Going to a wedding as a second photographer: What to shoot?

[majin tcz]

Ok I am shooting a wedding tomorrow with a photographer and I'll be his backup. What I'm wondering is what am I supposed to shoot. Obviously they bridal party will be focused on him when it comes to the formal shots. Am I not to shoot any of the same types of photos. I am currently trying to build my portfolio and would like to have some shots of them looking at me but I don't want to have them sit through the same shot twice by looking at the main photographer then me.

Also I'm doing this wedding as a second photographer for free because I asked to join him and not the other way around. What is the customary way of handling my images that I've taken that will be given to the paid photographer to create his albums?

How does my rights as a photographer work in this sense?

[_Jo_]

As far as what to shoot - as long as you don't get in the prime photographers way, and don't distract the bridal party - anything goes I would think.

I would advise you don't go behind the pro when they are taking a shot - this will always distract the couple!

..." I don't want to have them sit through the same shot twice by looking at the main photographer then me." ... This should not happen as it slows down the pro and what he wants to do with the couple. You are there mainly to observe and grab what you can when you can. Be unobtrusive.

Take moments when the pro is busy setting up shots, to grab a few yourself.

As for your other questions...the best person to talk to - is the pro!

[MattMoore]

As for your other questions...the best person to talk to - is the pro!

+1

Every pro operates differently. He/she may want you to shoot particular items.

[magnum703]

I would advise you don't go behind the pro when they are taking a shot - this will always distract the couple!

Yup, that's what I did when I was shooting as a 2nd photographer. Just get out of the pro's way!

[BestVisuals]

See other threads about copyright ownership as a second shooter and get whatever you and the primary photographer agree to in writing. No kidding.

When I was hiring second shooters I needed them to assist me with lighting and posing, but when they were shooting I needed background shots. This meant details of flowers, decorations, food, etc. Remember that much of the cost of a wedding is decorations and food so get lots of photos of the bling Momma pays for!

[Teachflute]

Second shooting is a blast. Use your creative eye. Look for things that are away from the action. During formals, be sure that you are available to help with posing, lighting, etc. During the ceremony, look at the crowd for reactions, make sure during important moments like the kiss, vows, cake cutting, you get a different angle than the primary. As a primary, it always makes me happy to hear my second clicking away during those important shots. I know that I'll have plenty of choices when selecting photos for my clients.

Most importantly, talk with your primary. Ask what their expectations are for you. Every photographer has different expectations for their second. I know that you are there to build your portfolio, but the most important focus for this day should be to give the B&G awesome photographs to remember their special day. If you follow this rule of thumb, you can't go wrong.

Have fun!

[DennisW1]

Second shooting is a blast. Use your creative eye. Look for things that are away from the action. During formals, be sure that you are available to help with posing, lighting, etc. During the ceremony, look at the crowd for reactions, make sure during important moments like the kiss, vows, cake cutting, you get a different angle than the primary. As a primary, it always makes me happy to hear my second clicking away during those important shots. I know that I'll have plenty of choices when selecting photos for my clients.

Most importantly, talk with your primary. Ask what their expectations are for you. Every photographer has different expectations for their second. I know that you are there to build your portfolio, but the most important focus for this day should be to give the B&G awesome photographs to remember their special day. If you follow this rule of thumb, you can't go wrong.

Have fun!

Pretty much what I was going to suggest. Since you're the second, let the Primary guy(gal) suggest what you should be concentrating on, and how much freedom you have to be creative on your own.
And take the opportunity to watch and learn, you may come away with a lot of good ideas for your own next wedding assignment.

[majin tcz]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I will be at the church really early tomorrow so I'll be able to ask him more questions.

Also what do you guys typically pay a second shooter?

[Misiek]

Being second is cool. Why? Not so much responsibility.

It can give also great results in a printed album. For example when the couple is making "their dance" and the main pictures them and you shoot reactions of the people - for example expression of their faces. It's a grat combo of pictures.

You do not have to be nervous whether the group photos are sharp etc. You must be creative and can photo everything you think you should.

[majin tcz]

So the wedding was awesome. Had a lot of fun shooting it. I learned a lot from the pro. I took about 500 pics or so. Hopefully I'll get invited to shoot again. But I'm still wondering about pay. What is the typical price that is paid to the second shooter?

[Misiek]

I don't know ho it is in the US or other places. In Poland it's up to 20-35%.
Share with us the photos :)