One thing I wish I had done more as a beginner is second shoot more. Not only does second shooting help with learning how to shoot a wedding better, but you build a relationship with other photographers and you can figure out how you want your business run through influences of others. Ive learned a lot form my second shooters, and I have enjoyed watching them grow too. Now when I second shoot for others these are the things I hope to do.
One is that I am there for the head shooter. I no longer am Dani White Photography, I become the extra support to the head photographer. They are the ones that booked this couple, and I am being paid to be a second hand. A counterpart to their brand and business. I want to protect their brand! I do not bring my cards, I do not promote myself.
I go where the head photographer can’t. As a head photographer there have been many situations where I needed to be in two places at once and that is why I hire a second professional photographer. I sometimes don’t know this until it happens and the best second shooters have been the ones that work with me, not for me. Being aware of your surroundings is a big deal while second shooting.
Don’t shoot over the head photogs shoulder! The most annoying thing as a head photographer is getting the second shooters card and realizing there are thousands of the same picture that I took. I didn’t hire a second professional to shoot duplicates, I hire a second to shoot an angle I can’t. Some amazing work has been when the second shooter backs away from the head photographer and gets a different angle.
Follow the rules, or just give credit where it is due. Many head photographers have rules for second shooters. Some are stricter than others and there is good reason for that. I allow my second shooters to blog with credit to my business weeks after my blog post is out and the couple has their final gallery, and to use that work on their website. They cannot post to social media, tag the couple in their blog post, or submit the work. Even if the head photographer doesn’t give rules, it’s just good etiquette to follow.
