2nd Shooter

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James Trapp on June 22, 2009 at 3:53am

Are you seeking something that pays or just to keep busy?

Well some Husband and Wife’s will shoot as a team. Or, some photographers will use a 2nd if they run across a bright student wanting to learn how to get started....live an apprenticeship. However, many of us are a one person shop. With times being as they are, and trying to price your product as competitive as one can, many of us can not afford to pay someone.

Permalink Reply by In True Colors Photography on June 22, 2009 at 1:28pm

Hi James, keeping busy while getting paid sounds like the best solution. :O)
My pricing includes second photographer, so i have no problem paying for the second. I know a lot of photogs work by themselves, but i figured, if something goes wrong, is it worth not having a back up?
It's life, things happens, you can never be prepared.
With that said, i actually advise newlyweds to have a second photographer, you don't want to miss that "one shot" :o)
Of course, if wedding is very simple, and only 2 hours, than i can see doing it by myself, but i don't come around those very often.

Thanks for your reply!

Permalink Reply by Theresa Minnette Cox on June 22, 2009 at 4:32am

I use a second shooter, but it is my husband so I do not have the expense of paying someone. I do shoot weddings myself if they are smaller ones. It has slowed down in my area also, so that is why I would probably be shooting by myself if I had the expense to pay someone. Shooting alone is way more stressful. Having a 2nd shooter is a good thing, in my opinion.

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Robinson on June 22, 2009 at 7:29pm

Wow. I shoot 70% of my weddings alone. I only use a second when I have to.
I actually prefer it. But for the destination weddings I shoot I am going to start using a second.
I have two good friends who are fabulous but their availability is limited.
I carry 3 cameras and people always say I am all over the place but some how unobtrusive.
I am in the process of looking for an assistant/second.
Wish me luck :)

Permalink Reply by Michelle McKee on June 25, 2009 at 8:31am

I prefer to shoot weddings alone to be honest unless my second shooter is my husband. My husband has a great creative eye & listens to me on the technical side of the house. That's been my biggest problem when I've hired others to work with me...they don't listen & then end up totally messing up. One wedding, I didn't use any of the second photog's images...

I don't get nervous about missing a shot because I've done enough weddings solo to know I won't miss it & I have backup cameras/flash in case something goes wrong.

Permalink Reply by l on June 30, 2009 at 2:32pm

I've always shot weddings alone. Probably because I have had heaps of experience shooting many clients at a really fast pace by myself.
Yes it would be great to get extra shots with different angles but its another cost.

Permalink Reply by ENV Photography on July 1, 2009 at 5:16am

I enjoy having a second shooter to get a second perspective. I have shot alone, but I prefer having someone else with me.

Permalink Reply by Lone Pine Photography on July 27, 2009 at 5:27pm

I offer a second shooter as an option to my clients and go over the benefits of a second: I can't be in two places at once and with some things it's just impossible to get both sides covered. But I let them know they have to pay for it, and the additional post production work their output requires. $500.

Permalink Reply by Photography by Kemmeo on August 3, 2009 at 6:16pm

I use a second shooter whenever my client's budget permits it AND and assistant! I love having an extra perspective for the ceremony, someone to start shooting the cocktail hour while I'm finishing up the formals at the church and someone to manage my lights during the reception. Also, I'm pooped by the end of an 8-10 hour day so it sure is nice to have an assistant to pack up in addition to downloading cards. I read pp comment about affordability and I just hire my second shooter for 4 hours and pay an hourly rate. My assistant sticks with me from start to finish.

Permalink Reply by Christopher's Photography Studio on August 4, 2009 at 3:16am

*** LOL Sounds like I need a wife to shoot with me! LOL ***
Just kidding ladies! that would not be the only reason, women are beautiful and awesome without a camera!

Permalink Reply by Jill Bennett on August 4, 2009 at 4:48am

I have had a 2nd for over 12 years now. Prior to that when I shot a wedding (and sometimes 2 a day) I would be dead beat when I got home. My 2nd is always introduced as my associate and truly is someone I can depend on. I have had others in the past that weren't so dependable so I did learn...always count on yourself. I'm lucky right now and having the 2nd around helps me enjoy my work so much more since I am more relaxed and my photography shows it....it really helps in more ways than just the photography skills involved.