Second Shooters 2022

This page is a private place to incorporate all the second shooters I’ll be working with this year. It’ll set out what you can expect from me and what I expect from you. I’ve done it this way because all photographers have different expectations and ways of working, so this way you can refer back to it if you need to. I’m sure that some of this is really obvious, but hopefully you’ll find it helpful in seeing what I’m looking for.

Hours

Usually I work a 9-10 hour day. If possible I’ll send you home after the speeches, but sometimes I’ll ask seconds to stay for the first dance. You can definitely go after that though!

Before we start

Time - We need to syncronise our cameras so I don’t have a meltdown in Lightroom. Preferably we’ll do this in person but if we’re starting in different locations then please set it according to the time on your phone.

Cameras - Please have both your cameras on you at all times. If you can, please use two different focal lengths.

Cards - If we start together I will give you 2 x 64gb SD cards. If we start separately please shoot on your own cards (if your camera is dual slot please pop your own cards in too and shoot RAW to both) and I will post them back to you when I’ve backed them up. Please do not delete anything in camera at all during the day, as this can corrupt the cards.

A week or so before the wedding we’ll have a chat about the plan for the day. I always email the couple the week before the wedding, so I’ll CC you in to that message. This is when you’ll be told exactly where you need to be, at what time.

Shooting Style

Almost everything I do is shot in a documentary style. Instead of asking people to move, I move. EG during groom prep I will, if possible, go to the window and stand in front of it so that I’m not shooting every thing backlit.

I will do details if couples ask me to, but find that usually they don’t expect them. They appreciate that time spent on details will be kept to a minimum.

Couples hire me on the basis of a relaxed, documentary style approach, so please bear that in mind.

Shoot however you’re most comfortable but please don’t let your shutter speed drop below 1/200. If you’re shooting aperture priority then please lock your SS and let your ISO do the heavy lifting. I don’t care if that creates grain.

I have seconds because I shoot video alongside photos.

This usually means we’ll be together the entire time. Sometimes a couple might request a few photos of both partners getting ready so we have to start in different locations, but I don’t expect you to take any video clips.

Your job is to fill in the gaps on the photos.

Look for alternative angles, extra little things going on, chat with guests etc. Don’t worry too much about shooting ‘too much’ - I’d rather you take loads of photos than not enough.

I like to give my couples a lot of variety in their final gallery, so keep looking for those other places to stand. Sometimes we’ll have to be right next to each other (perhaps ceremony, confetti) but I don’t expect it for most of the day. We’ll discuss where to stand on the day, when I can see the place we’re shooting in.

Let’s try to be mindful of each other throughout the day. I don’t like cropping photographers out of photos, and it’s impossible with video. Sometimes it’s unavoidable but please try not to walk into my shot - and tell me if I’m walking into yours without noticing.

Image Usage/instagram/website

You retain copyright of the images you take, and it’s up to you what you post on your website/insta. If you want to include some of the photos in your portfolio then that’s fine.

All I ask that you don’t share anything from the wedding for 6 months, and that you don’t make contact with the couple to show them your photos. This is simply because I don’t want them asking me for anything I haven’t delivered, or for everything you took.

When sharing on instagram please mention that you took the photo while second shooting for me (@carolinegooseyphotography) but no need to tag me in the image.

Representing

Please remember that on the wedding day you’re representing my business. I can’t imagine this ever happening, but please do not hand out your business cards or promote your business in any way on the day. It’s just bad form.

Be friendly, professional and polite it’ll be an awesome day.

Pay

You will be fed and watered. If we have to pay for drinks then I’ll get them.

Please invoice me the pre-agreed second shooter fee at hello@carolinegoosey.com and I’ll pay either the day before the wedding or on the morning. I’m human though so if I forget then give me a nudge (it’ll genuinely be because I've forgotten, and not because I want to get out of paying you).

If you have to pay for parking then add it the invoice, or send another if you’ve already been paid.