Logan Utah Photographer Why have a second shooter/My expectations of Second Shooter
I am a HUGE fan of having a second shooter. If I could I would have a second shooter for ALL my sessions! But since I believe a second shooter should be paid, and that money is usually coming out of my pocket, I only do it for big events and higher end weddings.
Why do I love having a second shooter (and why should you want a second shooter)-
Even the most talented photographer can benefit from a second shooter. Having another photographer with you at an event means more angles, more creativity, more shots, and more ideas!
For me a second shooter can mean better lighting and more creative shots! I am able to get things don't the way I DREAM them up! I have more hands which means I can have more equipments, and more options open up!
There are two types of shots I always try to get when at an event. Posed shots and candid shots. Or Planned shots and unplanned shots :) If a bride is walking down the isle, I can only focus on one face, although there are hundreds of facial expressions worth shooting when the bride 1st makes her appearance:
~Naturally the brides glowing smile,
~the grooms awe struck grin,
~!the father of the brides proud face,
~the mother's tear filled expression!
~the flower girls admiration of the beautiful bride (or princess in their little 6 year old mind)
~It would be a shame to miss out on the expression of the maid of honor realizes her best friend is finally marrying the prince charming she heard soo much about for years!
The list could go on and on... and remember, that is only 1 moment in time! 1 photographer has literally seconds to capture all those emotions! Its practically impossible. So what do most photographers do? Unfortunately they have to pick and choose which expression to leave out, what memory will have to be forgotten. But with a second shooter, more of those memories can be captured! More of those expressions will last forever!
Another reason....
More angels, less distractions
As a photographer I do my best to get every angel, every memorable moment, the laughs the cries, and everything in between, but sometimes, there is just not enough time! Did you know some wedding ceremonies only last 5 minutes? That is a VERY short amount of time for a photographer to get the image of the grooms face, brides face, grooms men, brides maids, flower girls, ring bearers, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, the view from the back, from the front, the kiss, the ring exchange, the laughs from the witty priest, the nerves twisting of the handkerchief as the father realizes his little girl has grown... every angel of the ceremony......(you get the point) all the while trying to be in stealth mode as to not be noticed. How could we minimize that movement? How can we capture more of that? You guessed it!! A second shooter!! We can offer you more variety of the ceremony without moving
around and distracting your guests.
So there you have it.. Those are my reasons why I LOVE having a second shooter.
If you are looking to have a photographer for your event, remember a second shooter can add soo much! Most photographers would be just fine inviting a second shooter along if their client asked for it specifically!
If you are wanting to be a second shooter but aren't sure what that might entail, read on!
What I like to see in my second shooters!
1. Professionalism: I want somebody who will be professional about what they are doing. I talk to my second shooters about what I expect. I want somebody who understands what we are doing and what my expectations are.
2.Dont advertise your own photography business. I know that most second shooters I will hire are also professional photographers and have their own business, but as far as I see it, when we are at this event together we both work for DevelopingBliss. So please don't please don't hand out your business cards.
3.Be YOU!! I always ask to see portfolios before I hire a second shooter for a event. I hire who I hire because I like their work as well as who they are. So feel comfortable shooting the way you want. You don't have be shooting right over my shoulder and capturing everyshot I have just taken. I don't need duplicates :) I need variety! :)
4. Don't worry about editing! I prefer my second shooters to give me their memory cards when we are don't shooting and I will edit the load. You are welcome to use YOUR images in your portfolio AFTER I have given the bride and groom their images back! Second shooting is a great way to build up your wedding portfolio when you haven't done many weddings!
5. Don't stress! I promise I am not scary or mean. I did my first ever wedding as a second shooter for a good friend and I MESSED UP HUGE!! My memory card died, I didn't have the proper equipment, I am pretty sure the images I gave her were less than impressive, however she was soo sweet and didn't scream at me, and even told me she was able to use an image or 2! She was very patient with me and answered tons of questions. she helped me out so much!!
6.Feel free to ask questions! I am more than willing to share any knowledge I have, especially with those who are helping me out! So feel free to ask me questions when we have a slow moment or two. Do you have an idea for a shot but not sure how to get it? Ask away, if I don't know the answer we can figure something out together! :)
If you are interested in second shooting with me, please contact me! I am always looking for a great second shooter!
Ruth Crozier
