advice for a first time second shooter?

[lilmomma]

I will be second shooting a wedding this Saturday (my first time), a simple wedding, nothing fancy. The shooter i'm working with told me to take a photojournalistic route and he will take care of the formals.

I'm really nervous! but excited also!! I just was wondering if anyone had any general advice either from working as a second shooter or having a second shooter? Like make sure to do "this" or don't do "that", etc..

thanks in advance!

[Qarik]

I will be second shooting a wedding this Saturday (my first time), a simple wedding, nothing fancy. The shooter i'm working with told me to take a photojournalistic route and he will take care of the formals.

I'm really nervous! but excited also!! I just was wondering if anyone had any general advice either from working as a second shooter or having a second shooter? Like make sure to do "this" or don't do "that", etc..

thanks in advance!

1) stay clear of the main shooter
2) get a lot of candids of the guests
3) get a lot of detail shots (cake, centerpieces, bouquets, food, nice settings, unique shots of the church or reception hall)
4) when shooting the couple, get the candid, unexpected shots.

Remember your job is too compliment the main's shots.

[Agnieszka]

Check your camera settings - all the time (especially when changing locations), and check how they are coming out on the camera screen.

Other than that I'm with Qarik.

Have fun! :thumb

[MA-FOTO]

1) stay clear of the main shooter
2) get a lot of candids of the guests
3) get a lot of detail shots (cake, centerpieces, bouquets, food, nice settings, unique shots of the church or reception hall)
4) when shooting the couple, get the candid, unexpected shots.

Remember your job is too compliment the main's shots.

+1 and adding....

By complimenting ...... example.
the lead is shooting formals - if you are hanging around - use a longer lens and shoot off angle and back a little,
take picture during setups/after.

There is always little 'nervous' gatherings-conversation (before ceremony)which make great photo opportunities.

Don't forget to change the camera height from the ground.
meaning... bend your knees and get down on kids eye level to shoot them.

Shoot w/ purpose.

check in w/ the lead to make sure you are on the same page.

verify all cameras are set to same date/time.

have fun!!!!!

Later,
_Mark

[marikris]

+1 and adding....
verify all cameras are set to same date/time.


Wow, that is so basic, but until you mentioned it I hadn't even been aware that that is an issue. A total DUH moment here.

[lilmomma]

thanks for the tips! I can't wait!

[Swartzy]

This also is a great opportunity to get those detail shots..especially when the primary is taking formals. Really, there is no need to be there, especially if the primary has lighting and triggers used with his camera......there are some exceptions of course...if you are needed to straighten gowns, help pose, things like that of an assistant..but....many times you'll want to get other shots that the primary will not have time for:

Rings
Flower arrangements: both in the pews, alter, entrance.
Guest book...especially with someone signing it
Areas of the church or venues that most people overlook (stained glass windows, different perspectives of rows of pews or chairs, etc.)
Kids (as mentioned above)...I lay or sit on the floor often :D
Sneak out and capture the church from the outside..the sign....and don't forget the limo..get creative...all this stuff will undoubtedly end up in the wedding album if done correctly. Many times we'll use those shots as a backdrop for a two page spread.

Wedding shooting is not always shooting people but capturing the environment that spurs memories for the couple when they view them...like where she got ready or where the groom was dressing....it will remind them of the nervousness, the anticipation of the upcoming ceremony. Thinking like a well versed photographer with many styles will serve you well. You need to wear many hats behind your camera as well as the 2nd shooter, assistant, helpmate, idea generator, suggestion giver and an extension of the primaries duties.

The hats you'll wear as a photographer: Landscaping, macro, photojournalistic, candid, formal shooter to name a few. As mentioned by Angie...not only look at your LCD....but LIVE by your histogram.....DO NOT UNDEREXPOSE. Get those bars to the right...especially in low light and high ISO.

Good luck and we are all anxious to see what you've come away with and hear what you've learned.

[wadesworld]

I've never done any weddings, but if I were doing my first second shoot, I'd definitely spend a ton of time pre-scouting the location.

[MA-FOTO]

I've never done any weddings, but if I were doing my first second shoot, I'd definitely spend a ton of time pre-scouting the location.
there are many time you don't get the chance ....

nothing like pulling down your pants and sliding on the ice....
its showtime!!

time to bring your 'A' game......
and welcome to the world of wedding photogs!

Later,
_Mark

[lilmomma]

Swartzy...thank you for the advice, and I appreciate it, and all the advice from everyone else as well. Wadesworld.. I would have loved to scout it out, unfortunately I live almost an hour away from there and I work a 40 hour a week day job and have a three year old! Talk about constraints huh, however I know that I am up againts some difficult lighting conditions already so I went ahead and purchased a Gary fong cloud sphere and wow I can tell what a difference that will make!
Maphoto...agreed, definately will bring my a game!