On a wedding day, photographers wear a lot of hats.  Sometimes we’re wedding planners, veil fixers, stylists, timeline coordinators, and this is just the beginning! As a second photographer, it’s important to keep in mind that its your job to assist the “main” photographer with each of these jobs!  I am so grateful to have had a few photographers allow me to shoot alongside them when I was just starting out!  They gave me learning opportunities that I would never have otherwise had the opportunity for!  I also learned some things about what not to do!  So I figured today on the blog I would share with you my top couple tips and tricks for making a great experience out of second shooting:

1. Know what’s expected of you ahead of time! Every photographer has a different expectation for the role of the second photographer.  Some people like to use their seconds as assistants and shooters, some like for you to shoot on their cards, some have even more specific expectations of how you should be shooting! Phew! That’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, none the less someone who is just getting started!  By asking the main photographer what their expectations are ahead of time, you avoid any and all confusion!
2. Be professional, always! As you approach a wedding day, professionalism should always be in your forefront.  It should be in the way that you dress (modestly and like the main photographer.  Again everyone has their own rules), the way you talk to clients and guests, and your attitudes!  On wedding days that are a lot of emotions going on… its the best day of their lives! But with heightened emotions its important to be extra thoughtful on how you respond to situations!
3. Be a servant! One of the things that’s most important to think about as you approach a wedding day as a second photographer, is that your job is first and foremost to serve the clients and the main photographer.  This means that you should be helping them and creating unique shots, not standing over their shoulders taking the same shot they are!  Trust me friends, when you’re new and trying to build up your portfolio, its sometimes difficult to keep this in mind!  Just make sure throughout the day that you’re making mental checks of “am I being a helpful? What can I do differently?”

I hope this was helpful to anyone who is preparing for their season as a second photographer!  As always, if you have other questions, please reach out to me! I’m more than happy to help!