SECOND

Jodi B Photography www.jodibphotography.com

A GUIDE TO
BOOKING
2ND
SHOOTER
JOBS

SHOOTING
 NEED HELP?

LETS BE HONEST HERE, 2ND SHOOTING IS A

HARD GIG TO GET BOOKED FOR!

When it comes to second have some weddings under

shooting, one of the hardest
things I"ve heard about the
struggle, is actually booking
2nd shooter gigs! The problem
is, nobody wants to hire an
un-experienced second
shooter, and in order to have a
better portfolio, you need to
your belt, to show what you're
good at! Most Lead
photographers want to hire
someone who they can fully
trust with their business, the
day of the wedding. It's going
to require some major work on
your end, to get hired.
 RETOOHS
HOW DOES YOUR
PORTFOLIO LOOK?
Sometimes as photographers,
we want to show off our most
stylized and romantic photo
of the bride and groom when
proving to another Lead
Photographer, that we CAN
second shoot well. But let me
tell you something. Most Lead
Shooters want to know that
you can capture a specific
type of photo. Let me share.
DNOCES
2ND SHOOTER IMAGES
THAT SELL TO A LEAD!
If you are looking to get hired
by a lead photographer, as a
Second Shooter, here are
some types of photos you can
add to your portfolio, to show
that you know how to fill in
the gaps and assist the lead
shooter on a wedding day.
Remember to include a few
romantics, but mostly show
your skills as "filling in."
 ARE THESE TYPES OF PHOTOS IN YOUR 2ND
SHOOTER PORTFOLIO?
Groom & Groomsmen images table greetings at receptions
impeccable Details photos of the well-lit reception images (make sure
ceremony & reception you understand OCF or at least
lifestyle images of parents, guests bounce your on camera flash well.
and the bridal party (un-posed) The groom's reaction to seeing his
un-posed images of the bride all bride walk down the aisle!
day long (her in thought, her fixing Parent's reactions at the ceremony
her gown, her looking at the main emotional images
shooter and you shooting from the You should NEVER be over
side etc. the Lead Shooter's shoulder,
more photos of bridal party as this is something that
interacting all day Lead photographers frown

DETAILS
upon.
 WHAT TO EXPECT AS
A 2ND SHOOTER

To be the best Second

Shooter, and get hired
again and again, I suggest
you go above and beyond
what duties you think you
will have on the day of the
wedding. Here are some
helpful tips to help you
stand out and get hired
repetitively:

Help hold gear if needed

Ask for expectations: where
PHOTOGRAPHY
would you like me to stand TAKES AN INSTANT
or focus on, during the
ceremony?
OUT OF TIME,
Offer to follow the bride & ALTERING LIFE BY
groom around during table
visits at the reception, taking HOLDING IT STILL
those mundane group
photos. DOROTHEA LANGE
Ask if they would like you to
photograph the cocktail
hour, or take different angles
at the bride and groom
portraits.
Help organize the family
photos (calling out names
etc)
Fix the brides train/veil
Do not pass out your card or
promote your business EVER.
Do not correct the Lead
shooter publicly
FINAL
THOUGHTS
In order to get these photos that you need, in order to book real Second Shooter gigs,
you're going to have to create a styled shoot or 2 or 3. You will need to create the images
you need, to speak to a Lead Shooter. This can be very time consuming, but SO worth it.

So reach out to some local florists/bakers and find a gorgeous model or two to start
building your portfolio! Set a tablescape for two and be sure to get some insane details
photos and of course some intimates and playful photos of the couple themselves.

If you need help in planning a styled shoot, be on the look out for a guide on the top tips
to getting a KILLER styled shoot planned and executed to perfection.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you out with, and don't forget to follow
this private Facebook Group : The Wedding Photography Academy, and our Second
Shooter group on Facebook: ISO Shooters - Second Shooters.
I'm here if you guys have questions or topic suggestions for upcoming guides!
xo

Jodi Betancourt
 SKILL IN
PHOTOGRAPHY
IS ACQUIRED
BY PRACTICE,
NOT
PURCHASE.
Percy W. Harris