I’ve been posting a lot of things about second shooting. Mostly because we’ll full fledged into wedding season, and another because this is MY first year having a second with me on almost all of my weddings. With the few experiences I have had so far, I never want to shoot another wedding without one. It can make the wedding day SO much easier, but it can also make the wedding day even more stressful. Generally there are a few rules when it comes to second shooting with me.

Be Independent but Dependent

It is a relief when second shooters can do their own thing during the day, but that they also check in with me, or even just look for my eyes. It’s even better when they don’t even have to find my eyes, and that they just watch where I’m going and don’t need to follow me, but can move methodically around as I do. That’s a HUGE plus for me when I’m working with a second.

Interacting with the Couple

It’s one thing to talk to the couple, but it’s a whole other ball game when they try to be buddy-buddy with my clients. You are there to work FOR me, and as such, shouldn’t be showing them your instagram/facebook account, or giving them your business card. That’s called moonlighting. And just no.

Posing the Couple

If you see a stray hair, or the dress is looking a little un-fluffed then by all means, jump in there and take care of it, but don’t try to repose the couple as I’m shooting, or call to get their attention. Again, you are there to work for me, to get a different view of things, and to make things easier for the both of us!

Posting Images

I have in my contract that my seconds CAN use their own images in their portfolios or online, but 1. They must note that the were shooting under my business. 2. They can’t do it within 3 months of the wedding. 3. They can’t post the entire gallery online. Why?? I want my couples who I have spent close to a year working with and getting to know see my images first. It’s confusing when they see another photographers images up there first, and it’s just not nice.

There are a lot of great aspects in having a second shooter, and as long as expectations are known, and there’s good communication, there shouldn’t be any harsh feelings, or issues. My seconds get a pretty good feel for how to get through a wedding day, and after a few wedding days with me, I’m sure they could run a few on their own. It’s great experience for them, as long as they follow the rules! 😉