J Arnott , Oct 30, 2009; 12:40 p.m.
I have been contacting wedding photographers in the area introducing myself and seeing if anyone might be willing to give me an opportunity to second shoot for them. I shoot with a decent range of lenses and two 40Ds. One of the photographers politely told me he was not looking for second shooters and if he was he would not hire a second shooter with anything less than a 5DII (not even a 5D would suffice). I appreciated his candor and am now wondering if I am handicapping myself right out of the gate by shooting with 40Ds. Whether it's actual or perceived the result is the same, at least in this one case. What do you think? A 5D or 5DII is definitely at the top of the list but I need to pinch a few more pennies before I can swing that. If the 40Ds are holding me back I might have to start pinching faster. Thanks in advance for your input.
Theresa Skutt , Oct 30, 2009; 12:51 p.m.
People can shoot weddings well with far less, and have for decades. Networking is the best way to get these jobs, not cold calling, in my opinion.
Jon Curtis , Oct 30, 2009; 12:53 p.m.
A lot of photographers do not want to train their competition. Finding a gig as a second shooter may not be that easy.
How are you contacting them?
Nadine Ohara - SF Bay Area/CA 
, Oct 30, 2009; 12:54 p.m.
I doubt it. I wouldn't look down my nose at a 40D, since I own one and use it as back up and second camera.
If you want to work for that particular photographer, then I guess you need to get your hands on the 5DII. Otherwise, keep trying. You might want to consider swapping one 40D for a used 5D, but I wouldn't think that would be worth it unless you were thinking of going cropped/full frame combo anyway. It would impact your lens kit.
What part of the country are you in (I'm assuming you are in the US, but maybe I'm wrong).
J Arnott , Oct 30, 2009; 01:24 p.m.
Thanks for your replies, everyone. I am in Los Angeles. I've actually used cold calling (emails with links to my work, actually) with some success and even this morning have made a wonderful contact that may result in some 2nd shooting and mentoring.
I started shooting with the 40D a couple years ago. When it came time to get a backup camera I considered the 5Ds but was very comfortable with the 40D and actually shooting quite well with it so decided to get another. The money I saved went towards a Canon 85mm 1.8. :)
Thanks for putting my mind at ease about the camera issue. It's what I understood as well but the exchange I had with that photographer made me think twice.
Missy Kay , Oct 30, 2009; 03:14 p.m.
lol what silly photographer told you that? That's ridiculous! You can get great shots with a 40d
Mark T , Oct 30, 2009; 03:41 p.m.
you know...one of the masters of wedding photography (whatever that video series is called) shoots with a rebel...
your portfolio should be what determines if you can book jobs or not.. as long as you don't show up on a point and shoot you should be ok.
tell that photographer with the 5dm2 requirement that he should learn some flash :)
Mario Monti , Oct 30, 2009; 03:42 p.m.
Buy a better camera than that guy and than call him back and say no thanks... lol
-Me :)
Philip Ward 
, Oct 30, 2009; 04:30 p.m.
That photog is an equipment snob and probebly very anal. You DO NOT want to partner up with somone like him. A lot of brides do not have enough in the budget for a second shooter. Find the local association of wedding professionals and go to one of their meetings. You will find many of its members willing to help sombody starting out. In the begining you will more than likely help sombody to schlep their gear for free but you will learn lots about the wedding business and build your portfolio.
J Arnott , Oct 30, 2009; 05:05 p.m.
Thanks everyone. LOL... no names. Some great points made here though... all of your input is much appreciated. Again, what you're saying about equipment is exactly how I understood it to be as well. So I was kind of taken aback when I got that reply. I try not to obsess over the latest and greatest gear. I know my equipment, it's a solid kit for the most part and I shoot well with it. Thanks again.
