Let’s talk about being a second photographer for weddings. Maybe you hired another photographer who has primarily second shooting in their portfolio, or you’re wondering why a second shooter is in my packages.

Second Photographer Responsibilities

What are the responsibilities of a second shooter? 

• They capture the other partner getting ready 
• They take the secondary angles, especially for coming down the aisle and first looks
• They capture solo portraits of the other partner 
• They help capture the other half of the wedding party
• They are my confidante during the day when I need someone to bounce ideas off
• They capture other events when I am capturing the main events
• They get different angles when I pose my couples, which maximizes how many photos you get 
• They help with family formals
• They help capture guests and other group photos during the reception
• They fluff the veil and the dress for those gorgeous shots

Entering the Wedding Photography Business

You are told to be a second shooter as a photographer getting into the wedding industry before being the lead in your own wedding. Personally, I was the lead of my own weddings for a few years before someone took me on as a second, primarily because of my former geographical location. 

Being a second before you lead is recommended because, as a newcomer, you will gain experience. There is less pressure; you don’t have to deliver the photos to the client, you can step back and learn from the lead, and it’s a lot of fun!

I am a second all the time, and I love it. I travel to new places, see some fantastic venues, and shoot during other times of the year that aren’t as popular for my clients. Not only does it give me a wide range in my portfolio, but I also learn from the lead and apply that to my own couples. As a second, I do direct shots with the other partner, sometimes the family, the other half of the wedding party, and wedding guests at cocktail hour. The more I second-shoot, the more creative fun things I come up with for my couples. It’s a win-win.

Being a second isn’t always about getting shots for your portfolio, either. Once a second has enough weddings under their harness, it becomes solely about being there to get the other angle, and anything else the lead needs. As a bonus, a second can take some behind-the-scenes photos of the lead doing their thing! 

Someone To Depend On

As a lead, I can relax knowing there is someone else I trust that I can count on to help me capture the day. I hire my seconds to work with me for 8 hours (or more if you purchase additional hours), so every moment has extra coverage. When I am snappy-happy with my 85mm lens capturing my couples, I can have them cover wider shots and vice-versa. If I have to capture family formals during cocktail hour, especially if the cocktail hour is where the reception is, my second can take stunning photos of the reception details.

Being a second photographer is not a weakness. So if your photographer has mostly second-shot for weddings, that is a bonus, in my opinion. And for those of you who are getting the TM Grey Photo experience, you will have a blast with my second and get so many photos in your final gallery! 

TM Grey Photo is a Wedding and Portrait Photographer, as well as a Private Editor in the New Jersey area. TM Grey Photo focuses on bright and bold stories and genuine smiles. Check out more weddings, portraits, and engagements in the gallery. Want TM Grey Photo to tell your story? Let’s chat.

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