2nd shooter - RAW files to main?

Is it typical for a 2nd shooter to give RAW files to the main shooter? I am looking at doing weddings as a 2nd shooter and don't really know what to expect. For those of you who hire or have hired 2nd shooters, how have you done it?

TIA

Opinion from a non-wedding shooter.
Is the second's processing style very similar to the main, in terms of skill and style?
Is the second even doing any processing?
Is the venue evenly lit, for perfect in-camera exposure and white balance to be cooked into the jpegs? (hint: no, it's not)

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," then raws should be delivered, so the main can process the whole thing as a cohesive set.

If I was shooting main, I would want raws from my second.

Crummy anecdote: I'm not a wedding shooter, but I did my cousin's this weekend. My wife shot second on my 60D during the ceremony, and forgot to take it off video mode and put it back on still mode. So I got jpegs, with the video picture style baked in. If we were getting paid, she would be fired

I give memory cards to my 2nd shooter, expect him to shoot RAW... and collect the cards at the end of the night...

nathancarter wrote in post #16706371
Opinion from a non-wedding shooter.
Is the second's processing style very similar to the main, in terms of skill and style?
Is the second even doing any processing?
Is the venue evenly lit, for perfect in-camera exposure and white balance to be cooked into the jpegs? (hint: no, it's not)

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," then raws should be delivered, so the main can process the whole thing as a cohesive set.

If I was shooting main, I would want raws from my second.

Crummy anecdote: I'm not a wedding shooter, but I did my cousin's this weekend. My wife shot second on my 60D during the ceremony, and forgot to take it off video mode and put it back on still mode. So I got jpegs, with the video picture style baked in. If we were getting paid, she would be fired

Thanks for the input. I can see where you're coming from. As far as the wife...you get what you pay for in hired help.

SMP_Homer wrote in post #16706440
I give memory cards to my 2nd shooter, expect him to shoot RAW... and collect the cards at the end of the night...

So that brings to question: Can your second not use the shots in their portfolio? Or do they get a chance at copies?

NewCreation wrote in post #16706469
So that brings to question: Can your second not use the shots in their portfolio? Or do they get a chance at copies?

It's all up to what the Contract states. Some main photographers allow it, some don't. Hash it all out in the Contract before you sign anything.

It should be by agreement and in writing. The second shooter would ideally have access to the image for portfolio use, but the Main photographer has a vested interest in not having the second "going rogue" and editing stuff differently, spreading it around, and creating issues between the main and the client.

SMP_Homer wrote in post #16706440
I give memory cards to my 2nd shooter, expect him to shoot RAW... and collect the cards at the end of the night...

I worked with a similar system when i was second shooting the ocassional wedding - put their cards in my camera, hand them back when full

Yes. I expect RAW files from second shooters and yes that's typical.
And the end of the night, copy the files to a laptop.

HiepBuiPhotography wrote in post #16706477
It's all up to what the Contract states. Some main photographers allow it, some don't. Hash it all out in the Contract before you sign anything.

Thanks for the input. Sound advice.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16706502
It should be by agreement and in writing. The second shooter would ideally have access to the image for portfolio use, but the Main photographer has a vested interest in not having the second "going rogue" and editing stuff differently, spreading it around, and creating issues between the main and the client.

Excellent. Thank you

Echo63 wrote in post #16706531
I worked with a similar system when i was second shooting the ocassional wedding - put their cards in my camera, hand them back when full

Seems easy enough.

nicksan wrote in post #16706542
Yes. I expect RAW files from second shooters and yes that's typical.
And the end of the night, copy the files to a laptop.

Looks like it's unanimous. Thanks


Thank you, everyone for taking the time to reply.

My second shooters shoot full RAW on my cards. I go home with all the RAW images.

Thanks, Thomas.

Do any of you want to chime in on how you select your second shooters?

I've shot quite a few weddings as a second shooter. Here is the workflow I use with the photographer I work for:

1) Upon arriving on site, I time sync both of my cameras with the primary photographer.
2) When the event is over, I go home and immediately download and back up all of the photos.
3) I cull out any test shots or out of focus shots to reduce the workload for the primary photographer.
4) That night, I upload the remaining files to a dropbox account set-up by the photographer I work for.
5) I wait until I receive a confirmation email from the primary photographer that all of the files have been received and backed up on their end, and then I will delete the files on my end.

That works great for us, but truthfully, the preferred workflow is completely up to the photographer I'm working for since he/she is the boss!

Bryan

NewCreation wrote in post #16706469
So that brings to question: Can your second not use the shots in their portfolio? Or do they get a chance at copies?

Contract that I have with my 2nd shooters is that no, they don't get to use these files... I will give them a commendation letter or a good word as needed... don't want one of my couples finding their pic on someone else's site and they not knowing who that person is...

I have worked for many studios and friends here in Chicago and each has it's own requirements. Some studios have you shoot with their CF carrds and don't expect to see the images but pays good. Another studio lets me use the images for my portfolio only after they have blogged it first, the pay is so so. I don't mind what each person or studio's requirement is as long as it is negotiated or spelt out upfront with no suprises. My policy is you get what you negotiate!

NewCreation wrote in post #16706733
Thanks, Thomas.

Do any of you want to chime in on how you select your second shooters?

First by portfolio. We then usually have a phone conversation with them, and lastly, sit down to coffee and discuss everything from gear to experience. We currently have two second shooters, but more for backup purposes or needing a third helping hand.

As for the RAW, second shooters always use our cards, which we then take home. As much as we trust our associates, I cannot risk them losing or corrupting a card.