3 replies to this topic

[ThreeStrideStudios]

Does anyone have any tips on how to gain work as a second shooter?

I'd love to do more wedding work, but would like to start out more as the second shooter and really learn from someone else before trying to cover another wedding as the primary photographer.

Any/all advice is greatly appreciated!

[Jennifer Farris]

Have you tried contacting a few local or not local photographers in your area??
I would offer to carry bags, second shoot when you can and make sure it's okay for you to use the images for your portfolio.

[Matthew S.]

ThreeStrideStudios, on 20 September 2010 - 08:39 AM, said:

Does anyone have any tips on how to gain work as a second shooter?

I'd love to do more wedding work, but would like to start out more as the second shooter and really learn from someone else before trying to cover another wedding as the primary photographer.

Any/all advice is greatly appreciated!

Definitely pick out some of the local and regional photographers you admire and give them a call and let them know what you would like to achieve in working with them. I started out by shadowing with a local wedding photographer where I actually did not second shoot, but watched the Primary and the Secondary at work. From there I developed a relationship with the photographer and began second shooting and eventually became a primary. Second shooting is great and I highly recommend second shooting with a variety of photographers if you can. Invaluable experience without the stresses of being a primary

[amphotography]

I started out by offering my services for free and learned as much as I could. Almost all my images were thrown away by the Primary, but that is his choice and you shouldn't take offense to it. Keep in mind that most photographers will have you sign a form saying that you are working for them and that they own the copyright to your images that you produce. That way you cannot go out and start publishing your work to gain business without their permission, which usually leads to the permission of the wedding couple. I have found that most photographers don't care about it and just allow you to do whatever you want to the photos as you are just getting started, but they would like to make sure that you aren't taking offensive photos and posting them.

But yeah, you start by carrying equipment and shadowing. You should also have a camera with you, and then without getting in anyone's way, shoot whatever you want. Go wide or go tight, don't be safe with your shots.