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Why Second Shooting Is So Helpful To Become A Wedding Photographer

Why Second Shoot?

Why Second Shoot?

Why Second Shooting Is So Helpful

If you are thinking about becoming a wedding photographer, the best thing that you can do is to start second shooting with photographers who have experience in wedding photography. Wedding photography is a fun industry but comes with a lot of responsibility. After all, it is somebody’s wedding day!

As a second shooter, it will open your eyes as to what a wedding day looks like as a photographer without being responsible for the wedding. Anything goes on a wedding day. Wedding days can be chaotic, emotional, and sometimes rushed. Starting out as a second shooter will give you a chance to learn the wedding day routine and photography expectations.

To start out second shooting, you may have tasks like grabbing the bags for your primary photography, getting drinks and food, and helping the bride with her dress or flowers. As you learn more, then the main photographer might start putting you in charge of shooting different angles that the main photographer is posing. This is a great opportunity to learn how to shoot wedding photography. Eventually, you may have the responsibility to shoot the groom/groomsmen while the primary photographer is with the bride/bridesmaids.

Tips when shooting the groomsmen:

Start with the details: Start photographing the groom’s details. Such items include the shoes, tie/bowtie, cuff links, watch, cologne, pocket square, belt, and ring. This is a good time to get used to styling layflats and capture the details that make a wedding day so special.

Capture getting ready images: Getting ready photos can be a lot of fun to capture. Most of the time the guys are ready when they arrive to the venue. I like to take a picture of the boutonniere, have the groom adjust his tie/cufflinks/watch, and ask them to unbutton and rebutton their jacket. This “staged” getting ready photos makes for some great shots!

Line the guys up: Find a great location and ask the guys to line up with their toes pointed towards you. From there you can get creative with their hands (left over right or in their pockets). Try arranging them in different angles (in a “V”, a bros pose, etc…).

Ask them to walk: A good natural pose is to line the guys up and then have them slowly walk towards you while looking at each other. This makes for some fun candid shots.

Take individuals: Lastly, make sure to capture some pictures of just the groom and then pictures of the groom with each of his groomsmen.

Shooting the groom/groomsmen is a great introduction as to what a primary photographer does on a wedding day. Always remember you can ask any questions to the primary at any time!

If you have permission from the main photographer to use the images that you took, you can start using them on social media and in your marketing materials. This will start showing your clients that you have experience in wedding photography. Always remember to tag the primary photographer. I like to say something like, “Image captured while second shooting for  ______ Photography.”

Second shooting is not only fun but a great way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and build relationships!

Why Second Shooting Is So Helpful

If you are thinking about becoming a wedding photographer, the best thing that you can do is to start second shooting with photographers who have experience in wedding photography. Wedding photography is a fun industry but comes with a lot of responsibility. After all, it is somebody’s wedding day!

As a second shooter, it will open your eyes as to what a wedding day looks like as a photographer without being responsible for the wedding. Anything goes on a wedding day. Wedding days can be chaotic, emotional, and sometimes rushed. Starting out as a second shooter will give you a chance to learn the wedding day routine and photography expectations.

To start out second shooting, you may have tasks like grabbing the bags for your primary photography, getting drinks and food, and helping the bride with her dress or flowers. As you learn more, then the main photographer might start putting you in charge of shooting different angles that the main photographer is posing. This is a great opportunity to learn how to shoot wedding photography. Eventually, you may have the responsibility to shoot the groom/groomsmen while the primary photographer is with the bride/bridesmaids.

Tips when shooting the groomsmen:

Start with the details: Start photographing the groom’s details. Such items include the shoes, tie/bowtie, cuff links, watch, cologne, pocket square, belt, and ring. This is a good time to get used to styling layflats and capture the details that make a wedding day so special.

Capture getting ready images: Getting ready photos can be a lot of fun to capture. Most of the time the guys are ready when they arrive to the venue. I like to take a picture of the boutonniere, have the groom adjust his tie/cufflinks/watch, and ask them to unbutton and rebutton their jacket. This “staged” getting ready photos makes for some great shots!

Line the guys up: Find a great location and ask the guys to line up with their toes pointed towards you. From there you can get creative with their hands (left over right or in their pockets). Try arranging them in different angles (in a “V”, a bros pose, etc…).

Ask them to walk: A good natural pose is to line the guys up and then have them slowly walk towards you while looking at each other. This makes for some fun candid shots.

Take individuals: Lastly, make sure to capture some pictures of just the groom and then pictures of the groom with each of his groomsmen.

Shooting the groom/groomsmen is a great introduction as to what a primary photographer does on a wedding day. Always remember you can ask any questions to the primary at any time!

If you have permission from the main photographer to use the images that you took, you can start using them on social media and in your marketing materials. This will start showing your clients that you have experience in wedding photography. Always remember to tag the primary photographer. I like to say something like, “Image captured while second shooting for  ______ Photography.”

Second shooting is not only fun but a great way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and build relationships!

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