Be Proficient in On-Camera Flash: It’s crucial that you know how to use an on-camera flash.
  • Be Proficient in Manual Mode: It’s crucial that you are comfortable shooting in Manual mode.
  • Shoot in RAW: Capturing in RAW format is essential for the highest quality images.
  • Shoot on My Cards: You’ll shoot and format on one of my cards for each camera to ensure consistency.


Pre-Wedding Communication


Effective communication is key to a smooth day. Here’s what you can expect leading up to the wedding:


  • Discuss Expectations: We’ll have a conversation to clarify specific expectations, shot lists, and any particular moments the couple values. This ensures we’re aligned on the day’s priorities.
  • Discuss Timeline: I’ll provide you with a copy of the wedding day timeline so you know when and where you need to be at all times.

Gear and Backup


Being prepared with the right gear is crucial:


  • Bring Backup Equipment: Always have backup gear, including extra batteries, memory cards, and lenses, to ensure you’re ready for any technical issues.
  • Lens Selection: We’ll discuss lens choices beforehand to complement each other’s shots—for example, if I’m capturing close-ups, you might focus on wide-angle shots.

Day-of Expectations


On the wedding day, the excitement and emotions are high, and there’s no room for errors. Here’s how we’ll work together:


  • SD Cards & Formatting: I’ll provide you with one SD card for each of your cameras. You’ll shoot on both my cards and one of your own. Before starting, format all cards to avoid any compatibility, corruption, or storage issues.
  • Syncing Cameras: We’ll sync all our cameras to the exact same date and time, down to the second. This is crucial for a cohesive gallery.
  • Continuous Check: Throughout the day, keep an eye on your memory cards to ensure everything is recording smoothly. Check for camera issues, such as sensor issues or incorrect flash settings.
  • Avoid High ISO: While going up to 1600 ISO is fine in most situations, I prefer that you do not go above this. Use flash when needed. Stay below 1600.

What I Need You For


As a second shooter, your role is to capture moments and angles I might miss, offering a broader perspective of the day. Here’s what I’ll rely on you for:


  • Groom Prep & Details: You’ll cover the groom and groomsmen’s prep, groom details, and portraits. It’s important that you’re comfortable working with the guys to capture genuine moments.
  • Different Angles & Perspectives: While I focus on one shot, you’ll capture it from a different angle or distance, providing more variety.
  • Cocktail Hour: You’ll take grip-and-grins while I capture reception details.
  • Family Portraits: Help read off the shot list to ensure we don’t miss any key family photos.
  • Behind the Scenes: Grab behind-the-scenes shots, fluff the bride’s dress, adjust the veil, and anything else needed to perfect the shot.
  • Portfolio Shots: While I encourage you to shoot for your portfolio, avoid shooting over my shoulder the entire time. And remember—try not to overshoot.

Behind the scenes shot of Caitee taken by second shooter, Caroline

Professionalism and Behavior


Your behavior on the wedding day reflects on both of us:


  • Interact with Guests Professionally: As a representative of Caitee Smith Photography, it’s important to interact with the couple and guests in a professional and friendly manner.
  • Respect the Main Photographer’s Lead: Your role is to assist and complement my work. Avoid directing the couple or guests unless specifically asked to do so.
  • Be Adaptable: Weddings rarely go exactly according to plan. Being adaptable and ready to pivot is key to capturing all the important moments, even when the schedule shifts.
  • Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for the couple’s big day. Your enthusiasm can help put the couple and guests at ease, leading to more authentic and joyful photos.

Post-Wedding


Once the wedding is over, there are a few post-nuptial guidelines to keep in mind:


  • Using Photos in Your Portfolio: Unless stated otherwise, you’re free to use the photos you’ve shot in your portfolio. However, please wait until I’ve shared the gallery with the couple and posted online before you post any photos.
  • Social Media Etiquette: Please do not tag the couple in any posts or reach out to them directly. I ask that you tag @caiteesmithphotography when you post on social media and your portfolio.
  • Delivering Photos: We’ll establish a clear process for how and when you’ll deliver the images to me. This might include providing a few highlights within a day or two and the rest within a week.
  • Backup Your Work: Make sure to back up your images immediately after the wedding to avoid any risk of data loss.
  • Seek Feedback: After the wedding, ask for feedback on your performance. This can help you grow as a photographer and improve for future gigs.

Being a second shooter is a great way to expand your skills and experience in wedding photography. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only contribute to capturing beautiful memories for the couple but also create a rewarding experience for yourself as a photographer. Remember, wedding photography is a team effort, and our collaboration is key to delivering a beautiful, cohesive gallery. Let’s work together to make every wedding day as perfect as possible!