Second Photographer

[Christina]

Originally Posted by Ahtz

Maybe i'm dreaming but I was kind of hoping that the second photographer 'gig' that I got would either pay enough for rental, or the main photog would have gear I could use during the wedding. Sounds like thats not the typical situation.

Around here second shooters don't make too much - I think it might take a whole season of second shooter wages to make enough to buy the gear you would eventually need.

Most people that work with me have all their own gear. I occasionally lend a lens or a flash or a 2nd body, but I definitely prefer if I don't have to so that I know I have full access to all my stuff at any time.

I do think your work is solid - considering you're getting those images with the gear you have, maybe it's not such a big deal. I would suggest keeping at it with trying to approach people - just be very very diplomatic about how you do it. Always try to find a way that you can help them - do not focus on what you want. Try to find something that they want that you can give. Flattery helps too - if it is specific and sincere

[krauzianimage]

Christina is right. Did you mention what you are asking these photographers? Did you mention to them that you would do it for free? A lot of photographers have back up gear that you can use, so you would not need to rent, just give your time free in exchange for images, experience and knowledge.
http://www.krauzianimage.com

[brokensocial]

We looked for second shooting opportunities but couldn't find any and eventually just started shooting ourselves...

[snakeman55]

Lots of thread resurrection lately.

[MrMagoo65]

I know its an old thread (see above post from snakeman55), but...here is how I started.
I stumbled upon a listing on craigslist about a local photography studio that was looking to hire photographers. They listed the name of their studio in the posting, so I checked out their website, and also checked their reputation on other sites. Once I felt that this was not a "crappy" studio or a fly-by-night operation, I dropped them an email.
They posted a list of required gear (2 bodies (at least 1 FF), flash(es), fast lenses (2.8 or better).
I compiled a list of my gear, and emailed them regarding my interest in the position. I received an email about 2-3 days later to setup a date to meet with the owners, look over my gear and present a portfolio.
I had some time to assemble a printed portfolio of about 18-20 images, obviously geared towards wedding a portrait photography, didn't need to include landscape and/or sports.
They liked my work, and said that they would improve my shots 10-fold, and booked me a date to shoot a wedding as a third shooter. I was paid $100 to third shoot, as my shots could obviously be used in their album.
I shot as a 3rd, and went home to compile my "keeper" images, then brought them back to the studio for review by the owner. He only asked that I post-process for exposure.
My shots (250ish) were reviewed, and he made me a job offer to shoot as a second for their studio!

Everything needs to just fall into place, I got lucky, and I also amassed my gear collection over about 1 1/2 years. You have to be able to justify the cost of gear, knowing that you might ONLY make money if you get a break into a studio.

Good luck!!