PHOTOGRAPHY
PREP GUIDE
MAKE THIS A FUN DATE TO REMEMBER!
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER
/ASSISTANT
I’m excited that you contacted me and would love to work with you!
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HERE IS WHAT I EXPECT AS A SECOND SHOOTER/ASSISTANT.
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Someone I can trust as a 2nd shooter specifically for the Ceremony, a backup angle for the First Look and Reception details.
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Good eye for Capturing Candid Photos
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Help keep me on schedule and try to memorize as much of the timeline as you can
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Set up lights/off camera flash and hold reflector/light or set up any stands as needed
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Manage and carry gear, please help make sure we don’t leave equipment or bags laying around if we are moving around a lot.
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Be on the lookout for the details like hair ties on the bridesmaids' wrists or phones, wallets, and keys in the groomsmen's pockets. Thinking or noticing all the little things out of place can help things run smoothly and more quickly.
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Bring a good attitude at the wedding. Your vibe can effect the photo outcomes so please be nice, helpful, and fun to be around!
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Dress professionally. I’ll let you know how formal the wedding will be but please don’t wear bright colors.
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You must agree to the following terms and sign a contract.
The photos you take will be used under my business name.
If you want the photos you took for your personal portfolio you may post your photos to your portfolio or social media as long as you credit being a second shooter under my business name and do not tag anyone from the wedding. An example would be "second shot for @hannahfoxphoto."
Do not add my clients on social media. You are there to help the primary photographer, and the relationship building should be left to me.
I ask that you respect me and my business and do not advertise for yourself or take charge of any situation unless you are asked to do so.
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OTHER NOTES/TIPS FOR AND AMAZING ASSISTANT
Please don’t forget to time-sync your camera with me.
I think it will be best if you photograph with your SD cards and I can bring my computer to get the images you take or mail your cards to you, but we can talk about what works best for both of us.
Please don't photograph over my shoulder there is no need to get the exact same shot and please don’t step in front of me.
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Behind the scenes photos of me photographing would be WONDERFUL!!!
Any photo I ask you to take, please take it seriously sometimes this will be the only image of that shot so I am completely relying and trusting you.
I will most likely be with the bride and groom and ask you to get detail shots of the reception room before guests start filtering in. Make sure to get a wide shot, and close ups of signage and gift/guestbook/other misc. tables, take a photo of the bar, take photos of the centerpieces and decor on the dinner tables, take photos of the buffet, and finally, take any other detail photos.
When appropriate be sure to get close-ups with a longer lens so guests don't become awkward or feel like you're intruding during the reception. Also, I like to get photos of people before any the drinking hits and people are hammered.
Don't delete images. Everyone takes bad photos, even the professionals, there will be no judgment so please DON'T DO IT. It’s too risky in accidentally deleting all of them or the wrong photo. Also deleting photos from your cards can actually corrupt them! The proper way to clear a card is to format it.
Shoot RAW. I'm sure you do anyway, but it is important so I am just double checking. :)
Please stay off of your phone in front of guests.
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Be confident in front of the client. It's completely okay to ask the primary photographer technical questions, but ask them when you're away from clients and guests.
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Please don’t answer any photo related questions and refer them to me.
