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What is a Second Photographer, and How to be amazing at it!

What Red Aspen Photography Looks for in a 2nd photographer!

By Ashleigh Cropper

May 22^nd, 2018

I am asked frequently by other photographers if they could be a second photographer for my company/me. I am always really flattered since that's a big compliment that another photographer would like to join my team, but here is the thing...I think there is a lack of understanding and knowledge of what a second photographer is, and should be capable of doing.

First, let me tell you quickly what a second photographer is: they are someone who comes to a wedding with me as a "secondary" photographer. There is more work on a wedding day than just me, the lead/primary photographer can handle. The second is there to capture a different perspective, and help me with the busy day.

Now lets talk about:

What a second photgrapher is not

An intern

This is not, I repeat, this is NOT purely an opportunity for a second photographer to learn from me or get experience at a wedding. I cannot tell you how many other photographers reach out saying they want to "learn from me!" I have an awesome mentorship program just for that! But at a wedding, it is not the time or place to ask me many questions, and watch how I work. The reason is, I require you to take off on your own, and take images without me even being there (such as with the groom and groomsmen.)

LEAD pHOTOGRAPHer

A second photographer is someone who will not be right behind me photographing the exact same thing I am. They know where I am, and should be in a totally different part of the venue, or location capturing another perspective. As I lead and take on the positions and places I know I have to be to "get those images," they should not be following right behind me doing the same thing.

What is a Second Photographer, and How to be amazing at it!

Requirements

I have some strong opinions about second photographers.

I have high expectations, and have to see a level of professionalism that I carry with my business. Here are the most important aspects I look for in a second photographer:

Experience

A good second photographer must have previous wedding experience as either a second or a lead; personally I look for at least ten. I have to know that my second photographers are able to handle their gear, capture in a way that I would, and understand the importance of getting moments & details.

Gear

Hopefully you know this already, but the same image with the same settings on different camera sensors can look TOTALLY different.

I am a Canon photographer and only photograph with prime lenses. My camera bodies are all dual card slot. It doesn't have to be the newest, or latest and greatest, but I do require that. I believe we are capturing one of the most important days in someone's life, therefore I ask that only the best of gear is used. Dual card slot cameras are so important to me because we use technology! If one card fails, we have a back up! Prime lenses are my favorite, though not required! The glass is better quality, and add a look that zoom lenses do not offer at times.

Style

First, reach out to photographers who's style you match with. I photograph "wide open" between 1.4-2.8 f-stop with my work. I have a unique sense of style, and want you to bring your uniqueness to the table! You should be capturing a totally different point of view, in an artistic and creative way. I have so many photographers reach out and say, "I love your style and want to learn how you make that happen!" Again, this is not the time or place to learn about my style. I want you to come to the table with your creativity!

Second photographers must be detail oriented, and flexible. There are so many things on a list to capture for a wedding, and I want my seconds to take off running with that list. For example, groomsmen details! A second will most likely capture that for me since I have to be with the bride while everyone is getting ready. So it is up to you to bring your style, creativity, and detail-oriented capabilities to help me tell a full story of the wedding day for my couple. Yes, I am completely and totally relying on you!

Professionalism

I am grateful I work with some of the top vendors in Colorado. Getting to where I am now is a combination of many factors, but one factor I think has played a particularly important role is because I am a professional and run a business as such.

A second is more than welcome to ask me what I wear, even though I typically share that with you. I am always error on the side of being overdressed. There are always going to be difficult situations, vendors, or guests you may rub shoulders with. I always ask for a professional, polite behavior. If it is something I need to address, then I step in. Otherwise, we are there to capture the wedding day, and do the absolute best we can!

Last point, insurance! You must have your own insurance for your photography business. To run a business, insurance is a must, so do not except the lead photographer to cover you.

Oh yeah, and if you're a second shooter, it is never okay to hand out your business card at a wedding! Please don't even go there!

Have I scared you away?! I sure hope not! But I would much rather be honest and transparent than, have a second expect something that isn't the case with a job under my company. I do take this incredibly seriously, as you can probably tell from my post. My seconds are amazing though! I trust them 100% and I must have that for my weddings. At the end of the day though, we have a ton of fun!

One concern I have with second photographers reading over this post is that they are wondering how to get more experience in the field? Since so many budding photographers come to me thinking that a second photography position is an apprenticeship. There are numerous photographers in the industry who provide mentorship programs, myself included. I have numerous mentorship programs including those looking to become a second photographer. I believe you must be trained, and guided just like you are in college, to be ready for your career.

"How do I get experperience if everyone requires that I already have experience?"

Assist, 3rd shooter, mentorship programs, these are all great options! Even attend styled shoots, or do some your own to get practice in.

I have invested so much in getting to where I am. When other photographers reach out saying they will "second for free!" That does not entice me one bit. First: I don't believe in free labor! Second: you need to be investing in your business and yourself. The mentorships typically require sacrifice! But in the end, you will be so glad you invested in your career, because now you will be ready to go as a second photographer that is desired in this industry! Trust me, there is plenty of work to go around, especially for a second photographer!