Photogs - What do you want from a 2nd shooter?

Hi all,

So...The only wedding experience I have is doing a solo wedding a couple years back. That was fine, I just about managed on my own.

I'm 2nd shooting a wedding in June, and as I've never done 2nd before but I know how stressful being the main photog can be.. what would your advice be for me?
If I was your assistant how would you want me to shoot? Help out with the group shots? Leave you alone and get the smaller details? Any other etiquette or tips I should know about?

Thanks for any input!
Ben

Well I have a co shooter (not a 2nd) and because of the very apparent size difference she's 5'4 and 105 in the rain and I'm 6'1 and built like a samoan I tend to stay back and shoot with a telephoto during the ceremony while she shoots the close up wider shots. I also tend to take a lot more candid shots than her.

If I were to hire a 2nd shooter though, I'd want them to know the plans as far as timing, location etc and to be willing to set the camera down and hold a light or assist me if I needed anything done. There's no need to get multiple shots of everything but there are a few things that could use a different perspective IE the bouquet toss or the first look.

I am no Pro but here are my take, all of the above and....

* Be up front and ask the Main Shoot for his expectation of shots from you.
* When the Main Shoot shoot wide, you shoot tight and vice versa.
* Alway stay approximately 90 degree from the Main Shooter, never ~180 degree.
* Don't promo your Bis. in what so ever way or form. It's the Main Shooting's show.
* Not too much chatting or not at all.
* No alcohol, no smoke.
* Definitely be helpful during the group shot as another set of eyes without interrupting the Main Shooter's working flow.

I am sure there are more helpful info but these are what I pull out from my experience of working with Others.

Ask what they're looking for. Some want second shooters. Some want assistants. Some want a combo of the two. I am in that boat. I am looking for someone who can shoot through the day, but when it comes to certain times in the day, I need them to put the camera away and help with lighting, posing, crowd control, carrying stuff, etc...

Just meet with the primary and sit down and discuss what is expected of you. I usually run through an outline of a full day's shooting and what they'll typically be doing during certain parts of the day.

And to stress one thing Bobby mentioned... don't EVER EVER EVER be seen looking at your phone or typing txt messages.

Thanks for the pointers guys! And thanks Bobby, I'll be sure to not be fiddling with my phone... people who do that are a real pet peeve for me.

Also, the kit I have is below. The photographer has a 5D2, 24-105 and 70-200 and I'm not sure what else... I was thinking of renting a Tokina 11-16 (partly as I might buy one later)
I don't really have anything wide so would that be a good lens to have as a second shooter? Obviously he couldn't use it with his 5D2

An ultrawide lens would help considering 28mm is your widest lens. But honestly, as a second shooter, I'd be more concerned of having a good solid zoom. A 28-135 isn't exactly great for low light, and you don't list a flash in your gear list. I'd definitely get a 580EX at least. You have a decent spread of primes but no AF on the Arsat lens could be a little difficult in dynamic shooting.

picturecrazy wrote in post #12390404
Ask what they're looking for. Some want second shooters. Some want assistants. Some want a combo of the two. I am in that boat. I am looking for someone who can shoot through the day, but when it comes to certain times in the day, I need them to put the camera away and help with lighting, posing, crowd control, carrying stuff, etc...

Just meet with the primary and sit down and discuss what is expected of you. I usually run through an outline of a full day's shooting and what they'll typically be doing during certain parts of the day.

And to stress one thing Bobby mentioned... don't EVER EVER EVER be seen looking at your phone or typing txt messages.

Yup. You need to find out for sure.

I second shoot a lot and I don't take any gigs that are not shooting only ones. So whenever I do second shoot, I always ask what exactly does it entail. Any hint of carrying stuff around or setting up lighting, and I politely decline unless the pay is very nice. Not that there's anything wrong with doing that kind of stuff, but for me, the distinction is clear. Second shooter = shooting gig. Carrying stuff = Assistant. As mentioned, some people want a combo, so it's really up to you. Not to be a pr*ck about it...

I've been on gigs where it was supposed to be a shooting only gig, but the primary had me carrying all kinds of heavy things, set up lights, etc. Suffice it to say, I never worked for that person again.

So yeah, find out.

For me, if I was paying a "second shooter", I would want that person to do as much shooting as he/she can. As someone already mentioned, of course, I want that person to be well mannered, well attired, etc.

I do a fair bit of 2nd shooting...here are a few tips.

Keep in mind that you are representing the photographer who hired you, so take your cues from them. If they dress causally, then you can do the same. But if they are dressed formally, you should be too. If they are the high energy type, then go along with that. If they are more serious and 'professional', then don't act silly etc.
Either way, remember that while you may just be the hired help, the end customer is the B&G and you should treat them with the utmost respect & professionalism.

When shooting, I think it's important that you're always trying to be 'on the same page' as the main shooter. So try to make sure that you're not covering the same angles and make sure to stay out of their shots (and keep them out of yours (unless it's a great shot)).

One of the biggest things, for me anyway, is that you keep the 'big picture' in mind...and that is that the photographers are there to do the best job they can, for the clients. So if that means that you might need to stop shooting and help the main photographer with posing, lighting, groupings, carrying gear, holding reflectors etc. It doesn't matter what it is...do you best to help ensure that the job gets done.
I've heard that some 2nd shooters don't consider themselves assistants and some assistants are only concerned about getting the chance to shoot. Not me...I'll do whatever is asked or required, just as if they were my clients.

picturecrazy wrote in post #12391413
An ultrawide lens would help considering 28mm is your widest lens. But honestly, as a second shooter, I'd be more concerned of having a good solid zoom. A 28-135 isn't exactly great for low light, and you don't list a flash in your gear list. I'd definitely get a 580EX at least. You have a decent spread of primes but no AF on the Arsat lens could be a little difficult in dynamic shooting.

Actually one thing I do know is that he can lend me a 550EX as it's spare. So would you recommend me perhaps renting a faster mid zoom (24-70?) than a fast wide angle?
I thought of the tokina as it's both a range I don't have and it has a constant 2.8 aperture (plus its a test drive ) But I'm thinking maybe a fast zoom might get more use, hmm.

To be honest, the details I can get from the photographer.. I'm just after tips for being the best candid shooter and thanks for the info guys!

If anybody has any experience on what shots solo photographers wish they got, that would be great.

Someone who's happy to assist or shoot, has a positive "can do" cheerful attitude, and realises they're the 2nd and doesn't get upset if they're a light stand for a while. They must dress and behave professionally.