For MMS Second Photographers
When you shoot with an associate/lead photographer on a wedding day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Below are the basics you’ll need to remember to keep consistency with the photos and help you feel confident in the work you’re doing.
If you’d like to see a full wedding day to better understand what is being asked of you and how to handle certain shots, let me know via email.
Examples of safe shots on a wedding day
Examples of B-roll shots on a wedding day
A second photographer’s role
The role of the second photographer is to capture all the safe shots throughout the day so the lead can get creative and direct. Your images are to capture the baseline images required from our team for a wedding and to supplement with any B-Roll images to tell more of the story.
What are safe shot images?
Safe shots are the images captured simply to document without any or much creativity. For details, think product-like shots. For moments, think straight on shots to capture evidence of it happening that day. With all safe shots, be sure to try and get a horizontal and vertical of each pose/shot/detail.
What are B-Roll Images?
B-roll shots are documentary-like details shots of moments throughout the day to add to the story and feelings present.
Is there a chance of working later?
Yes. Sometimes the couple will request for the team to stay later. Please prepare for that.
How do we handle prep photos?
Typically, the associate photographs the bride while the second photographs the groom for prep. Follow associate’s direction if you’re along for bridal prep.
For grooms, we offer two kinds of prep; candid and faux. Candid prep requires you to be in the corner of the room while they finished getting ready for the day, shooting candidly with little to no interference.
Faux prep involves the groom already dressed, so you’ll pull them to a different location and have them pose for a couple photos. Regardless, consider the following with prep:
Bring the groom out to a better lighted location (if necessary) and do the “faux prep” poses/prompts: take of jacket and put back on, adjust tie, tie shoe, adjust cufflinks/buttons.
Encourage moments like the groom or groomsmen helping each other flip down collars, tie ties, pin on flowers, etc.
– Photograph all of them hanging out (capture laughter. No one wants a photo of themselves looking bored or tired).YOU may have to pin flowers onto the groomsmen. Typically, it’s put on their left (your right) lapel, but ask the groom, florist, or mom if around.
Capture any groom Details: watch, shoes, tie, cuff links, anything monogrammed), as well as groomsman gifts, or any details that are in the space and unique to them (bottle of liquor, fun show on the tv, letters, etc).
When prep is done, grab the groom for some simple portraits. This is NOT a time to get crazy or creative. These are our safe shots so we can be creative later on. Examples are:
Groom smiling at the camera (hands left over right) and looking away.
Groom with one hand on lapel and other hand in his pocket, having his feet angled away and shoulders facing you (smiling and serious, if its true to their personality).
Remember to do wide and tight shots of these, as well as getting horizontal and vertical of each pose.
Candid Groom Prep
For first looks
Focus on the opposite person than the associate is focusing on during the first look. Be sure to watch the associate and move as they move to avoid getting into each others shots.
For Family photos
You will be holding the itinerary and shot list, marking off what’s been done by the associate while the non-shooting assistant grabs people to line them up. If you’re not sure a photo was taken, stop and ask the associate so we don’t miss anything.
For wedding party photos
You’ll likely be helping the assistant keep track of the shot list, but getting B-roll/side shots of the wedding party as they interact. Please refrain from any photos of people smiling at the camera from the side.
If the schedule is tight, you may have to photograph the groomsmen while the associate photographs the bridesmaids. Follow the itinerary and get what you need before prompting them to do something fun.
For the ceremony
Seconds will focus on getting the grooms reaction for the processional and then finding a place the shoot the remainder of the ceremony straight on (in a choir loft or on the main floor, straight down the aisle) to capture the safe shots while the associate moves around. You can also grab other people’s reactions as the bride walks down the aisle once you get the groom’s reaction.
For receptions
You’ll shoot alongside the associate unless told otherwise. You’ll bounce flash for most things or use a high ISO if bouncing isn’t an option. For details, talk to your associate, but be prepared that you may have to photograph details on your own.
For reception details, start with wide room shots or areas that will be heavily populated when guests arrive. Aim to get as few people as possible in those shots (and feel free to ask people to move and move items).
For other dances and events, just be sure to capture joy and emotion. No images of people looking tired or bored.
What to wear and keep in mind
Please wear formal attire and comfortable shoes. Basically wear what you’d wear to a wedding, but be modest and neutral (no loud prints or colors to bring attention to us. It’s not our day!).
ALWAYS bring a watch (no looking at your phone), a hair tie, and snacks/water. If it’s a long wedding day, we do not stop for lunch or snack breaks, usually.
Wear pants with pockets! Or bring a fanny pack.
Arrive at the desired time! This is VERY important to make sure we get amazing photos and keep the couple happy (which is most important).
Never hand out your personal business card, unless I’ve said otherwise. It’s just a professionalism and consistency issue. When asked, just explain that you’re a part of the Meghan Marie Studio team and direct them to the associate or hand them our card.
Faux Groom Prep