2nd Photographer Role

Shayebryd

Hi! I'm back with another question please!

What exactly is the role of the second photographer?

I realize this is open to interpretation between the 2 photographers......but from a generalized point of view what are your thoughts?

Thank you so much in advance!

jeffreaux2

Shayebryd wrote:

Hi! I'm back with another question please!

What exactly is the role of the second photographer?

I realize this is open to interpretation between the 2 photographers......but from a generalized point of view what are your thoughts?

Thank you so much in advance!

As primary, I usually "assign" shots and or tasks that I need the secondary to catch. For instance....

I might have them shoot the prcessional froim behind while I am up front. Shoot photos of the guys readying while i do the same with the gals. Grab candids while I do formals. Get candid shots of guests at the reception to free me up to concentrate solely on the couple. Help move/set up lighting. Get in line to fix us a plate of food(:D ).....and basically help unload the primary photographer. You would be expected to help in any capacity needed that you are capable of doing.

No straight answer to your questions though as it would really ne up to who you are shooting with.

Scott_Quier

Jeff pretty well covered it. The second photographer is hired to be a photographer .... and other duties as assigned. I usually as the second to get the detail shots (cake, gown, rings, etc), help with lighting, watch for details during the formals, and get a second perspective during the weddings. When I have a lady working with me, she gets all the bride getting ready stuff - brides are usually more comfortable with a lady there then they would be with a guy and I handle the guys.

Summary -- the second photographer is hired to make photographs.

If I didn't need a second photographer but just an assistant/sherpa, then I could save quite a bit of money buy hiring an assist. Such a person would do all the above except they wouldn't be carrying around a camera. They would do all lifting, setting things up, and making sure my gear was secure against growing legs and walking off.

FedererPhoto

Scott and Jeff really got it.

A (good) second photographer is effectively an extension of my abilities. I tell them, more or less, what to shoot. I tell the when to set up. They are doing things that I am simply too busy to do or that simply can't be done by one person (being in 2 places at once, holding a light, driving the car and gear while I'm in the limo, etc...for instance)...

Shayebryd

Thank you for your input!!!