How to find a second shooter & what to offer

I need to find a second shooter to keep in my back pocket in case my hubby is not able to help me shoot a wedding. Just wondering what's the best way to approach another photographer (an established one whose work I admire) to ask about this, and what a fair compensation would be in relation to what I charge?

Why not start with a post here under the Services Needed forum?

GLWSearch Michelle.

One way is searching for post like this in the Services Offered under Classified here at POTN to find Photographer near by your area. If the P works meet your standard, it could work out well, I think.

I just posted an ad in craigslist and got a bunch of replies. One way to talk to a pro about it would be to offer to trade second shooting, you shoot for them an equal amount they shoot for you. Then you don't have to worry about taxes.

Thanks, guys, all good suggestions.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #12030962
Then you don't have to worry about taxes.

Sounds very appealing.

Peacefield wrote in post #12031221
Sounds very appealing.

Yeah, someone told me about trading second shooting, and I didnt get why you wouldnt just pay each other. After I thought about it for awhile, it made sense.

I am interested in this as well. I've never hired a second...my fiance has always been my assistant up to this point...but we have recently learned that we are going to have a baby So she won't be able to do a handful of our weddings this year...thus I'll be hiring out.

I am sure that payment is going to vary greatly depending on the persons experience, skill, equipment and location...but I was thinking about $250.00/per wedding for a dependable and competant shooter with their own gear. Opinions? Too low too high?

BTW Bryan...that is definitely an appealing suggestion.

I get paid an average of $250 with the gear I have. From what I have seen, it averages from about $10 an hour to higher. One person that responded to my CL ad wanted $800 for a wedding, and most had no idea what to charge and told me to throw out a number. Honestly, I am a bit disappointed with the replies I have been getting, but what do you expect?

First--CONGRATS!
Second, if it comes to actually paying, I had about $200-$250 in mind as a price. We'll see. I really dig the trade off idea.

helloagain36 wrote in post #12031491
I am interested in this as well. I've never hired a second...my fiance has always been my assistant up to this point...but we have recently learned that we are going to have a baby So she won't be able to do a handful of our weddings this year...thus I'll be hiring out.

I am sure that payment is going to vary greatly depending on the persons experience, skill, equipment and location...but I was thinking about $250.00/per wedding for a dependable and competant shooter with their own gear. Opinions? Too low too high?

BTW Bryan...that is definitely an appealing suggestion.

I have a couple of opportunities that I'm going to need to fill for. I expect to list hear first and go to CL only as a last resort owing to what Bryan is going through now. I will be in the $200 -$300 which I hope to find is reasonable for northern NJ (essentially, a suburb of NYC) given that I only want them from the guy's prep through the toast after which they can continue at their own choosing. I'm guessing that not to be more than about 5 hours.

Peacefield wrote in post #12031787
I have a couple of opportunities that I'm going to need to fill for. I expect to list hear first and go to CL only as a last resort owing to what Bryan is going through now. I will be in the $200 -$300 which I hope to find is reasonable for northern NJ (essentially, a suburb of NYC) given that I only want them from the guy's prep through the toast after which they can continue at their own choosing. I'm guessing that not to be more than about 5 hours.

I am sure I dont have to say this, but if you are having them shoot something by themselves, I would have them work with you for a few weddings before you throw them into the lions den. Make sure they can actually provide what they say they can.

I pay $400-$600 for a 2nd photographer - depends mostly on experience and gear

I mostly share 2nd shooters with other photographers in the area, but I sometimes do end up using a 1st guy as well, and when that happens, we just swap opportunities (no $$ gets moved)

SMP_Homer wrote in post #12032039
I pay $400-$600 for a 2nd photographer - depends mostly on experience and gear

I mostly share 2nd shooters with other photographers in the area, but I sometimes do end up using a 1st guy as well, and when that happens, we just swap opportunities (no $$ gets moved)

I need to come up there!

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #12031846
I am sure I dont have to say this, but if you are having them shoot something by themselves, I would have them work with you for a few weddings before you throw them into the lions den. Make sure they can actually provide what they say they can.

They would never be alone except for the guy's prep. With me the rest of the time. But I can cover any size reception on my own so I don't need them to stay after getting a few neat angles of first dance, toasts, etc.