Having the opportunity to photograph a wedding can really be one of the most rewarding experiences in your entire life. Being a lead photographer for a wedding takes experience and finesse. Getting a start as a second photographer is a good idea. In this type of situation, you will actually serve as the lead photographer’s assistant. This will give you a fun and up-close look at weddings and wedding photography. Below, you’re going to find tips to ensure you become the best second wedding photographer in the world.
Be Communicative
When it comes down to it, you’re going to be working with a real professional. In order to ensure that everything goes according to plan, you’ll need to remain in constant communication with your partner. After all, they cannot do everything on their own. You should ask questions. Find out exactly what the photographer wants from you. Be willing to open up and discuss everything with your new partner. When you get the chance, you should snap your own photos as well.
Conduct Yourself Appropriately
Weddings can feel strict for someone on the outside. And, you have to remember that it is the biggest day of two people’s lives. With that being said, you should conduct yourself appropriately. Handling yourself in a professional manner will make a big difference in the long run. It’ll impress the wedding guests and it’ll ensure that you’re able to satisfy your boss. If you feel the need to speak with your photographer, you should do not. Just remember to do so professionally. Carry yourself in the right manner and you’ll go a very long way in this line of work.
Don’t Be Afraid To Miss Shots
A lot of people mistakenly believe that great photographers are never going to miss shots. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A great deal is happening during a wedding. Therefore, it is really impossible to get everything. Therefore, you should never be afraid to miss shots. Just try to focus on getting the best shots that you can. Also, it is wise to take the time to review your pictures. If you took bad ones, you will still have the opportunity to redo them. You might have snapped a picture when the bride was closing her eyes. Snap it again. Just make sure she is paying attention this time around.
Rely On Your Mentor
Remember that the lead photographer has been there and done that. They’ve probably worked hundreds of weddings. This is a good thing for you. In fact, you should attempt to use this individual as a mentor of sorts. If you’re not sure what to do, you should ask. At the same time, you should observe their behavior. Watch them for a few minutes. When you do, you’ll see what the expert does to get the very best shots. If you’re able to learn and mimic this behavior, you’ll be able to get great shots as well. Therefore, you should always rely on your mentor to give you pointers directly and indirectly.
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To summarize everything:
How to be a successful second wedding photographer?
Be Communicative
Behave Professionally
Be a Team Player
Don't Be Afraid To Miss the Shots
Relay On Your Mentor

Photo credit: Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash




46 Comments
marc
December 27, 2019I think its spot on! Great article m8! 😡
alberta
December 27, 2019Totally agree with you.
harriett
December 28, 2019I love having my second shooter along as another pair of eyes
Manuel E.
December 28, 2019nice article regarding second wedding photographer!
victoria roy
December 28, 2019As the primary second shooter for our business I can’t agree more with every angle this article covers!
mittie vargas
December 29, 2019I Agree with many of these
Eric S
December 29, 2019Being the second shooter allows you a little more freedom!
Evan
December 29, 2019Excellent read keep up the good work.
trevor
December 29, 2019Great post and I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
todd
December 30, 2019Thank you so much for taking the time to put your thoughts together as it will benefit so many!
aaron w
December 30, 2019Be creativity outside of the “must get” shots which the lead photographer is expected to achieve.
Jeff Burns
December 30, 2019Great article as a second wedding photographer, I agree with everything in your blog.
lena f
December 30, 2019This is awesome…so helpful. Thank you!
billy lloyd
December 31, 2019it’s not easy to find a helpful person who you can trust.
Benjamin
December 31, 2019Great advice! Great read!
elva jefferson
December 31, 2019Very informative article!
Louisa Lane
December 31, 2019Wow! Thanks for a great article!!
christine murphy
December 31, 2019Useful information I agree very informative.
Lillie
December 31, 2019I will definitely keep these tips in mind. Beautiful work!
Martha M
January 01, 2020Hope many second to be shooters would read this guide and take notes.
don hogan
January 01, 2020Great post! Thanks for sharing.
douglas
January 01, 2020I love this article, thanks for sharing!!!
Linnie
January 01, 2020Very helpful for any budding second wedding photographers out there!
Douglas Carlson
January 01, 2020Just my two cents don’t be scared to train your 2nd shooter, trust me it will be the best decision you will ever made.
patrick estrada
January 01, 2020Top notch article here my friend!
Adam W.
January 02, 2020Excellent content very strong and helpful.
agnes c
January 02, 2020I agree with other poster trained up your second shooter and let them understand what you want.
Christine Francis
January 02, 2020Love second shooting weddings and much prefer it to being the primary.
rosalie
January 02, 2020Thanks for this article, very useful for me as a second photographer.
Hulda C.
January 02, 2020You nailed it! keep up the good work.
Maud H
January 02, 2020Spot on!!! Yo!
caroline g
January 02, 2020Good write up.
Clayton Coleman
January 02, 2020I love working with people I do and respect works both ways.
rodney hart
January 02, 2020This is great content, I am doing it to gain experience not to promote myself as a photographer.
Lucile M.
January 02, 2020The most important part for me is to think of oneself as being employed by the primary photographer.
hattie
January 03, 2020Thank you author for highlighting the importance of the second shooter
Abbie W.
January 03, 2020Yesssss great article!!!
Logan Turner
January 03, 2020Just starting out as a second shooter I learn something new. Thanks for sharing.
jimmy
January 03, 2020Nicely said.
viola ball
January 03, 2020I’m totally agree with your article, I have tried so many second photographer to finally found the best.
don c
January 03, 2020Thank you for this amazing content. It really helped a lot! 🙂
Inez F.
January 03, 2020This content is fantastic, thank you so much.
kevin b
January 03, 2020Solid article with very good advice.
Phoebe Andrews
January 03, 2020As much as a photographer is important, the person assisting is equally vital.
jackson w
January 03, 2020True dat!
evelyn johnson
January 03, 2020I was just waiting for something like this… Awesome post!