Whats the going price for wedding 2nd shooter?

[jeffreyluce]

Just curious on the pay... I have an opportunity to join up w/ a company, but am thinking they are a bit low... $7/hr (starting pay) - but have the ability to earn $20/hr.

I know rates will vary with how strong a second shooter is... but like what is a ball park figure? Thanks in advance.

(My latest wedding was my sister-in-law's wedding - I was not a second shooter... I was just taking photos for fun, she hired a professional. My pictures are here Just to give a frame of reference of my talent, or lack thereof)

- JKL

Edit: Added link to wedding album

[ShutteredEye]

Depends. Are you required to work the post-processing on your shots?

Regardless $7/hr seems way too cheap to me. I've shot at $20/hr and it felt like more work than it was worth....

[STP Images]

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[stacyreeves]

In the past I generally pay $150-$400 for the wedding day depending on their experience, how long I need them there, and the size of the wedding. That's basically just for their time that day, I don't expect them to do any post work.

I'm not sure if you're asking about a job just shooting weddings occasionally, or a full-time job. I would never ever ever do a skilled job like taking photos full-time for anything less than $30/hr at the very minimum. However, if you're just looking to get experience and this job will only take up a little of your time (extra income, as opposed to your main job), I say go for it.

[jeffreyluce]

I have a day job as a Software Engineer (Internet programmer) - get paid way too much... but it funds my photo habit... so I'm not really doing it for the $7/hr. I do get to keep photos for my portfolio.

I was just trying to see if shooting for $7/hr is low... or if $20/hr is low.

[lscottpht]

Originally Posted by jeffreyluce

Just curious on the pay... I have an opportunity to join up w/ a company, but am thinking they are a bit low... $7/hr (starting pay) - but have the ability to earn $20/hr.

I know rates will vary with how strong a second shooter is... but like what is a ball park figure? Thanks in advance.

(My latest wedding was my sister-in-law's wedding - I was not a second shooter... I was
Edit: Added link to wedding album

just taking photos for fun, she hired a professional. My pictures are here Just to give a frame of reference of my talent, or lack thereof)

- JKL

That is way too low. When I first started second shooting, I did do some for free, but when I more or less knew what I was doing, I was paid $30/hr. Now that I have my own business, I pay my second shooter $500 and when I second shoot, I get paid $500. That is for no post processing. I do have some people tag along just for experience, too, which is totally different. Keep in mind, the people I pay to second shoot are actually normally primary shooters, so I feel completely confident in having them cover stuff that I can't cover.

[esi7esi7]

Doing almost anything for $7/hr is low. But, if you just want to take pictures for fun, then I see it as a opportunity for paid training! Maybe the $7/hr will cover gas..haha.