Are you excited to start second shooting, and want some guidance on how to do it well?! Or maybe just want a few tips to do an extra great job next time you’re the second photographer at a wedding? Then this post is for you!!

After being a photographer at over 50 weddings (and counting), I want to share my top 5 tips on how to be an AWESOME second shooter that will have the main photographer love bringing you along!

1. Focus on complimenting the main photographer’s gallery. One mistake I’ve seen (and I’ve made!) is only thinking of how I can get the best images for my portfolio. And while this is totally understandable, because let’s be honest, when you’re starting out… it feels so vital to have those images! However, if you’re being paid to be there and there’s an expectation you will act as a second photographer, getting duplicates of all the same shots the lead is getting will not compliment their final gallery. This leaves the couple with fewer images in their gallery! I’m NOT saying you can’t ever get the same shot, but variety is key! Communicating with the lead photographer helps so much. Ask them what lenses they’re using, and use something the opposite (if they have an 85mm on their camera, grab your 35mm!) and place yourself in different angles! I believe this is also a mindset of serving the couple and main photographer. I’ve actually gotten some of my best images by finding unique angles! :) And I can really say this after shooting so many weddings!

2. Jump at the chance to do anything that’s asked by anyone. Or even better, think about what they might need before they ask. If it’s a hot, outdoor wedding, bring them water. Offer to grab the main photographer some food. Be more than willing to be the one to go grab the bouquet that got left in the room, or to help gather family during family formals, or move things out of the way of the main photographer’s shot. Helping with the little things will make the day go smoother, and everyone will thank you.

3. Be on time, or even better, early! At least for myself, I am huge about being on time. I will already be so thankful if you are there on time… or even 20 minutes early! It is one less thing for me to worry about! It also really shows your enthusiasm and that you’re serious about showing up and working hard (even when it feels like you’re hardly working :)).

4. Smile! Seriously, this is SO simple, but makes a huge difference. Even if things aren’t going so smoothly, always having a positive attitude and keeping a smile on your face can influence those around you! Be the one to assure everyone it will be okay, even if everything’s running 2 1/2 hours behind, it’s raining, and you’re the one decorating the ceremony space last minute (yes, that’s happened to me!). But you know what? The wedding was still BEAUTIFUL! And everything turned out more than okay! :)

5. Bring along emergency items! Think of things you can keep in your bag that most people wouldn’t think to bring. One thing I always keep on me is bobby pins. And I kid you not, I use them at every wedding! It’s crazy how many times people ask for a quick bobby pin. Thinking of those kind of things makes you seem super prepared for anything! A few other things I also keep in my bag is ibuprofen, bug spray, and a clear umbrella. And I’ve used them all more than once!

Hope these tips were helpful for the next time you second shoot! Have a wonderful rest of your week, friends! :)