Second Shooting for my First Wedding!
My Experience
Prior to the Big Day
Weddings are one of the most important days we may experience in our lifetime, and because of that, I have always viewed weddings to be the most daunting photoshoots. After a little over a year of doing photoshoots I was contacted by my great friend and colleague, Lou Goby, to be his second shooter for an upcoming wedding he had booked. Leading up to the wedding day I was so nervous, but excited at the same time. I had spent the whole week before the date looking at wedding galleries studying different poses and shots other photographers took to be as prepared as I could. The night before I gave him a call to ask what the itinerary would be for the day, and if there was anything I should know to be better prepared. For my first wedding it was simple, the only thing I had to bring was myself. All of the equipment I would need was provided by Lou. At that point the only thing I really had to worry about was finding the proper attire the next morning before the wedding. The morning of was more rushed than I intended, but luckily I found everything I needed, and before I knew it I was off to the wedding.
The Wedding Day
On the big day I drove up with Lou’s wife, Vanessa. On the way there I informed her it was my first wedding so she ran through how the whole day would go, and what kinds of shots to get. By the time we got there I was more confident, and it was go time. My first task was to take care of the brides detail shots, and the bride getting ready with her bridesmaids. The groomsmen shots were being covered by the other photographer. It worked out perfect because Vanessa was the videographer for the day so she was doing her thing next to me, while helping me set up the detail photos, and other things throughout the day. Lou was focused on the photo booth, and helping the three of us whenever we needed anything. Everything went pretty smooth, after the detail shots I took photos of the bride and bridesmaids, and then the guests arriving. There was a first look between the bride and her bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and her parents. Before the ceremony began I asked how it was going to go and where I should be. I ended up in the center so I was able to get some good shots of the bride and her groom, and both parties. The other photographer was getting the outer angel shots. The ceremony was beautiful, and for the rest of the night I along with the other photographer got great shots of the reception. It was a great first experience, I’m very grateful to Lou and Vanessa for having me along their day.
Advice for First Time Second Shooters
Check in with the photographer with as much advance as you can for the day’s itinerary, anything you need bring, and proper attire to represent your main photographer.
Question’s prior to the wedding that you should ask are: what is the correct address and time of the wedding, any specific equipment you need to bring, if you will be provided a meal, what she/he expects of you, specific shots they have in mind for you to take, what you should wear, and anything else you can think of.
Before hand make sure you have enough batteries for your camera and flash to last you throughout the night, so you aren’t needing to run back and fourth to your main photographer for what you need.
Keep the wedding day schedule in mind. Make sure you get the shots you need with enough time before the next part of the schedule begins.
Don’t be shy, introduce yourself to the bride and groom of course, and the parents, parties, and the guests. Let them know you’re the photographer and extend your positivity, it makes for a comfortable environment.
Don’t take a bunch of photos of the same shot. Be confident in the shots you take; the more photos you end up with the longer it will take for the editing process. The goal is to deliver an amazing photo gallery to the clients as quick as possible. With more experience it will become easier to get just what you need because you’ll know what to look for.
Make sure you’re hydrating throughout the day, and remember to get a meal in when you have the chance, most likely during the reception when everyone is dancing after the important parts have happened (i.e. the grand entrance, first dances, toasts, and cake cutting).
Lastly, take it all in, and enjoy each part of the day. It goes by quicker than you think.
A special thank you to Lou and Vanessa for allowing me the honor to work with you both, and learn from you.
Lou and Vanessa can be found at https://www.lugobyphotography.com .
