Rules for second shooters and assistants.

[strmrdr]

I thought it would be neat for the experts to list some rules that they would like the second/assistant to know.
I will start with a few that while rather old where told to me by experts and worked no matter who I was working with.

1st: stay out of the shots the pro is trying to get.
Be aware of where the pro is shooting and is going to be shooting and stay away.
If you end up in an important shot or make the pro miss it by having to get you out of the way you wont be asked back.

2: put the camera down during the formals unless told otherwise.
You will not get asked back if you make the pro's job harder by distracting the people he is shooting during formals.

3: know how to turn your flash off and do so during the ceremony unless told otherwise, don't fiddle with the camera.
If you trigger your flash on accident and embarrass the pro or worse anger the minister you wont be asked back.

4: don't ask a ton of questions in front of the customers, write them down and ask later.
Almost nothing looks more unprofessional than the pro teaching his staff how to set a setting on the camera in front of everyone.
You wont be asked back is your a pest or make the pro look bad.

next?

[tim]

Only one rule: use your common sense, and do what the main photographer is asking. Assistants shouldn't assume they'll be taking photos. 2nd photographers shouldn't have to ask how to properly expose a photo.

Re #2 above I don't let anyone else hold a camera during formals, too much risk of spoiling the photo.

[bcap]

This is a great post guys! Keep the suggestions coming. I have a few 2nd shooter jobs this summer and want to make sure I make a lasting impression.

[jessiper]

Here's some that coreypolis has posted several times (I have edited it for spelling and grammar, or I believe this is the edited version):

Guidelines for 2nds, as seen by the pros:


1. Be very observant to your host shooters needs.
2. Never EVER shoot from the same angle that the first shooter is shooting from!
3. Check to see what appropriate dress is for the event.
4. Have your own equipment. If an agreement has been made concerning sharing equipment, TAKE CARE OF IT!
5. Stay quiet and out of the way, never EVER take charge. A 70-200 IS/VR is the ideal lens for a second shooter... you should never be right in a bridal party member's face!
6. Gracefully take instructions from first shooter.
7. Never EVER give out your own cards, you are there as an extension of the first shooters biz... do NOT self promote!
8. The less attention you draw to yourself, the better.
9. Be willing to lug equipment, change lenses, and grab water if that is what is needed (again Thanks SO much to Alison and David for being willing to do this!!!!)
10. Finally, follow the laws of common sense. If someone is shooting, and you are across the room (or wherever you are) GET OUT OF THEIR SHOT! This type of common sense law applies across the board. Try your best to be where you are needed, when you are needed... and be out of the way the rest of the time!
11. Shoot for the fun of it because I don't need your photos, they'll just be used as extras
12. Experiment with lighting, lenses, composition and everything else to build your portfolio because I don't need your photos, they'll just be used as extras
13. Take a few funny photos of me for my blog and I'll do the same for your blog
14. Don't take the last piece of chocolate wedding cake... that is for me
15. Always smile at everyone
16. Don't point out problems or make suggestions too loudly
17. No drinking alcohol... it makes the pictures blurry
18. No reckless driving or loud music within 15 miles of the wedding city
19. Be 100% confident
20. Compliment me
21. Don't take shots of formal poses while I'm taking shots of formal poses. I'll just delete them. lol
22. Always arrive at least 1/2 hour early to wherever you are to meet the main, using your camera bag to block the closest parking spot to the church for her/him.
23.Have a cup of coffee in your hand to offer them when they arrive. (be sure to have pre-mixed the cream and sugar for them so they can save their energy for more important things).
24. Be the first to grab their equipment and never agree to let them help you. Just smile and say,"Oh, Ive got it".
25. Always agree with everything they want to do, and when they have indicated they have forgotten something (again) abandon what you are doing and make haste to their vehicle to retrieve it.
26. Protect their equipment from seedy characters looming in your presence,even if it means you will miss the shot certainly to label you "a photographic genius" and your bag is still in the parking spot you saved for them because you were so busy carrying their equipment, you forgot yours.(Don't worry, no one can see it, its now under the car).
27. Have at the ready a cool refreshing beverage to offer for when your main begins to tire.
28. Always be prepared to catch cosmetic issues concerning your bride and discretely mention them to your main, remembering that it is not for you to be the hero, and all possible catastrophes that are cathwarted should be directly credited to your main( even if no one else saw the booger but you).
29. Be sure to secure your mains dinner plate and arrange for a comfortable area for him/her to dine and rest while you keep an eye on the party as not to miss any key moments. (You may quietly suck on small pieces of your Powerbar while you are standing by if you feel you must have nourishment)
30. After the last shot has been taken, be sure to carry all of your mains equipment back to the vehicle and load it , so that when she/he is done receiving praise and accolades from the bride and groom and both sets of parents about what a fabulous job he/she did and how they will be passing their name on to everyone they know, they will be pleasantly surprised.
31. Tell your main, over and over how wonderful they are and how lucky you were to have the opportunity to work with them.
32. Go home and edit the 500-800 fabulous shots you took at the wedding.

[bcap]

LOL at least corey's got a sense of humor :)