2nd Shooters Duties ?

dseered

dseered

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Ian
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I have a 2nd Shooter with me at a Wedding tomorrow, I don't like to use the word assistant as she is there to take pictures, not carry my gear, I am capable of that myself. I have made sure is fully insured etc

So, any advice on what I should be asking her to cover ? I will be doing the important stuff but I do want her to come away with some nice images, she will have to shoot fast though as time is really against us. I normally do Weddings on my own and I work fast and thoughtfully, not sure I can direct both the subjects and the 2nd !

I have not actually met her although she does come highly recommended and will not be in competition.

Any advice other than common sense ?
 
hi there stranger, im also interested in this thread because ive just been asked to do my first wedding, any linkys on that insurance,and possibly need a second tog.
 
The most important duty should be to always know where you are and what you're shooting - in order to keep out of your shots.

Otherwise shoot the wedding as you would normally alone, and instruct the second to cover from a different angle. Don't trust the second with something you would normally look to shoot yourself, their job is to add to coverage, not duplicate it.
 
ideally additional shots and perhaps reportage stylee but i'd make sure to clear up with her before you start that if you're taking a photo she shouldn't be pointing her camera the same way otherwise you'll get people looking out of shot

+2p
 
well. if your shooting the bride arriving at the venue, a shot or two of the groom and best man waiting anxiously inside would be good.
guests arriving at the venue.
interior shots of the venue.
the congregation/guests inside the venue.
layout of the reception, while you shoot b and g arriving.
and yes, be carefull if two of you are shooting the same shot from diferent angles.
i tend to remind the subjects to look at the wife, and not me, in those situations.
and theres always plenty of candid shots to be had, while you take the b and g off for the lovey dovey shots on their own.
and of course to have an idea where you are , and keep out of your shots.
difficult sometimes.
 
I've performed duties as a 2nd shooter a few times. During the service it is possible for the SS to get some terrific shots down the aisle during the service while the pro is tied up at behind the vic.

e.g.....

20080829_142650_7885_LR.jpg


Here's another, not a good example of the B&G, but I wanted to show how the pro is squeezed into a corner and unable to shoot the B&G and the rabi at the same time....

20081130_143854_2678_LR.jpg


Other than that, by and large it is all about shooting candids while the pro takes care of the formals, maybe helping out with lights/reflectors on occasion, and just shooting things that the pro won't be getting. Maybe the SS can go around grabbing some detail shots of the reception venue - place settings, features, the cake - before the guests crowd in and ruin it all or the grounds, ornamentation etc..

Another option is for the pro to be shooting wide and the SS to be shooting long during some parts of the day. e.g. while the pro if shooting formals the SS might pick off tight head shots of individuals.

The most important thing is for the SS not to get in the way and undermine what the pro is doing. Of course, few people are psychic so clear communication of what is required always helps, as does a friendly reminder if needed.
 
Now that's bad planning! :)

Glad it went well for you both.
 
wow tdodd , i love those two shots.
when were allowed to shoot in church, the back of the aisle with a longer lens is my favourite spot too. wifey at the front , me at the back.
the "you may kiss the bride" is one of my sought after shots.
even got the registrar wiping a tear from her eye recently.
all adds to the pictures available for the couple.
and shot no.2. dont you hate it when the boss gets in your shot. ahahahahaha
 
inaneredstripe said:
and shot no.2. dont you hate it when the boss gets in your shot. ahahahahaha
Click to expand...
Don't worry, I have plenty without the "boss" in frame. I just wanted to show how hemmed in she was, with little room to manoeuvre or vary the angles. That seems so often to be the case with the way the pros position themselves. But really that is where they need to be, because usually the B&G will be facing the vic/priest/rabbi/officiant and you only get relatively rare moments when the shot from the end of the aisle has the advantage. But it is nice to actually see the faces of everyone at the sharp end, once in a while. :)
 
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