Second Shooter

[exposedmedia]

If anyone ever needs a second, third, whatever shooter for paid work I'm available. I can travel if need be.

[*Mike*]

Okay Ricardo, I don't mean to hijack your thread... but this seems like a great place to ask a question.

What do you guys pay (or expect to get paid) for second shooting? Say, 6 hours, your equipment, simply turn over all the RAW files at the end of the day and walk away...

I've been spoiled by cheap (read: free) interns. But, at times I've thought about taking someone along and throwing them a few bucks. What do I offer so that I don't offend anyone, or send them walking away afterwards with a huge grin thinking how clueless I am to pay so much.

[exposedmedia]

No worries Mike, and maybe I've been lucky, but I usually don't give a set price as I'm more in it for the experience but I also don't consider myself a complete newbie either. You have all been there before and I trust most pro photogs offers would be fair and reasonable as they usually have been in my experience.

[Daniel Bates]

One figure I've seen thrown around a fair bit is $200 for an experienced, dependable second shooter.

[Slight Clutter]

IMHO, unless one is still in the portfolio building stage, there is no reason to spend six hours of one's day as a second shooter without compensation. If one is in need of portfolio shots, sure -- but then there is a different kind of payment. Also, if someone thinks that they can learn something from the official photographer, that's something worthy of "trade."

When I finally get to the point of needing a second shooter, and the key here is "needing" -- as in they are value-added to my business - - I'll definitely pay them for their time. But that's just me. :)

Edit: I misread Mike's post. :( I've been offered $200 to $500 for second shooter positions based on the size of the event, the hours expected, and the amount that was being charged to the client. :)

[sbp]

I generally do not offer any $ yet as I let someone tag along for experience. Before coming to this forum I used to shoot alone without problem (thanks god) but now generally ask here if someone wants to tag along.

[Comanche]

This is an interesting thread for someone like me. I am not a pro - but I'm no noob either. Rather, I am retired, want to stay that way, and want to work for (or with) a pro just to improve my skills. I'm not future competition for anybody. I have my own gear - Canon 30D, Elan IIe, and some quality lenses. I would expect a little compensation, but I'm cheap.

Pros out there - whatcha think? Should I just walk into the local pro's shop and offer my services?

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Comanche

This is an interesting thread for someone like me. I am not a pro - but I'm no noob either. Rather, I am retired, want to stay that way, and want to work for (or with) a pro just to improve my skills. I'm not future competition for anybody. I have my own gear - Canon 30D, Elan IIe, and some quality lenses. I would expect a little compensation, but I'm cheap.

Pros out there - whatcha think? Should I just walk into the local pro's shop and offer my services?

We have people call and ask us that question frequently. I'd go for it. What's the worst that could happen?