Wedding second shooter question

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Geoff
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I've been offered the chance to be second shooter at a couple of weddings.

Just to be clear on this, what are the normal duties of a second shooter and how do their shots differ to the ones the main shooter takes on the day?
 
boyfalldown said:
thats something to agree with the main tog, each will be different
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:agree:

I have been 2nd shooting all summer, each photographer is different and will require different things from a 2nd or assistant - from fetching the glasses of water to carrying the light stands, to getting a few important shots when they can't be in two places at once [front and back of church for example] all the way up to allowing you time with the b&g for some good shots of your own. So, if you have been offered the role, I would suggest sitting down with the person and discussing exactly what they will require of you and how they want the shots you do get to take delivered, plus what you can and can't do with them yourself afterwards.
 
I haven't had much direction from togs I've 2nd shot for in the past. I now use my own inititive. Do not shoot over the shoulder of the main tog. Take some candids or ask people if they would like to have their picture taken whilst the primary shooter is taken group shots etc.. If you are around the main togger at group shots, plonk on a 70 200 and pick out some individual shots of the group. Look for shots the main shooter can't do, s/he can't be in two places at one time. As Hugh suggests, discuss before hand!
 
I've got one coming up this weekend where the photographer asked me to take a studio portrait of every guest. We've had the meeting, done some practice shots, we are going to set up the lights together and she'll check all the settings first before going off and doing her thing and the guests at the reception can come and go as they please and get their photo taken either on their own or as a group. I'm looking forward to it!

so make sure you talk to the photographer and find out before the day of the wedding
 
Here is a candid taken during the group shots.
AACANDID.jpg
 
It's not uncommon for the second shooter to cover the boys before the wedding, and shoot from the back in the church while the main tog shoots from the front (assuming photography is allowed) they will often shoot the candids as well, and sometimes back up shots of the groups. But it does depend on experience and what the main togs wants you to do.
You'll also probably have to watch the kit and fetch and carry things etc etc.
 
The guy I'll be shooting with isn't massively experienced at wedding shoots but he is a full time pro.

I've attended a wedding where a husband and wife shot together but they worked very much as a 50/50 team. I'll be there to support my friend and help him as best I can but I was just curious how the second shooter thing usually pans out so thanks for all the feedback, folks.
 
zoom said:
The guy I'll be shooting with isn't massively experienced at wedding shoots but he is a full time pro.

I've attended a wedding where a husband and wife shot together but they worked very much as a 50/50 team. I'll be there to support my friend and help him as best I can but I was just curious how the second shooter thing usually pans out so thanks for all the feedback, folks.
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don't want to start a debate or a flamepit. Just curious to know what makes a pro?

Is a pro simply someone who shoots full time? or is a pro someone who has experience and a portfolio that receives great feedback, but may or may not be full time?
 
hsuffyan said:
don't want to start a debate or a flamepit. Just curious to know what makes a pro?

Is a pro simply someone who shoots full time? or is a pro someone who has experience and a portfolio that receives great feedback, but may or may not be full time?
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My interpretation of a pro is one who shoots full time, making a living from it. I base this on the fact that the term 'pro' is an abbreviation of the word 'professional' and the dictionary definition of that word is 'a person engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.'
 
i only ask because this year was my first proper season and ive done about 12 weddings, but its strictly a part time occupation for me. However I wouldn't consider myself as a pro, but would like to one day :shrug:
 
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