How do I handle this the proper way?

Recently, I have been doing a lot more 2nd shooter wedding gigs and with that comes a lot of family interactions. I have been doing the usual groom shots in various locations, most times with lots of family around. The last two time however, I have had family members come up and ask me about doing family photos on another day. I know as a 2nd shooter I am representing someone else so I just politely tell them that I am busy now but we can discuss further when I am done for the evening. Usually by that time its quite late and its just not a good time to interrupt people enjoying themselves.

Is there a good way to handle this or just forget about it while I am working? Thanks in advance for any responses!

If you're a second, whatever business cards that go out should be from the primary. Assistants and seconds handing out their own cards is bad business. Consider if you were the primary that paid for a booth at the wedding expo (and everything that goes into that) along with some extra cash for website SEO and then heard from the bride that her brother just booked your second/assistant for his wedding or family portraits....

being in the right place at the right time doesn't apply here....earn your second fee, create a relationship with the primary, learn what you can, and maybe you'll be the person they call when they are double booked.

My 2¢

azccw999 wrote in post #17074740
If you're a second, whatever business cards that go out should be from the primary. Assistants and seconds handing out their own cards is bad business. Consider if you were the primary that paid for a booth at the wedding expo (and everything that goes into that) along with some extra cash for website SEO and then heard from the bride that her brother just booked your second/assistant for his wedding or family portraits....

being in the right place at the right time doesn't apply here....earn your second fee, create a relationship with the primary, learn what you can, and maybe you'll be the person they call when they are double booked.

My 2¢

In complete agreement with this point of view.

You need a business card from the primary to hand out for these occasions.

When you are the second shooter, you need to act as a representative of the first shooter's company. Have a talk with your employer and say "How shall I handle requests for other jobs while working for you?" Most likely they will hand you some of their business cards, and you will get additional work helping your employer. Doing anything else will probably mean you will never work for them again.

Thanks guys. I figured that was what the responses would be. The reason I even asked is I know the primary doesn't do portraits and family photos so some other photographer in town is going to get these jobs and I was hoping for a way to keep them for myself. I do agree with what you guys/gals are saying but it never hurts to ask.

I would mention the comments to the primary and hope that he or she would refer them to you when contacted. If you do a good job for the primary they should send the work your way.

the flying moose wrote in post #17075945
Thanks guys. I figured that was what the responses would be. The reason I even asked is I know the primary doesn't do portraits and family photos so some other photographer in town is going to get these jobs and I was hoping for a way to keep them for myself. I do agree with what you guys/gals are saying but it never hurts to ask.

Well then it sounds like a match made in heaven. Bring it up with the primary, who doesn't want that business. Hand out the primary shooter's cards and then have him refer the work over to you. While I'm not a fan of a "finder's fee' or "referral fee" in this case you might want to work out something small.

tcphoto1 wrote in post #17075991
I would mention the comments to the primary and hope that he or she would refer them to you when contacted. If you do a good job for the primary they should send the work your way.

Disagree with this idea. If it's the primary's contract they own the follow on business that comes from it. You are SUPPOSED to do a good job, it's what they paid you for.

azccw999 wrote in post #17074740
If you're a second, whatever business cards that go out should be from the primary. Assistants and seconds handing out their own cards is bad business. Consider if you were the primary that paid for a booth at the wedding expo (and everything that goes into that) along with some extra cash for website SEO and then heard from the bride that her brother just booked your second/assistant for his wedding or family portraits....

being in the right place at the right time doesn't apply here....earn your second fee, create a relationship with the primary, learn what you can, and maybe you'll be the person they call when they are double booked.

My 2¢

+1 totally agree.

If I was the 1st shooter and a 2nd shooter did that to me I'd be beyond furious.

1000WordsPhotography wrote in post #17076162
Disagree with this idea. If it's the primary's contract they own the follow on business that comes from it. You are SUPPOSED to do a good job, it's what they paid you for.

Absolutely.

The 1st shooter spend good money advertising and building a reputation. So it would be stealing his business from under his nose.