Shooting For George Street as Second

I just got hired on by George Street in Atlanta as a second photographer. I mostly shoot as the only photographer but I am looking forward to shooting second.

What is usually expected of second shooters? I know the first shooter is the main priority and the second shooter tries to get what the first shooter can't shoot.

Any body out there with second shooter experience?

Second shooting is a lot of fun. It's much less stressful than being the primary shooter. You can just relax and try to get little emotional bits, details and other things that may be lost by the primary who is focusing on the necessary shots. I use it as a time to try some creative ideas that I'm not sure will work or not - like a dry run so I can be more comfortable with the new ideas when I HAVE to come up with the money shot.

It depends on the primary as to what is expected for a second shooter. Some will just set you loose and tell you to "capture what you think is noteworthy" and some may have a set of shots for you to get (groom getting ready, people and emotions at the ceremony, reception details etc). Just ask them beforehand so you have a good idea of what you're in for.

I'm going to be second shooting for the first time next month. It's a long crazy story, but the primary is actually working for me; I sold the wedding, hired him to shoot it, and I'm seconding for him.

I have two primary goals. One is getting the fun/creative shots while he's busy getting the have-to shots. The other is to be where he isn't. I don't want to just produce the same shot at a different angle; I want to look for some unique framing or other uncommon perspective that produces a completely different image, even though it may be of the same subject.

Ask your employer.

Thanks! I'll probably try and be as independent as I can be but if the first photographer wants me to cover another angle of something, I most certainly will.