Hey everyone, I’m looking to start second shooting/shadowing to gain some experience and build up my portfolio. I have a few shots from family events and my family that I like and would happily add them to a portfolio, but considering I don’t have much I wasn’t sure really how to show that I’m worth it to tag along either as a second or a shadow. What do you expect out of a second that has low experience but willing and eager to learn all they can? Any recommendations on how to project that when looking for second shooter opportunities? I am on various ohio/dayton groups on social media, but rarely see opportunities come up from other photographers.

  • CTDubs0001@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I run a small wedding studio in addition to my corporate work. I do between 10-15 weddings a year for the last 10 years. I have pretty high end clientele as all my work is through referrals by a few planners I have a relationship with. This is what I need a s a baseline from my seconds…

    -Probably the most important is I need to know youre not going to embarrass me. Youre going to be on time. Respectful but can joke around a bit too and know the line. Dress accordingly. Not be huffing down snacks and drinks at the bar, etc… And I also need you to have the attitude that this is not your “art”. You are working and providing a service. I like that you are a good photographer, but if a family member asks you to get a pic of them with the chocolate fountain I cant think you’re someone who is going to look at that as beneath you.

    -Next I need to know if I can count on you to get me a good 10 picture photo story of the groom getting ready?

    -Next I need to know if you have the technical chops that if someone stops and asks you to take a picture, you can make that picture. I cant have the Father of the Bride stopping you on the dance floor to take a quick shot of him and his friend only to find out later you missed your focus, or your flash was was over or under, or whatever. If someone sees you or asks you to take a pic I need to know you’ll stick it. This isn’t journalism where you can shoot ll day and only need to produce 10 pictures… your keeper rate has to be pretty high.

    -If I ever see a second schmoozing a planner of mine, passing out cards, or trying to get work out of my event in any way I’d never hire them again, and I’d tell my other photog buddies as well. My Event. My client. My leads.