Which do you prefer?

I have shot a lot of weddings where the main shooter tells me they like to shoot as a second shooter. They say they like the flexibility and the ability to be creative. I was wondering how many people prefer to shoot as a main, or shoot as a second (without bringing money into the equation).

Personally, I like to shoot main. I have shot second a lot more than I have shot main, but I love being able to take wide shots without worrying about the main shooter being in the way, or shooting details and intimate session where I have complete direction, even setting up off camera lighting during the ceremony. I always feel discouraged when I am not able to do these things as a second shooter, and the flexibility (and the stress) that goes along with being a main entices me.

Maybe in a while I will have a different opinion, but Id like to know what you think.

bnlearle wrote in post #12150565
Main shooter, for sure.

+1

but it'd be nice to shoot second without the extra pressure every once and a while

bigarchi wrote in post #12151513
+1

but it'd be nice to shoot second without the extra pressure every once and a while

Maybe this is what I was reading. I can imagine it being a nice break from the stress.

I like second shooting but I love the pay check that comes with being the main.

Variety is the spice of life.

I like being the main- by the time the day is over I know them quite well, even if I had met them only a few days before- so it's nice to share their day with them on an intimate level.

That being said, 2nd is fun sometimes too- its nice to jsut hand over the cards and be done with it and not have to worry about any PP.

I've yet to second shoot and do kinda fantasize about it as the ability to be free from all the "have-to" shots has a lot of appeal. But I also know that I like control and I want to be the person who has the relationship with the couple. And, of course, there's the pay check.

my approach to being the main is similar to being a second shooter so it's not much different for me. but of course when I'm second shooting I'm definitely less stressed about getting "the shots" and I feel more relaxed and creative.

I like being the Main, but it's more of a power thing :P

I didn't vote because I've never been a second shooter. But I've often had the desire to be one. I LOVE shooting and while I do love editing (sometimes) I wish I could just shoot and be done with it.

I've never been a second shooter, but I only shoot very small, intimate weddings. I like being in charge so I'm not sure if being second shooter would work for me since I'd be wanting to boss everyone around. (JK )

Its good to just sit back sometimes and do a 2nd shooter gig. You get some of the best shots shooting from the side as the main photographer just cant capture it as he is glued to the couple most of the time.

Each has their own pros and cons I guess.