Wedding Assistants

Hi all,

Not sure I've posted in this section before, but I've always had a great time looking at everything from the e-sessions to the full-blown weddings in this section of the forums. At the same time I've grown quite a stark interest in it, bookmarking the great threads & noting down the good advice.

My question is, if I were to get my feet wet in this whole business, would my best approach be to contact an existing wedding photographer and act as assistant for the day? Assuming this is a no-pay gig where you may or may not give up your copyright depending on the photog (which I'm actually fine with)?

Thank you in advance!

Cheers

Noel

PS: In my case, looking at Ft. Lau. or Miami.. or if you come my way for a destination wedding, The Bahamas

Most wedding photographers I have encountered do enjoy having a secondary photographer. It helps to cover more than one shot from a different angle which can be very useful.

You best bet would be to contact some local wedding photographers in the area with a general portfolio for them to look at and await a reply. Some wedding photographers may pay their assistants but it is unlikely for the first few instances unless your work is that good.

Contact a few and see what they say.

I got my first opportunity through the dress maker who asked the bride if she wouldn't mind having me around. She obviously phoned the main photog who didn't have a hassle with it either. I made sure I stayed out of his way though, but he also gave me the opportunity now and then to take a good shot & some advice during the day.

When it came to the copyright issue, I asked the bride if I may use the photos in my portfolio, not the main photog. & she agreed.

I didn't ask for payment but in return I will give her the photos on CD, just to say 'thank you' for the opportunity. The dressmaker is very impressed with my photos & will ask around. Hopefully I will attend a handful of these.

It's the only way to get a feel for things without the initial pressure. IMO anyway ..

I basically sent out emails to a bunch of photographers in the area asking if they were looking for an assistant. Some won’t respond, some will respond with a not at this time, some will give you leads, and hopefully you will find one that says that they want to look at your work and meet you in person. I’ve done two weddings and one engagement session so far. I have one this weekend and 3 next weekend, so things are going pretty good. The owner has talk to me a little bit about working full time for him next year. Good luck!

I am a wedding photographer who is really trying to get second shooters with me to every shoot. I think it helps the industry. Having a second shooter is a way to help others progress in their career and become better at their craft which in turns helps our industry.

Noel I would suggest that you call and talk to the photographers directly. You will find one in your area that will show you the ropes.

Thank you all for the elaborate responses, I'm going to reach out to a list of photogs that I'll compile over the next couple of days. I'll come back with my results

Thanks again!