Second Shooter.....

I always use a second shooter but not in the way you're describing. More accurately, I use a co-shooter.

YMMV, but this is my approach:

Firstly, you should never have the problem where your co-shooter is directing at the same time as you. The reason? They shouldn't really be anywhere near you. It's incredibly inefficient to have two photographers shooting from the same angles, or the same subjects. All it will do is produce a lot of duplication, and totally miss out on the chance to offer more variety and wider coverage. Not to mention, it makes you doubly intrusive to everyone else.

For the most part, the only time myself and my partner are shooting in the same room is during the ceremony. Apart from that, we make the most of the fact that we can see different things and catch different moments. We convene and compare notes frequently so we each know what the other is covering, but we try and keep out of each other's way as far as possible.

We're often together during the formals as it helps organisation, but only one of us is in charge. The other helps round up the guests, keeps an eye out for random activity (people walking in back of shot, for example) and does useful things like holding an off-camera flash, if we're using one.

We sometimes shoot against each other (during the first dance, for example) but are careful to be at 90 degrees to each other's shooting angle.

If you're working with second shooters who are getting in your way, or are confused about who's in charge, or are working in your shadow then you will definitely be better off without them. Second shooters who do that are pretty much useless, in my opinion.

But equally, you need to bear responsibility for selecting them, briefing them and managing them. If you fail to do those things correctly then you're making problems for yourself.

Have a friendly sit down with anyone you plan to work with. Work out a strategy ahead of time, and make your game plan so that it covers everything. I.E. double of one shot, none of something else. Make sure they know what they are responsible for, and how you feel about people not knowing where to look. It's easily rectified with good communication, and an on-going relationship.

Thanks Neil and Theresa! The ceremony was very planned out, though she didn't quite do everything I wanted. The pre-wedding pictures, she was completely in my way, to where I had to ask her to move so I could take the picture. I'm mostly frustrated with myself for not telling her to go somewhere else. Thanks again!

"So, again, I understand this is my lack of direction for him/her. What do you tell you 2nd shooters to do?"

Create a contract for your second photographer; the contract will lay out a basic who, what, when, where, why and how you want them to assist you with their talents and how you want them to interact with Your Client. The contract will also be clear on how they can use image files obtained at your wedding after the wedding is over. If it ain't written down then it's like saying is OK to do.

If you've not been clear then you seconds photographers are doing what you've told them to do: whatever they want to do! You mentioned it twice so take care of it and develop a contract. My contract even states that second photographers are to refer questions to me and they are to offer only my card to guests if asked for a card. The second photographer is hired to promote and care for the current wedding and my wedding photography. I tell the second photographer that I will follow the same rules when/if I photograph second for them some day ... and that they'll appreciate the directions and limits placed on them when they start to manage the directions and limits placed on them for your weddings.

I have a brief game plan session at each location with the second ... they know to rarely take the same photo that I'm taking and to never be in my frames: this requires them to be watching me and to be moving in consort with my movements. They are not the lead photographer Unless I signal them to jump in: and this happens only in emergencies.

Before we leave for the evening I have a short discussion on how we did together and later I give feedback on the photos they've taken as well as feedback on how we covered and moved around locations. I am very clear on my expectations and limits. If you give no limits and no directions then You are at fault ... the cure is to create a contract and to be clear on your expectations and to have a game plan. Don't be meek with the second photographer ... have expectations and give direction if and when needed.

If the second photographer shoots with a lead photographers mind set then you have a problem and so does the second photographer! It means that you can not use them as a second photographer if they are not able to understand their "job" and do it. Some egos are Unable to be a good second photographer.

Being a second photographer is a specific skill and not everyone can do it and do it well. You have to assess the heart willingness of someone who says they want to be a second photographer and express your expectations. You have to decide If a person Understands what a second photographer does and are they Willing to accept that challenge ... Or, are they merely there to gather their own portfolio and capture angles and photos that they enjoy Instead of getting the photos needed by the main photographer to help create a balanced album and set of photos. Do they understand and have a desire to work the wedding in the way needed. Do you have the ability to Communicate this vision to them! Step up and give them leadership and train them if they are unclear.

A photographer with a camera is naturally going to go toward shot situation they want if not given any direction. If you continue to give no direction and develop a sense of Teamwork with a definite goal of telling the story of the wedding day then it hurts the final product. I hope that makes sense. (I'm reluctant do do this but if you'd like to see my contract with a second photographer then I'll send it to you if you email me. See, I'm making you work for it and giving you direction! smiles .... )

I think your problem stems from a lack of experience, if you're going to lead,....lead. Your indecisiveness and personal frustration is getting in the way. Getting some good experience shooting 2nd for an experienced pro while doing some weddings on your own would be my suggestion.

Thanks so much everyone! I've been thinking about this and I know exactly how I want to use my 2nd shooter for next time.
I'm comfortable telling someone my expectations and planning with him/her where we'll stand....I just didn't do so during the pre-wedding pictures for this last event. She was literally under my feet and I had to ask her to move. So...I know how to fix this now.

Thanks again!

Chimera,
For me, there are two scenarios for 2nd crew.

• First one is both crews working with both sides of the family (one with bride's and one with groom's). During the ceremony they capture different angles of the action and same during the reception.
• The second instance, is have second shooter getting angles and shots that 1st crew can't while doing something else.

I'd assume, but we all know what happens when one assumes, that your 2nd crew knew what he/she was doing. So on one hand you shouldn't have wasted time discussing, but on the other hand it should have been discussed before the job. I also understand about your hesitance of working again with a second crew and would encourage you not to feel that they are all the same. There are many folks out there who have been assisting/lighting for many years and would like to brake into shooting. I find that looking into portfolios, either printed or online, doesn't help and doesn't give the person credit to what he/she knows and can do. Thus, please do work with other crews, allow them to work with you and improve their skill. But for you to CYA, if you get the main-stream action, your album is pretty much set and you successfully completed the gig.

Good Luck
Adam

Two things here - yes, you need to make it clear from the start that you're in charge and you need to direct your other shooters. You also need to have a list of do's and don't's for them to learn. The other things is that some people will never get it. No matter how much you try to train them, it won't help. Then it's time to move on to someone else.
I've trained many photographers and while most get it, others just never will. Also, when you're the album designer or at least working with the couple afterwards, you have a much better handle on what you need to make your designs and layouts work. Someone who's just there for the day may not understand, so perhaps involve them more in the entire process....-Aimee

It is a learned process to have someone who really gets it.

My regular second is well attuned to watching me in case I want him to 'dissappear' suddenly. He is great at that and at working the opposite side of the room. When we shoot from a similar vantage point, he keeps just behind me and moves as I move in order to maintian his position relative to me.

Generally, he is in two or three images as he just cannot get away from it. Esp. when I use a 180 FE.