Every month it seems we get at least one thread asking how to become a second shooter, and we seem to reiterate the same advice each time. I thought it would be a good idea to make more of a comprehensive list that we can point to each time this subject is asked. I can edit this post, adding in other suggestions that are made.
This list comes from my experience, as well as advice from others. A little background from me, I bought my first camera in December 2008, learned the basics in 2009, and decided to try to get into wedding photography. March 2010 I shot my first wedding as a second, and shot 25 weddings to this date. These are some recommendations.
What to do:
1. Love shooting people, and more importantly, weddings. : When ever I tell people I shoot weddings, they automatically assume that is where the money is. Although it can be financially satisfying, doing it for the love of money, rather than the event, will burn you out and create poor work. Weddings are too important to just do it for a quick buck (and the buck isn't that quick).
2. Be able to show a relevant portfolio. Pictures of bands, or of clubs, self portraits and pictures or landscape pictures are not going to give confidence to a main shooter. They want to see that you are able to produce good images, but within the context of a wedding. If you do not have any wedding pictures, (and I know this is hard. You cant get wedding pictures unless you shoot at a wedding, but people wont hire you to shoot unless they see previous samples) be able to show things that directly correlate to weddings. Portraits (family and individual), engagement sessions, detail shots of rings and flower arrangements (not too many, but enough to show you can do it). This shows the main photographer that you have the ability to see and compose a good image.
When looking through photographers, look at their work, find ones you like, and contact them. Shoot with photographers that you have a similar style with, as they are more likely to shoot with you. Also, when you contact them, mention specific images you like and what you like about them. For example, "I love the way you lit the image of the bride in the doorway. That along with the strong composition make it a compelling image" rather than "your pictures are pretty. Can I shoot with you?"
Do not send out impersonal emails - I have tried it. I created a good template for a general person, and just edited it with their information. I probably emailed 30+ people, only got a few responses saying they already have second shooters. Calling is another option, but still doesn't work very well.
When emailing (anyone for that matter, photographers, clients, etc.) be coherent and grammatically correct. DONT CREATE HUGE PARAGRAPHS TYPE IN ALL CAPS SEPLL THINGS WRONG OR FORGET TO USE COMMAS OR USE TEXTING LANGUAGE LOL. It looks horribly unprofessional and will not get you anywhere.
Offer to shoot for free for the first time and/or carry bags. Each photographer I shot with, I shot for free for the first time. This proves your skill to the photographer, and gives a sign of good faith. Do not automatically expect they will call you back for a paying gig, but it will at least help with your portfolio (if they allow you to use it). Even carrying bags will help you see what the photographer sees, informs you of the flow of the day, and gets your foot in the door.
Try to set up a meeting with the photographer. Offer to buy them a meal. It will be a great time to see if your personalities mesh, and time for a great first impression. Dress to impress, and bring portfolio material if you have it.
Have a (good) website. My mom has a point and shoot and a Facebook (not really, but you get the point) and she is not a photographer. Although a Facebook page is great for advertising, it is not consistent with the professional manner you want to portray. They can be had for under a few hundred dollars, and can really add credibility. If you dont have a few hundred dollars, do more family shoots to earn it.
Have professional gear. This is the hard part. It is like the chicken and the egg, how do you get gear when you cant get a job, but it is necessary. Although a great photographer can take great images with a rebel and a kit lens, they have experience - you do not. I didnt start getting second shooting gigs until I had my 5d2 and 40d, 24-70L and 70-200mm f2.8L, along with a flash or two and a few other lenses. Being prepared is essential.
Be up front about your intentions. Do you only want to second shoot, do you eventually want to become potential competition, or do you want to join their studio? Are you shooting with more than one photographer, planning on leaving the city for school? Lying about it early makes for troubles later, and in a business where relationships are key, I recommend not burning bridges.
Once you become a second shooter These will be tips once you secure a job as a second shooter.
Get a contract. I created my contract myself, and the purpose of it is not to necessarily stand up in court (hope it never comes down to that). The reason I like to have a contract is to spell everything out so there is no question. Image rights, who is doing the editing, how you will give them the images, when you will get paid and how, etc.
Dress appropriately for the event. If you don't know, ask what they are wearing. I come from the idea that I like to overdress, so I wear a tie to each wedding (thus the "Red Tie"). Some events may call for flip flops and a Hawaiian shirt, but most often you will be dressed head to toe in black (again, depending on the style of the main photographer and the attire for the event). Make sure you it is comfortable and you can wear it all day - especially your shoes.
Come prepared This should go without saying, but make sure your batteries are charged, memory cards are empty and you are ready to shoot.
Keep track of the schedule I like to be able to have a schedule, know what time it is, where we are and what is next. This lets the main shooter worry about the shots and not what is happening next.
Have snacks and drinks Its always a good idea to bring snacks and a water. During the wedding, obviously dont drink any alcohol. When there is a break and you find you arent needed for something, try and grab the Primary some water.
Have a stack of the main's business cards/marketing material It is one of my pet peeves when I ask someone for a card and they dont have one. You are to never hand out your own card, so when somenone asks where they can find the photos or how to book you for a wedding, give them the Primary's card.
Know your place This can be kind of difficult on your first run with each shooter, but it is important to know what they expect of you. Some will want your input and invite you to pose the couple, while others will want you to hold a stand and be quiet.
Never embarass the main photographer If you see something out of place, talk to them quitely to see if they want it changed. If you know they havent done a certain shot yet, there may be a reason for it, and ask them when clients are not around.
There is plenty more advice, but I think this can get us started. Any other contributions I will add to this post to hopefully make a comprehensive list.
This type of thread should be a sticky
