2nd wedding shooter, not the usual questions.

[Alan_T]

Hey everyone,

I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to tag along with a friend of a friend who is a wedding photographer. Now as much as I’d love to be a wedding photographer, I’ve got my own career in the RAF and this is a hobby for me not a money making move (it may be one day but that’s another story).

I volunteered myself to do anything starting from just carrying bags etc, and if I’m being honest I either thought she would say no or ask me to help out with some photo shoots she does (she covers the officers mess balls etc on station). so I’m over the moon that she's asked me to come along to this wedding, and has just told me to bring my camera with me and she'll give me some direction.

Now I really really appreciate this and frankly don't want to screw it up, so my question is, if you were having a second tog with you what would you expect of them and what would you NOT want them to do?


oh, and i'll be using my 40d and 24-105 f4L, i dont have a flash but was looking at getting something like the yongnuo yn-467, not the greatest flash but e-ttl and cheap, will this be worth having with me?

Thanks everyone

Alan

 

[madmonty]

The only thing I can comment on is to ask about the conditions applied to any of your images. Good to know up front. Being the 2nd shooter the main photographer may have restrictions on the showing, use and most likely the sale of any!

Just better to know beforehand in case a faux pas ends or puts strain on the friendship.

 

[Alan_T]

Thanks Michael, i doubt she will, but she is welcome to use/sell/add to the album, any of my images as a thank you for letting me tag along to be honest.

its the least i can do for an oppertunity like this!

 

[madmonty]

Good attitude to take. Most likely there won't be any issues.

Enjoy the experience.

 

[Yv]

Thanks Michael, i doubt she will, but she is welcome to use/sell/add to the album, any of my images as a thank you for letting me tag along to be honest.

its the least i can do for an oppertunity like this!

I think he possibly meant the other way round - what useage of them will you be allowed. Some photographers will not allow you to use them at all as you are working for them, some will say you can use in your portfolio [most common in my experience], and I doubt any would let you use them in any way commercially.


Other do' and don't's very depend on the person you are are assisting, so your best thing would be to contact her and ask. Generally, don't get in the way of the main photographer or bug them with 20 questions every few minutes, though do remember the questions and ask them in a quieter moment if you get chance or after the event. Always try and be aware of where your main shooter is so you can avoid being in the background of pictures. This is going to happen, but the idea is to minimise that.
Like I say, better to ask the photographer you are tagging along with, we are all different and will have different requirements. Oh and ENJOY!

 

[Moos3h]

Word of advice, during any formal shooting, don't have your camera in 'ready' pose unless specifically instructed - it'll only run the risk of eyes darting to you rather than the official photographer. I stand behind the other guy I shoot with, pointing at him so people know who to look at (him!)

 

[Alan_T]

Thanks Yvonne, i get what you mean, i'll confirm with the main shooter what is expected of me and what the deal is with my pics at the end, i've got no intention of contaction the bride/groom, if she want the pics they are hers, but i would like to keep a set myself. From the chat we've had already though, i doubt there will be any issues like that.

James - thats good advice! i'l have to remember to think about that one throught the day, can't imagine i'd be invited back if that happened too much!

thanks again

Alan