Introduce me to wedding photography.

[reissigree]

Based on my experience, it is very hard to get 2nd shooting gig. I actually had to shoot weddings by my self until someone hired me to 2nd shoot.

I actually already found someone interested in my area. I just sent out a few emails to local photographers. But I'm thinking about getting into portraits before I jump into weddings. I've got a cousin that does them professionally and she's offered to help me get started.

 

[reissigree]

Yeah you have to network and try to find people who allow you to second shoot. I would say look around your area for wedding photographer, send them an email telling them you would second shoot for free. If you keep trying, I'm sure one person wouldn't mind you come along for additional coverage for free. Although not everybody wants to share their skills and advice to someone they don't know.

You have to learn how to shoot people, learn how to use flash because reception are usually dark. Wedding photography is a whole new ball game because it's overwhelming since it's a live event, everything happen so fast. You have to keep an eye out for everything. Just a split second late and you miss a shot. That's why having a fast focusing lens & camera is so important.

The only lens you have that's reasonable for wedding is the 35mm 1.8. If you really want to, I would say if you do find someone who allow you to second shoot, I would rent the 24-70mm 2.8 or 70-200mm 2.8. You definitely need a flash.

If you're around my area, I would help you out.

Thanks for the advice! And thanks for the offer, but I'm over here in the states!

 

[Raian-san]

Thanks for the advice! And thanks for the offer, but I'm over here in the states!

Lol I am from the states too but I think you live in a different state.

Yeah I would start doing portraits first before you start attempting to do wedding. Even if you have a lot of good portraits photos, more chances of the wedding photographer would allow you to second shoot. Even if it's going on a Engagement Session to help out.

I was new too and I started my videography & photography business last summer and it's been taking off. I never planned to go into wedding, it just happened when I offer to cover my friend's engagement wedding last summer and fell in love with it. Covering wedding is a rewarding and fun career, I feel like I have the best job in the world. It's not for everybody though as it can be very stressful and you do have a lot of responsibility. It's the most important day of the couple lives, and photos are usually the only thing they have to remember it by unless they hire a videographer which I think all couple needs along with photo. Anyhow, GL with your venture.

 

[412 Burgh]

Second shoot for a seasoned photographer

not to hijack his thread, but I was thinking about being a second shooter for a local photographer, do you think they would mind if I just dropped them an e-mail asking if I could tag along to learn tips/techniques, I'd obviously do it for free just to gain the experience

 

[mjhoward]

Based on my experience, it is very hard to get 2nd shooting gig. I actually had to shoot weddings by my self until someone hired me to 2nd shoot.

I actually already found someone interested in my area. I just sent out a few emails to local photographers. But I'm thinking about getting into portraits before I jump into weddings. I've got a cousin that does them professionally and she's offered to help me get started.

That would be a very wise move IMO. Shooting a wedding can be very fast paced and hectic. Adjusting camera settings and composition needs to be second nature. It is also an event that can't be reshot. In a studio, you can take your time a bit more. You've got a controlled environment and cooperative subjects. And if things don't work out completely, you can offer to reshoot or refund and no big deal. If things don't work out at a wedding, you get slapped with a law suit. Have Fun!

 

[Raian-san]

Second shoot for a seasoned photographer

not to hijack his thread, but I was thinking about being a second shooter for a local photographer, do you think they would mind if I just dropped them an e-mail asking if I could tag along to learn tips/techniques, I'd obviously do it for free just to gain the experience

It doesn't hurt to try. I say go for it.

 

[Tony S]

One thing that really goes far when you make the offer to be a second shooter, is don't plan on being a shooter. Be the gopher, carry stuff, get the coffee, listen, watch, ask questions when the client is not interacting and after the shoot. It's always a smooth transition when you show you are there to learn, not make photos for your portfolio. Wait for the lead photographer to hand you a camera and say "now you have a go at it".
One of the biggest PIA is when someone offers to second shoot and all they are interested in is taking pictures and not learning or earning their way, or getting in the way... I know it seems odd to not pull out a camera, it's just one of those little things that goes a long ways.

 

[reissigree]

One thing that really goes far when you make the offer to be a second shooter, is don't plan on being a shooter. Be the gopher, carry stuff, get the coffee, listen, watch, ask questions when the client is not interacting and after the shoot. It's always a smooth transition when you show you are there to learn, not make photos for your portfolio. Wait for the lead photographer to hand you a camera and say "now you have a go at it".
One of the biggest PIA is when someone offers to second shoot and all they are interested in is taking pictures and not learning or earning their way, or getting in the way... I know it seems odd to not pull out a camera, it's just one of those little things that goes a long ways.

Thanks a lot man, I'll keep that in mind. Makes total sense.

 

[MLeeK]

Second shoot for a seasoned photographer

not to hijack his thread, but I was thinking about being a second shooter for a local photographer, do you think they would mind if I just dropped them an e-mail asking if I could tag along to learn tips/techniques, I'd obviously do it for free just to gain the experience

It's a great idea. And as the post up there suggests too-make sure the photographer knows you'll be the gopher, bag boy, you name it in order to learn from them.
If you WATCH closely how the photographer interacts with the couple you will learn an EXTREME amount-even if you never pick up a camera.