ONE MAN CREW

[Mrsjperry]

This is for my "Pro's"

Here's the scenario:

You have a wedding to shoot but an EMERGENCY occurs and you have to make a last minute call for someone to cover for you......

When you first started out, and it was just you and your camera(s), how did you start the process of creating relationships/contacts with other photographers, so when/if the above situation happens you're prepared.

[SoccerRef]

Before I started shooting on my own, I was second shooter for a photographer here in town and since then we have backed each other up.

I also do several events every year where there are other photogs, so I introduce myself and network.

Just ask. You'll come across some holier than thou types, who will make you feel bad about asking, but you'll also find several who will be willing to help.

Good Luck.

[Teachflute]

When I first started out it was just me. I had 3 friends with dslr cameras (mwac's). All three of them took descent shots. I started asking them to assist and I rotated through all three, paid them a small fee for assisting and trained, trained, trained them. I was patient and taught them the ins and outs of photography and now they all take descent shots and know how to set up shots.

Anyway, all three of them could easily take my place if necessary at a wedding. None of them know enough about post-processing to handle that part of the business, but they all could step in for me in a pinch. I tell my clients that at a wedding they are getting me, but if I was in a car accident or something on the way to the ceremony, they could step in.

I also have a really good friend who I met through church who is a professional photographer. She would step in for me also.

[shaggymatt]

Well first starting out, technically as others said, that first starting out is likely under the watchful eye of someone else that you're assisting. In my case, I book PA weddings, and my buddy books MD weddings. We assist whomever did the booking. Our gear is almost identical as well. Of course, one could carry any wedding if needed. I have a host of people that have offered to second shoot with me. Some are now out on their own, but I wouldn't chose them as a primary (or a secondary in many cases!).

Outside of that, networking. Flickr likely has meet-up groups for your area. Get to know people through Flickr.

I love in a somewhat small area, and we have numerous photography clubs that meet on a bi weekly or monthly basis. Another great networking opportunity.

Take classes to further yourself, you'll meet people there. Last class I took, the instructor asked me to work WITH him on future shoots. He is long established, has a studio and shot over 1800 weddings.

Things happen! I bought a new car a few weeks ago because of car issues two days before an out of state shoot! I will do everything in my power to make a shoot that I'm signed up for.

[Mrsjperry]

Gonna check out flickr.

Just having a hard time with "I'm too good for you" photogs :rolleyes:

[Mike]

This happened to me last year! 1 week before a wedding I smashed my little finger and had this attached (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=500025)! I had no chance of being able to shoot the wedding so I got in touch with the guy who shot my wedding. He was free so he covered it for me.

If the same happened today I feel confident that I could call half a dozen guys from this forum, one or two of whom would probably be free and able to cover it for me. Find your local POTN group in the Members Activities section and get to know the guys there. It sure is a comfort to me knowing that there are people I trust and know well enough from here who can cover weddings if needs be.

I will happily be on your cover list...only you'll have to pay the travel costs! ;)

[Mrsjperry]

Thanks Mike...didn't think to look there.

And of course I'd cover the travel cost....you like First class....:D

[Peacefield]

I'm looking to address this issue myself becuase, though my contract clearly makes it the couple's responsibility to find a replacement, I want to be in a position to offer some solutions. The deal is to be able to find people with a similar shooting style who are also willing to do it for the same $'s. I'm not a networker by nature so I think I'm going to run an ad on CL and gather a collection of guys that I feel can approrpiately cover for me.

[Mike]

Thanks Mike...didn't think to look there.

And of course I'd cover the travel cost....you like First class....:D

That'll do nicely!! ;)