Weddings - What Makes a Valuable Second Shooter?

**The images produced in this article were taken while second shooting for Sheona Beach Photography and have been reproduced here with permission

Second shooters in the US and other parts of the world are a recognised as a discipline whereby photographers train and work towards being a specialist second shooter, predominantly at weddings and more often than not do not have their own wedding business.  As a result second shooters are professionals.  They are skilled photographers, have their own professional equipment, dress in a professional manner and are compensated accordingly.

While Australia has many experienced and skilled photographers making themselves available to second shoot during quiet times, more often than not developing photographers are putting themselves forward to second shoot at weddings as a way to 'gain experience'.  It is my contention Australia should be more closely aligned to the US and minimum standards should be expected of a secondary shooter and they should in turn be adequately reimbursed.

So what makes a valuable second shooter?  

Photography Skill

Second shooters should be accomplished photographers in their own right.  You should know how to use your equipment. Everyone gets it wrong at times but if you are constantly under/overexposed or taking images that are not sharp please practise your craft before expecting to be paid as a second shooter.

Equipment

Photography equipment is expensive but having professional, well maintained gear is essential if you are going to be second shooting.  I'm not one to fuss over whether you shoot Nikon or Canon but most photographers are creatives and not tech heads so if you are using equipment that is not easily identified as quality and professional then it's unlikely that you will be hired.  

You don't need to have every lens that the primary has in their bag however you must have a few to choose from with a 70 - 200mm or similar being essential.  During a ceremony the primary shooter is generally going to be closer to the action and will look for the second shooter to use a long lens.

Flash/Introduced Light sources

Some Studios require you to have an intimate understanding of the use of off camera flash, portable lighting (e.g. Quadra Ranger/Profoto) and their modifiers and video lights as they are used extensively during both the reception and/or to create more dramatic images that is in keeping with their preferred photographic style.  Others are predominantly 'natural light' photographers with little need for these skills. It is important that you are able to represent the studio you are working for and your experience/skills should be commensurate with the studio that you are working for.

Confidence to Shoot Alone

While the majority of the time second shooters provide another angle or perspective (e.g.. during a ceremony) there are times when they may be called upon to be responsible for shooting a specific part of the day.  For example - you will often be asked to photograph the bride as she arrives while the primary photographer is with the groom.  You may also be asked to photograph individual bridal party members while the primary shooter spends time with the bride or groom and at times may be required to photograph the bride and groom as a couple and individually.

Below are all examples of taking responsibility as a second shooter for specific images/parts of the day.