Biggest difference between being 2nd and primary shooter?

I've been second shooting for about a year now, but haven't been the primary ever since I did one 7 years ago for a college buddy for free. Doing my first solo tomorrow.

My biggest area of concern is staying engaged and relaxed with the wedding party and making sure they're having a good time while I take the posed shots. And moving/posing them. The candids during the ceremony and reception are less of a concern to me personally. Although this is not how I make a living, I'm very comfortable with my gear and the technical aspects of wedding photography.

Curious to know what your thoughts are on the biggest differences between being a 2nd and primary/solo shooter? I feel this will be useful to others who may be going through this transition as well. Thanks!

-Tim

Having all of the responsibility if things go wrong.

The buck stops with you as the lead shooter.

When stuff hits the fan, and it does at just about every wedding, you better have an answer and be able to keep it on schedule. I think your bride has to have 100% confidence in you and your abilities. she is counting on you to come up with ideas and to make her look fabulous.

One of the things we did a few years ago, and it solved a ton of issues, is that we no longer book by the hour. I would rather put in an extra hour or two on the day of the wedding because im not going to get myself all stressed out trying to get everything in within a time window. Not only does it cause unnecessary stress but it also cause stress for my couple and families which translates into poor expressions for the photos. If Im there 10-11 hrs thats fine. Im not going to book any girl that only want 6 hrs of coverage and then hands me a pinterest list.

I think your biggest responsibility as a lead is to keep it on schedule and know what the clients are expecting and you must be able to deliver in just about any circumstance

For that reason alone, we sit with every bride and draw up the time lines so that there are no questions as to whats going to happen on the day of the wedding. And of course, when something disastrous happens like a zipper ripping out of the bridal dress and you have to wait for a seamstress to show up and sew her in the dress ( happened 3 times now) you have to be able to adapt and keep her expectations met.

Also, location and posing. Second shooters rarely need to choose locations or pose couples, so that might be tricky.

You probably should've asked this three months before your first solo wedding so you could work on what you find, not the night before.

tim wrote in post #17042078
Also, location and posing. Second shooters rarely need to choose locations or pose couples, so that might be tricky.

You probably should've asked this three months before your first solo wedding so you could work on what you find, not the night before.

What Tim said!

There's a world of difference in 'attitude'; planning, liaising with the venue for timings etc. locations and posing, making sure everything's covered.

You were probably only half serious, but you're bound to end up in a bad light asking for advice the day before a gig.

Having second shot for a year what do you (op) think the differences are?

Second shooter..you can get away with mistakes. First shooter..you are 100% accountable for everything !!!

First shooter you are a leader. Second shooter you are a follower.

Second shooters often have more freedom to be creative and to catch the moments that are happening outside of the "bride and groom vortex". When you are the primary you have to make sure that you get all the standard shots that the bride and groom expect from you. You also need to make sure you are capturing their day the way they remember it. As a primary you shoulder all of the responsibility, it's your name and reputation on the line!

I think by now you know what is expected of the primary shooter, the only difference is now that you are one and the same. Everything is on you and you WILL do great if you believe in yourself and make sure you follow the bride and groom for the main shots. Get your candid s or scanned shots while the couple are not actually engaged in an activity. Shooting solo will allow you to get your crowd shots but I advise not to stray far from the couple until the reception then stroll to capture the guests.

Rings, cake, kisses, dances, toasts, parent shots, the isle walk, church entering & exiting etc. Just try to see if you can scope the location prior to the shoot if you have not already done so, Check your main vantage points for shots. Also remember talk to the person (Priest, Chaplin, Minister prior to shooting in the church as well) see his or her views on your proximity and a simple talk to explain your role as the wedding photographer and what they couple is expecting. If he or she sees it any different that your views always have the couple straighten things out to establish a better social re-pore if they feel indifferent to your presence and or proximity.( but your lens selection should keep you at bay from confrontation as long as you have a good vantage point for your shots).

Its quite a bit but as long as you believe in yourself and your skill you will do fine.