SECOND SHOOTING
“SNAP”
Happy Moments Co. has created a helpful blog for those looking to second shoot more with their wedding photography business we have some tips for you or if you’re new to the industry and just starting out.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Build a portfolio
As a wedding photographer and studio owner, my first thought is, check out their portfolio. So it’s super important to showcase your work or simply freshen up your portfolio.
However, I know starting out can be exciting and hard. Happy Moments Co. was established in 2018 so I have been in your shoes, and they’re different ways to build your portfolio:
Shoot a wedding for free
There is a market for new photographers and clients offering to work with you for free. I shot my first wedding for a close friend and I will for ever be grateful to her.
Pay for a workshop
Luckily photography education and workshops are so popular nowadays you’re really spoilt for choice.
Click here for a workshop Sammy is a favourite photographer of mine and I attended one of her workshops in London when I was starting out, so highly recommended from a personal experience and she is so lovely.
Reach out to a local photographer
I know it can be daunting, but find a local wedding photographer with similar style you’re looking to achieve and simply reach out and ask if they’re taking on second shooters and show your portfolio.
Rent a studio space
Get super creative and hire some models and rent a studio space to capture some images you can use for advertising. Happy Moments Co. has a natural light studio being built, click here for the link to studio for more details.
Search for jobs
Social media groups are excellent for topics of interest, so go search for your local or UK second shooter group and join with a link to your portfolio ready to comment and network.
TIPS FOR SECOND SHOOTING
Yay, with all those stepping stones in place you have secured some
second shooter jobs. So here are some quick tips for second shooting from experience.
Contracts
Check if the business has a contract to read and sign, if youre happy with the terms
Rates
Make sure you understand the rates, if this includes travel expenses as the photographer might be asking for a certain amount and if you invoice extra plus mileage it can cause some friction later on down the line.
Organisation skills
Some wedding photographers are very understanding if you book your own wedding or want to go on holiday after accepting the job. It is very important if you’ve booked the date out, please let the main wedding photographer know asap so they can rearrange cover.
Good time management
Arrive with plenty of time to prep your kit and explore the location before heading into groom prep. I like to do this to avoid traffic, and enjoy a coffee break before exploring the grounds.
People watch
On the day just go candid mad.
Groom prep
Be confident in groom prep, give direction and stand your subject near some decent light while getting ready. You can always check out Pinterest for some ideas.
Click here to view Happy Moments Co. Pinterest.
“CLICK CLACK”
Main shooters in charge
Let the main photographer take lead, check in with them throughout the day to ask if they need anything and help with sorting out the couples dress and being the extra eye for stuff in pockets or drinks in hands during couple portraits and the wedding party.
Snacks
Stay hydrated, bring lots of snacks and lunch. The couple normally provide a hot meal in the evenings for the photographers.
Have fun
Simply have fun, the best photos are the laughing ones so enjoy people watching and even mingle to ask if anyone wants a couple or family photo to provide the main photographer with a mixture of candids and posed.
Smile
Just like front of house or the waiter, don’t forget to smile. everybody loves a friendly face and it makes them feel more relaxed.
Know the expectations
Clarify your role in advance: What shots are expected of you? (e.g. groom prep, candids, decor)
Ask about gear preferences, file format (RAW vs JPEG), and delivery timeline.
Understand their editing style—you’re shooting for their brand, not yours.
Sync Your Cameras
If you’re both using digital cameras, sync the date and time to the second so images align easily in post-processing.
