How to be a recommended photographer

[donnywi]

Great topic and information in this thread. Maybe the forum moderator needs to make this as a sticky.

[Will Raybourn]

Nathan,
While I find that some of the "tips" thrown in here are valid, would it not seem a bit stringent to put out 2nd shooter guidelines? Don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to slam anyone here, but what a 2nd, 3rd or 44th shooter does is determined by the photographer that they are assisting, the venue they are at, the couple that is being married.
Again, I understand what you were trying to accompish, but after reading through the posts, and putting on my "I want to get into wedding photography" Hat, it seems that it could come across as discouraging to some beginners.
Remember, photographers take on assistants for different reasons. While the intent of the thread was understandable, it seems more like a rule book now, and it should not. Every wedding and couple is different, and therefore the "rules" adjust accordingly.

[chase_pedigo]

Speaking of 2nd shooters. I would love be work as someones sidekick. I actually enjoy shooting 2nd. It allows me to create more interesting pictures without worrying about the formals.


www.pedigophotography.com

[12stones]

This is a great thread. Thanks to all who contributed. I also don't find it intimidating in the least with all the supposed dos and don'ts, since one has to know that every situation is different and has to be treated differently. This thread gave me some great insight should I ever want to be a 2nd...

[Jeng7475]

awesome stuff .. thank you so much for posting this

[mycroft007]

I'm interested in being a second or third shooter as well. The guidelines didn't scare me off.

If some one is interested feel free to PM me. I have a little wedding experience and can show you some relevant work.

Ron

[fikes0422]

Wow! Everyone had great suggestions! Although, I shoot on my own at times. Like most of us, it's about the knowledge and growing in the field. I wouldn't mind being a second shooter. I just have to say though...thanks for making this place so inviting.

[Lucifer]

Originally Posted by fikes0422

Wow! Everyone had great suggestions! Although, I shoot on my own at times. Like most of us, it's about the knowledge and growing in the field. I wouldn't mind being a second shooter. I just have to say though...thanks for making this place so inviting.

So that reflects your avatar? :)

[island bound]

Great points everyone - I read them all.
Here are a couple of my thoughts --

1 - Be sure you understand what the primary wants from the second or assistant, regardless of what these lists say.
I went to one wedding as tag along, an assistant, a third wheel. I went to help and watch and learn from others, I did not need anything to build a portfolio.
In fact, I almost did not take a camera at all, but I did bring along one camera and one lens for a slow time, but then was thrown into second shooter position, totally unprepared.
It was frustrating for me as I could have been ready.

2 - And most importantly to me, when I have someone else working with us, representing our company, I want to KNOW who that person is. I am so visual (go figure) that I want to see you first. I want to sit down and talk with you to be sure that just your presence will compliment us and the wedding. I don't like surprises. I want to be sure we are all on the same page. There is obviously too much at risk to not have met you earlier.
I know others have been so open and gratefully so, but for me, I am a people person and I want to know you a little first.
I don't want to multi-task - doing a shoot AND getting to know you - all at the same time.

On that note, could we have a get together of just primary, seconds, and assistants? Does anyone have a studio that would accommodate, or perhaps a restaurant with separate room for us?

[thumper87]

This was such a helpful thread... I found it very encouraging and very enlightening.

I'm totally new to wedding photography and will be doing my first wedding on November 22nd. I've videographed weddings before though, so I'm not without something resembling experience.

[marysledd]

I like second shooters that..
1. Arrive early
2. Dress like ninjas (All black, Slacks and Nice Shirts)
3. Stay out of my FRAME
4. Don't mingle with guests (You are a vendor not a guest. Act like it)
5. Take lots of detail photos
6. Bring me bottled water

[rab3rd]

Ok, so I have read through all this and I have to say there were points brought up that I never even considered. Great information! I like a couple of others that have posted on this thread are looking for ways to get in. I like the idea of being an assistant at no charge just for the chance to see behind the scenes if you will. Its always fun and interesting to see the magic behind the curtain. My dad owned a concert lighting company when I was in high school so I got to do a lot of back stage work and it was always blast. Never seemed like work at all. I will offer up my hand as an assitant to anyone in the houston area that is looking for one. I do have a full time job so keep that in mind.

[Stargazer77517]

Very good point. I did a 50th wed for some folks. The daughter asked that I wander the room for candid shots durning the dinning. I respectly pointed out about shooting while the guest was eating. She hadnt even thought about it, and was impressed I had thought of it.

[QUOTE=LadyShutterBug;354003] we do NOT shoot guests stuffing their faces.QUOTE]