3 reasons new wedding photographers should second shoot
If you’re at all familiar with my photography, I’m sure you’ve seen these wedding photos - they’re on my website and my Instagram. I’m absolutely obsessed with them.
And while it might sound dramatic, this wedding wasn’t just the beginning of a new adventure for the beautiful bride and groom; it was an exciting new beginning for me, too. I had the amazing and life changing opportunity to second shoot for Danielle Poffenbarger of The Poffs, and it was the best day of my life.
My experience
I had never photographed a wedding of this size in any capacity, as a lead photographer or a second shooter, and Danielle took a chance on me.
From capturing the groomsmen riding around on a tandem bike and yelling out names from a shot list during family photos to experiencing my first ever first-look, I learned so much that day. I felt privileged to watch how Danielle interacted with her clients and the guests, the way she maintained a schedule, the equipment she used, and the shots she made sure to get. Her professionalism and experience was awe-inspiring.
While it was an 8 hour wedding, all I felt at the end was hyped and motivated. I walked away from the experience knowing that wedding photography is what I wanted to do, and I couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to shoot another wedding.
In fact, I’m counting down the days until I get another opportunity to second shoot for The Poffs.
Follow Danielle and her husband, Adam, on Instagram and see why I’m star struck by her and the work they do together!
Why you should second shoot
I know there are some photographers who jumped right into wedding photography without ever having studied photography or second shooting, and that is great for them. But for me, I found it incredibly informative and inspiring to second shoot for a photographer like Danielle from The Poffs who has over a decade of experience in the field. And for any other aspiring wedding photographers out there, I would recommend second shooting.
Here are 3 reasons I recommend second shooting for a photographer you admire:
You get to learn from their experience. From how to create a schedule and the equipment they use to how they track down straying family members for family shots and the overall shot list they have in their mind for the day, you get to learn how that photographer shoots a wedding.
You build your portfolio. If you are a photographer like me who is just dipping her toes into wedding photography, it’s important to build a portfolio. Clients want to see that you have experience. Of course, be respectful of the lead photographer’s wishes. Ask them when and how they’d like you to post the photos, and do not submit them for awards unless you have been given express permission. It’s their clients after all.
You make professional connections. When you shoot a wedding with another photographer for 8 hours, you get to know them. It’s a chance to build a network in the field and make a new friend. And in a tough industry like photography, it helps to have a friend.
So get out there! Shoot some weddings, build your portfolio, and make some professional connections.
I wish you the best of luck!
Cheers,
Emma
