second-shooting 101

Allison Upchurch Photography asked me to come along and help photograph her client’s wedding at the stunning Park Winters Estate, planned by Curated by Grace & White Events. So, although I took these photos, I can’t take credit for the execution of this day… I was given some background information on the couple and wedding details, and I showed up to the wedding ready to help Allison and capture moments unfolding as I saw them.

In recent years, my schedule hasn’t allowed me to second shoot as often as I once did, but I love it when I get the chance to… and I show up to these events with the same energy & professionalism as if they were my clients, but appropriately take a step back and allow the main photographer to lead.

Early in my career, I trained under a high-end wedding photographer as her second, and she provided me with valuable insight on how to be a great second shooter. So, today I thought it might be fun to share some tips from my experiences… if you like second shooting, then follow these steps to ensure you’ll be a sought-after second shooter.

Second Shooting 101

1) Always over-prepare. Read over the timeline your main photographer or planner prepared and have a printed version available. Arrive at the venue early so you can be introduced to everyone, see where the events are taking place, and formulate a plan with the main photographer. Have all of your batteries charged, and cards formatted and ready to use (even if the main photographer says they’ll be providing them, it’s always good to have back-ups!) I bring all of my equipment with me, including lenses, flashes, and items used to design flat lays. Even if you don’t use your equipment, it’s helpful to have options if (God forbid) the main photographer’s equipment goes faulty. A wedding day only happens once, so you can never be too prepared!

2) Capture everything you can, while not being in the main photographer’s line of sight. This means that while you’re shooting the same portions of the day, whether the ceremony, golden hour, or reception, aim to capture all of the important moments & details that can’t afford to be missed. Since the main photographer will be utilizing the space to their advantage, find creative ways to capture the same moments… maybe another perspective, or angle, but never be in the main photographer’s line of sight.

3) Capture moments the main photographer has to miss & always be one step ahead. For example, when the main photographer is busy photographing family portraits during cocktail hour. If you’re not needed to help with the portrait list, go to the cocktail hour and capture all of the details (appetizers, decor, drinks being poured), candids of guests mingling, and ask if groups would like a portrait together. Then, go to the reception and photograph the space before guests are seated. The goal is to think ahead and capture everything the main photographer would want but had to miss, so they don’t have to worry about scrambling to get it all photographed when they return. As the main shooter, you want your second shooter to know these things without being told. The cocktail hour & reception details are vital memories to capture in telling the overall story of the day, so utilize the time & take ample photos!

4) Be courteous & respectful. Some of the following tips may seem like a given, but it’s worth saying! Dress appropriately for the day (if you don’t know the dress code is… just ask). Don’t be on your phone throughout the day. Don’t give your personal business cards out… if guests compliment you, always tell them thank you and refer them to the main photographer. Let the main photographer lead… meaning, unless specifically asked to step up and direct in posing, let the main photographer take the lead in directing. As the second shooter, you’re representing the main photographer’s brand, so it’s important to maintain their level of professionalism, anticipate moments, stay alert, and always be mindful of the setting you’re in.

That’s all for now! Now, here’s a little preview from my experience second shooting Hannah & Nic’s wedding this past October.