Getting Started...

Ok.... so I want to get started with wedding photography...

I first would like to get a gig as a second shooter for a photographer, that way I can learn the ropes of the business, etc... I figured I would do that for quite some time first (I'm thinking AT LEAST a year as a second shooter while I build up my portfolio). What is the best way to go about getting a gig like that? Do people usually just call up wedding photogs and go "hey! You need a second shooter?" (not in those words neccessarily ). So I guess I would like to hear stories about how everyone got started.

On a side note.... any central PA (Harrisburg and surrounding areas) wedding photogs out there that need a second shooter? lol!

Thanks!!
- Tom

That's how I got a job at a sports photo place in Phoenix right after college. I just started calling up places and sending them my resume. Got lucky with one call, and ended up with a descent job.

As for weddings....man I just dove in. As dumb as that sounds, a friend asked me to shoot her wedding and I did, and the rest is history. I guess when she asked me I figured....I've got a degree and experience, adn I've been to a billion weddings over the years....sure why not. But I was SOOOO nervous!! I spent the whole week before touring other wedding photography websites and reading up, just to feel like I knew what the heck I was doing.

I wish you the best of luck though. Definately call up Photogs in your area and ask them. Not gunna hurt to ask, right? Just my two cents.

For me, it all kind of happened quickly. I joined our local camera club back in September. In October, I signed up for a fall workshop given by a member and a friend of his who is a pro photog. He saw some of my studio and nature work and a few months later emailed me asking if I would be interested in helping him out on a few weddings.

In the meantime, I had also attended 2 PPA Super Mondays given by a different pro in town. He has handed over his wedding business to his daughter, but is in a referral circle of other wedding photogs in the area that can refer a potential client to another photog in the event they are booked for said date. I'm now in that circle, so it will soon start to bring business my way when the next busy wedding booking season begins.

Look for PPA seminars, clubs, groups, anything. Get your foot in the door and you are bound to find someone who may need your help or is at least willing to share knowledge and experience. I'm very fortunate to be in the situation I am in. We help one another around here rather than try to corner the market.

Tom,
I e-mailed about 20 photographer's in the city and asked them if i could be their second shooter...i got some replies saying yes and some no, then i got a huge majority of NO replies. BUT at the end of the day it was too tricky living 260kms away so i never got to do this.
I am moving to the city now so more opportunities willa rise for me, and i'll be doing the same thing once i'm settled, contacting all the photographer's and seeing if they need someone. A lot of place also take people on tot rain them up, almost like a mini apprenticeship. You don't necessarily get paid alot, if not NOTHING...but your getting experience which is all you need!
SO i suggest just cotnacting heaps of photographer's in your area and letting them know your situation...
I started out photographing family and friends wedding (They wanted the cheap way out and i was doing it for $200 - the price of proof prints) NOW i can charge more and i have clients...but id still prefer to work next to someone for a year like yourself.
Del

Thank you everyone, for the responses! I certainly appreciate it and I think I got the information that I need to get started!

Thanks!!
- Tom