Second Shooter Strategies – How to Assist the Main Photographer

Being a second shooter at a wedding is an excellent opportunity to learn from an experienced photographer and get valuable hands-on experience shooting a wedding from start to finish. However, it’s important for second shooters to understand their role and how they can best assist the main photographer to ensure the wedding photography goes smoothly. Here are some key strategies for second shooters.

Communicate with the Main Photographer

The most important thing is to communicate well with the main photographer beforehand. Ask about their shooting style and workflow so you understand their process and vision. Find out what types of shots they want you to focus on getting. An experienced German Wedding Photographer I’ve assisted recommends second shooters focus on details, emotions, and getting wide establishing shots to complement their tighter portraits. Be on the same page about editing styles and how you’ll share photos after the wedding too.

Scout the Venue Beforehand

If possible, visit the venue with the main photographer before the big day. This allows you both to scout the best locations for portraits. Pay attention to where there is good natural light at different times of the day. Note any tricky areas that may require extra bodies to cover, like tight spaces. Scouting together ensures you get the same information and have a shared understanding of the venue layout and photo spots.

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to set up at the venue before guests arrive. Assist the main photographer by setting up lighting equipment if needed. Also use this time to familiarize yourself with the camera settings and lenses being used. Ask questions so you have a solid understanding of the equipment and shooting style. Being prepared will help you work seamlessly alongside the main photographer on the day.

Focus on Candid Moments

While the main photographer is busy with formal portraits, look for candid moments between family and friends to capture the true emotion and story of the day. Stay engaged with the guests and look for those little interactions, laughs and special moments that happen naturally when people aren’t posing. These candid shots help bring the wedding album to life.

Get Establishing Shots

Widen your lens and take establishing shots that give a sense of the venue, decorations, and ambiance. Capture details like the cake, flowers and favors. These establishing shots provide important context for the portraits. They also give the couple options for picking an alternative “cover shot” for their album if they don’t love a close-up portrait.

Cover Key Moments Solo

When the main photographer is busy with formal family portraits, you can cover key moments alone such as the ceremony, first dance, toasts, and cake cutting. Hang back and use a long lens to capture these events discreetly from a distance without getting in the way. Multiple angles of these memorable moments add great variety and interest to the final gallery.

Be a Second Pair of Eyes

Assist the main photographer by keeping an eye out for great lighting, interesting backgrounds, or unique posing opportunities they may have missed. Speak up politely if you notice something that could enhance a portrait. Being an extra set of eyes helps capture the best possible photos. You can also help spot when guests need a lipstick touch-up or a crooked boutineer fix.

Back Up the Main Photographer

If the main photographer needs to change lenses or cards, be ready to take over shooting seamlessly. Maintain the same shooting style and angles so the transition is smooth. This ensures no important moments are missed. You also act as a safety net if the main photographer encounters any equipment issues. Having a reliable second shooter takes the pressure off.

Edit Photos Collaboratively

After the wedding, work with the main photographer to edit photos together. Having an extra set of eyes means potentially catching photos the other person may have overlooked. You can also ensure editing styles are consistent across both photographers’ galleries. Offer candid feedback too in a constructive way. Collaborating on edits helps produce the best overall collection for the couple.

In conclusion, the key to being a practical second shooter is clear communication, preparation, and assisting the main photographer without getting in their way. Focus on capturing complementary shots that enhance the overall story. Working seamlessly as a team is most important for delivering stunning wedding photography to happily married couples.