Second Shooter Horror Story

Hey Friends,

I am telling you my second shooter horror story in hopes that you will learn from my mistake. As a second shooter it is of the utmost importance that you ask you potential boss all the necessary questions before commit to working for them! You are going to want to ask questions like, where are you supposed to be and when on the big day, can you share your photos, and at what point can you share your photos? All of this stuff is so freaking important to ask about now so that you don't run into an issue with the photographer later.

I worked for a photographer when I was first starting out and I didn't ask these questions beforehand and we were sitting at the wedding and I was really excited about getting to share my images because it was a VERY nice wedding, the vendors were incredible, the bride and groom were stunning, and it was amazing! I was beyond excited about everything, and I said, “Okay so I was planning on sharing these, but I know maybe I shouldn't share them for a few months, or how do you go about that?” and mind you this was DURING the wedding. I didn't choose to ask this before and the photographer looked at me and said, “I booked this wedding. You have no rights to those photos. I don't think it’s fair that you post them.” So I literally had just inserted my foot into my mouth, and I sat there asking myself why I was even working for this person.

Yes it is great to gain knowledge as a second shooter, that's why we second shoot. We want to gain knowledge and to understand a wedding day better, see how other photographers run through a wedding day, and all of the thing. But the main thing is that we're able to share the images we take because how else are we going to get our name out there as photographers? Each photographer has their own rules and I want you to learn from my mistake and understand the importance of asking those questions before you are hired. 

If you would like to learn more about being a successful second shooter and want to avoid making the same mistakes as me then check out The Guide to Successful Second Shooting ebook.