Maria Mor

We would like to say that we can do it all on our own and in some occasions it is probably true; we can do it all on our own. On the other hand, it is not shameful to ask for help. A master baker needs kitchen minions. An architect needs builders. A lawyer needs law students.  The right kind of help can ease the burdens of everyday work life or decrease the level of stress at least by a notch. With that being said, it is more than likely that at some point in our photography career we have been part of a team of second shooters for a beautiful vintage wedding or a very large commercial gig.

Second shooters, like baker minions, add the sugar and spice to the main desserts we are capturing. They may not be the main event, but they are on the sidelines encompassing the glimpses of the job we might have overlooked. Let’s be honest, isn’t that why we hire them?  On the same note, isn’t that why we take the job as the second shooter? We hire them because we need help and we take it because we want to help.

Regardless of whether we are doing the hiring or the second shooting, it is always the same routine:
– shoot the event
– dump the photographs in the computer
– get paid
– go home

I invite you to read the three points I have highlighted below with the hopes that one of them, if not all, will allow you to understand why hiring and being second shooters can transform our careers. It does not matter if we need a second shooter or if we are the second shooter. Just maybe if we are willing to look beyond the same routine and direct our attention into a vast horizon, we might change the way we do business.

#1: Second shooters are a pool of knowledge:

Don’t be misguided by gender, age, or qualifications. Not one person is the same. Some went to school and got a diploma while others are self taught. Age has nothing to do with skills and gender does not define the capability requirements. Second shooters, like you and me, have their own photography business up and running or wish to develop one. They know what they are doing for the most part. Let the latter sink in for a minute!

We may share a similar understanding for certain topics within the photography community, but it does not mean that we do everything exactly the same. Don’t be surprised if at some point you, as the head photographer, become the student and the second shooter, the teacher. Or vise versa. Be open to those moments. In the end, the gains of sharing useful information among each other has everlasting effects. We both grow! 

#2: Second shooters are walking billboards:

Once a second shooter I can testify to the fact that if I enjoyed working with a particular photographer and business, it is guaranteed that I will talk about it. On several instances, if I am unable to take a job, I have referred clients to other photographers based on that experience alone.

With that being said, second shooters are walking billboards. They are (we are) free advertisements spreading the word and attracting your ideal client. Therefore, treat your second shooters with respect. Part of owning a business and being the leader is also knowing basic human decency. The phrases “Please” and “Thank you” are not omitted from our vocabulary, because we hold status. In fact, they should be common words used on a daily basis. Paying them in a timely manner is important and reimbursing them for parking is key! Let’s keep that in mind.

Let’s not forget, it goes both ways. As a second shooter, also be respectful! The same rules apply. Do your job and take it seriously. If necessary, take the job as if it was your own gig and you were calling the shots in your head. Over exceed the expectations! Don’t just do it because that photographer will refer you to clients or to other photographers; do it because it is your FREAKING JOB and that is what you were hired to do!

#3: From every perspective, second shooters are a reflection of your and their business:

Owning a photography business isn’t just showing up and taking photographs. Yes, it is important to perfect our craft in order to render a successful product, but there is definitely more to it. There is an image to uphold! Hopefully a positive one.

Before a photographer, we are business owners, whether second shooter or head photographer. On either side, set an example. Arrive on time, meaning arrive at least 30 minutes early. Have all your equipment ready for shooting – charged batteries, extra batteries, clean lenses, enough SD cards, flashes, etc.

As both the head photographer or second shooter, dress to impress and according to the occasion. Be authentic with your style while maintaining a professional and appropriate look. Acquire decent people skills. Meaning don’t just do your job, make your presence known and do it with kindness. People remember genuine kindness. Moreover, Stay true to your business agreements -with clients, staff, second shooters. Introduce yourself if not done already and show up with a can do attitude! 

• As the head photographer,

try to introduce your entire staff to the client and treat everyone, including the client, with respect. I suggest you keep your negative thoughts about your clients to yourself. No one needs that negativity in their lives. Unless the tasks were discussed prior to the event and agreed upon, your second shooters are not your assistants. Let’s not confuse the two. They are not there to set up your cameras, pass you lenses, send photos to clients, etc. They are there to shoot the parts you cannot cover! IF they choose to help you beyond shooting, that is their decision.

Give your second shooters credit and appreciate their work. Of course they are working under your business and the photos are under your business name, but you physically did not take those photos. It would not hurt to give them a shout out and tag them on social media.

I hope that we become more conscious and responsible for own actions and are willing to change in order to progress. As creatives we are part of such a beautiful community. A community that can ignite visual innovation. We are all working towards the same goal or potentially, a similar dream. From my eyes, there really is no room for selfishness. Why can’t we all help each other move forward and get to the finish line together? Each one of us have our own path and there is truly a big enough space for everyone, and I mean everyone, to fit.

~M

Note: For cooking classes at Sur La Table check out their website: www.surlatable.com