How To Get Second Shooter Opportunities
Have you just decided that you want to become a full-time wedding photographer? I don’t blame you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to building your photography portfolio and gaining valuable knowledge and experience. You might ponder to yourself “How to get second shooter opportunities…” It’s not like you can just invite yourself to someone’s wedding! No need to worry… There’s always a way to get your foot in the door. When it comes to getting second shooter jobs you’ll want to make contact with local professional photographers. Let’s dive into how you can increase your chances of success.
First, I want to be clear about who this advice is for. This isn’t for experienced shooters who are seeking more paid work. This is for green, aspiring wedding photographers who are just beginning their journey and are willing to work for free to get started.
Working for Free
There are very specific times when working for free makes sense. In this case, you are seeking value via access to a wedding event to build your portfolio and gain experience. Seeing as you are a new photographer the pro who is allowing you to tag along on a wedding is sticking their neck out for you. On top of that, they are helping you get your own photography business started. One of these days you may be benefiting financially from their kindness and help. This is why I believe it’s very fair to offer your time free of charge. You get paid well in experience, knowledge, practice, and portfolio. When trying to figure out how to get second shooter opportunities free is where it’s at, at least for a while. So don’t bother mentioning what you charge per hour.
Portfolio
I know that you are searching for a second photographer job because you want to build your portfolio of wedding photography. However, there’s nothing truly stopping you from creating styled wedding photography imagery. For example, have a couple that you are friends with get dressed up and model for you. There are many online retailers that offer affordable white dresses and most men have a suit. Of course, when you are shooting for your portfolio you are also gaining experience so it’s a win, win situation. It’s important to send along a portfolio to the photographer you’re contacting so they can get an understanding of your current knowledge and skill level. I believe that if you send along some sample images, a gallery, or portfolio link with your best work your chance of success will be higher. Photographers are busy so create as little needed effort on their part as possible.
Always be shooting! Practice is crucial!
Styled Shoots
Don’t be overwhelmed when it comes to organizing a styled shoot. It doesn’t even have to be wedding-themed as you’re just trying to show your skill with a camera. Think of all the couples you know either directly or indirectly. You can even put out a model call online. At the end of the day, at this point in your journey, you should be always creating new work. Scout thrift stores for wedding dresses and have fun! You can also reach out to beginner planners, H/MUA, and wedding dress designers for an even more elaborate shoot. The possibilities are endless!
The more work you create, the better you get, the better you get the better the opportunities.
What Gear Do You Have?
When you’re contacting your ideal mentor also let them know what gear you’re working with. Do you have a flash? what camera body do you use? What lenses? This just gives them an idea about your experience. If you have a bigger collection of gear that can speak to you being in the game a bit longer. (In most cases) It also means you may have everything you need to be a valuable asset and be able to handle all the scenarios a wedding day can present. They may request that you share the images that you created at their wedding with their clients. Therefore, they’re going to want to know if you have the gear necessaryto shoot a wedding and create quality images.
- If the gear is the deciding factor are you willing to rent?
What do you have to offer?
When being contacted by those looking for a second shooter opportunity it strikes me how one-sided the email can be. The photographers that you are emailing are more than aware that you will be the one benefiting from the arrangement. However, they may have no idea what they could get from you. So tell them, why should they help you out? What’s in it for them?
Some ways your relationship might benefit them too:
- Help maintain realistic industry standards by helping out the new guys!
- You could capture BTS content for their social media pages!
- Maybe they’re looking to break out into charging for mentoring. You could be their guinea pig.
- Free Assisting / Carrying gear, water, snacks
- You are willing to help in other ways in order to get access to a wedding. Ask them if there’s anything they need help with. For example, assist on other shoots.
Don’t say:
“It would be a great opportunity for me to shoot or assist you with a wedding.”
“I was hoping to have the opportunity to assist you or shadow you in some photoshoots/weddings as that would give me some well needed hands on experience.”
I want to be a bit more clear here. It is ok to say these types as statements as long as you also say how the relationship will benefit them. For every “I” statement come back with three statements for how you will benefit them.
Remember put in more effort then this:
Your Experience
As you probably already know it’s great to let your would be wedding photography mentor know what your experience level is. Keep in mind that it’s totally ok if you don’t have much. That’s why you’re reaching out 🙂
- Did you go to photography school?
- How long have you been shooting for?
- Do you know how to use off-camera flash?
- Have you ever shot an event?
- Which area of photography do you have the most experience in?
- Have you worked at a photo store?
- Did you have an internship at a studio?
- Any volunteer photography work?
Do Your Research
I know that you’ll probably want to blast as many photographers as possible in hopes that at least one of them will get back with a positive outcome. However, the more personal you can make your first contact the better. This shows that you’re not just out there to get ahead and move on. Do you actually appreciate the photographer you’re contacting? Do your research about the photographers you want to work with. Follow them on social media for a while. Write an email that is personal and just for them.
PS, Everyone loves a compliment!
Some inspiration for what you could talk about:
- Why do you like their photos?
- Why do you want to work with them specifically?
- What makes them stand out from everyone else?
- What do you like about their approach?
- What about their style do you want to learn more about?
- Is there something unique they do that you just love?
Don’t say this:
“I just finished looking over your work, and really like how it is portrayed; you have great style and amazing craft.”
Why? It shows you are searching for anyone and everyone to help you out. Clearly, this person had never heard of me before looking for an opportunity. The compliments are vague and could be used for anyone.
Who are you?
Don’t be a stranger! It’s lovely to introduce yourself in a clever and fun way. Remind them that you’re more than just an email in their inbox. You’re an actual human! Make it harder for them to reject you by putting a story behind the name. Try and relate! You also want to talk about your work ethic and personality. Weddings are tough. What makes you up to the challenge? Remember you’re not going to be the first or the last wannabe to email this photographer. What makes you different and even better than everyone else?
- What makes you unique?
- What do you love to do outside of photography?
- Why do you want to be a wedding photographer?
- What’s a memorable, one-of-a-kind story you have about yourself?
- What are your best attributes and strengths?
- What could you bring to a wedding day?
How to Get Second Shooter Opportunities: An Example
Get Online
Oh, the internet! Such a beautiful and wild place of opportunity and dog videos. Never forget how much you have at your fingertips with social media and the internet. Like you just did when googling “How to get second shooter opportunities”. You know how to do it! Need a model? Look on Instagram? Need advice? Look on a Facebook group. Use all these tools to get in contact with people that can help you out. That doesn’t mean just looking for photographers to second shoot with. Maybe there are other beginner photographers out there that you could meet up and have practice shoots with!
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now! I hope you’ve learned something new and helpful about how to get second shooter opportunities. I’m Chelsey, a wedding photographer based in Oshawa how like you had to start at the bottom with second shooting. Best of luck on your journey! You can do this 🙂