Second shooting is a great way for you to learn your craft, your personal shooting style and the timing of weddings. Weddings are fast-paced and stressful. If you can learn to anticipate what is coming next...it makes for a smoother day for everyone. Although every wedding is different, there are certain elements that are going to be the same. There is an order of events that will consistantly happen in a predicable manner. For example, the ceremony will always come before the reception. The groom will always walk down the asile before the bride. If you learn to position yourself where you know the next sequence of events should be...you'll be more successful.
Now, there are a ton of opionions on whether or not to second shoot for free or to take on jobs that you will be paid for your time. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer. Some feel like as an artist your time is valuable and time is money. They believe that the photographer that you are shooting for is getting paid on the job...so, why shouldn't they hire and pay for their assistant?
I tend to be on the other side of things. I took several second shooting jobs, many of which I did not get paid for. I think of second shooting as more of an internship. It's a way to gain hands on experience and training for free. I learned some VALUABLE shooting knowledge from some really AMAZING photographers because I wasn't looking for a payday.
It was while second shooting, that I learned how to light up a reception using ambient light so that the skin tones in my portraits won't look flashed. It was while second shooting that I learned how coach a shy bride out of herself to reflect her beauty in her portriats. It was while second shooting that I learned how to shoot in manual mode instead of aperature priority, which profoundly changed the quality of my images. It was while second shooting that I learned the importance of vendor relationships and how to get on vendor lists. It was while second shooting that I got to pick the brain of other photographers and see what worked for them and their business and what didn't. It was while second shooting that I made some great friendships and built a network of colleagues that I know I could call if I needed help with something.
On every job, I gave 110% to the photographer that I was working for. I did my very best that I was capable of and I asked questions, at the appropriate time, when I didn't understand something. And pretty soon, something happened. I became valuable to the photographer's I was working for. My images were improving, I was teachable and willing to do things the way they wanted to have them done. I earned my keep so to speak.
Today, I will still take second shooting jobs. I am constantly learning and looking for ways to improve my business, my technique and my creative eye. My passion for photography runs deeper than a paycheck and the time spent investing in myself has paid for itself in full.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to work for "free" for an established photographer take some time to think about how it could pay off in the future as opposed to the here & now. If it's worth it to you, go for it & have fun!
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