First Wedding on One Days Notice

[phoenixheat]

Originally Posted by Justaddwata

Pictures are a no show for me now......

sorry, looks like my website went down for a little bit last night. They should be back up now.

Originally Posted by nicksan

I am not dissuading you from wedding photography. That would be hypocritical. We all started from having zero experience. My first wedding experience was as a primary shooter for a friend's wedding, and that's how a lot of us discover this genre. I've also second shot 35-40 times. I don't shoot 40-50 weddings like some of the more established member here do, so when I don't have one booked, I usually find myself second shooting.

As for how much to expect for second shooting gigs, it depends on the gig, your experience, portfolio and the willingness for the primary shooter to pay. The first few second shooting gigs paid me $250 on average. Now I won't second shoot for anything lower than $500. But that's easy, because I usually second shoot for the same photographer and he keeps on raising my rates because he realizes having me there is like having another primary shooter. When he raises his rates, he spreads the wealth and raises my rates as well. The most I ever got for second shooting was $600 for a 6 hour gig.

I would build up a portfolio first before trying to price yourself. Get a few under your belt then think in terms of "how much should I get paid as a second shooter". Look at my portfolio. When I apply for other second shootings gigs, I almost never get denied the position. See how you stack up against that. That should give you an idea of where you are.

It sounds like you feel that it'll be easy. It's not rocket science and with repetition it gets easier. But it's never really easy, both from a artistic and physical standpoint. Highly pressurized as well. Think about it. You will be shooting for complete strangers and you HAVE TO get the shots. HAVE TO. Make sure you are mentally prepared for that kind of pressure before you take this on.

Thanks for the advice, and not to worry, I don't get discouraged very easily. As for second shooting, I'll see what I can find and go from there. So far, no luck.

[TooFastForYa]

Great Shots!