I don’t second shoot many weddings. This year I only have 2, with close to 10 of my own. Working as a second shooter is always fun for me, but I always make sure to ask a few great questions to be sure I know is expected from me, and what I should be doing to ensure the professionalism of the other photographer I’m working with. Here’s some questions a second shooter should ask the primary shooter they are working a wedding for.

1. What can I do with my images after the wedding? Can I use them in my portfolio?
   There are a few photographers in the business that won’t allow seconds to use their images in their portfolio, though there are others that will allow that and more, and I’ve worked with those on both ends of the spectrum. The key is just to be sure that you know what’s expected.
2. Do I need to mention you when I post the images?
   The primary photographer always [generally] wants to be credited. Usually they were the one to pose the couple, and they are the ones paying YOU!
3. When and how will I get paid?
   This is always an important question to ask. I always tell people that ask me about business how I talk about money. No one likes doing, but it’s much easier asking before hand, and knowing what to expect than assuming one thing to be disappointed when that’s not the case. Find out WHAT you are making, but also WHEN you will be getting it.
4. Will I shoot on your cards or mine?
   Some photographers will let you use their cards, and then you give them back at the end of the night. Some will require that you download the images to their laptop or something similar after the event is over. Others may just ask you to get the images to them eventually. I’d always advice either using their cards, or getting the images to them as soon as possible. I’ve had Dropbox issues, and a plethora of other problems when it came to trying to get a second shooters images.
5. If something was to happen and if you couldn’t make it, would I become the lead? And what would the compensation be?
   Heaven FORBID something would happen, but at least you would have asked. This can show the primary photographer that you have thought of everything and in the worst case scenario, you would be prepared for the worst! Better prepared than not, in any case!

There’s many other question that you could ask as a second photographer, but here are some of the most important to me! What are some that you would ask if you were a second?