If you read the post about how to photograph a wedding ceremony, you know how important it is to get second photographer jobs BEFORE you are the primary photographer.
When I started my business 15 years ago, I actually didn’t do this – and honestly, I wish I would have. If you can, you want to get second photographer jobs in the beginning of your career so you learn where to stand, what to do, and so on.
But HOW do you get second photographer jobs, especially if you’ve struggled to get hired so far? That’s what we’re breaking down in today’s post!
Build a Portfolio on a Website
When you’re trying to get second photographer jobs, the first thing you should do is start to build a portfolio of your work.
No wedding images yet in your portfolio? No worries! Your portfolio can still give people an idea of your portrait style, your capabilities, and who you are. This might mean you need to set up photoshoots and attend styled events to build up your portfolio.
You then want to put that portfolio on a website. If you’re looking for a user-friendly website hosting site at a nominal price, I LOVE Showit! If you want to try Showit, you can use the affiliate code MAGIC for 10% off your annual subscription. A functioning, professional website with a contact page, about page, and portfolio is truly vital.
Get to Know People in the Industry
If you’re trying to get a job alongside an experienced photographer, I truly believe the best way to gain someone’s trust enough to get hired is to make connections and physically spend time with them. Virtual meet-ups are great, but it doesn’t replace physically being in the room with them!
If you’re able to meet someone one-on-one at an event, in a membership, or even for coffee or lunch, that would be the best thing you could do! Even if they aren’t the ones who hire you, having that relationship opens the door for you to get referred and get second photographer jobs elsewhere.
Some of the ways I do this include:
- Doing research about any venue openings
- Getting to know people in the industry who have connections and are willing to meet up
- Joining membership groups (like the Wedding Photography Society. I’ve seen so many photographers connect and get second photographer jobs that way!)
- Joining free online forums where you can get referrals or refer people
When it comes to being a second photographer, relationships are SUPER important. The primary photographer has to trust you and enjoy being around you, because they (and their clients) will be spending the entire day with you. 😉
How to Do a Great Job as a Second Photographer
So let’s say you got hired! 🎉 You’ve agreed on a rate and you’re preparing to go photograph as a second! How do you do the best job possible so they hire you again OR they refer you to other people?
Ask all the questions in advance
Expectations:
- What’s the dress code?
- Is there anything specific they expect of you in terms of your dress?
Gear:
- Will you be expected to photograph film?
- Will you need backup gear?
- Is there anything else you’re expected to bring?
Timeline:
- Has a timeline been created? If so, get that timeline and get familiar with it.
Be present
During the day of the event, you want to be truly present. That doesn’t mean being overly involved when you don’t need to be; it means being attentive, focused, and not on your phone or distracted.
One time, we had someone who wanted to get a second photographer job with us, so we brought them along as a third photographer. But during the ceremony, they were on their phone the entire time. That was a surefire way to not get hired back! 😵💫
Then, when it comes to interacting, you want to strike the balance between being too involved and not involved enough. Offer help on occasion and assist when it’s needed (like carrying bags and getting water), but know there will be down time, too.
Do NOT self-promote
When you’re photographing with someone else for THEIR business, you’ve got to forget about your own goals. You’re there that day for them. If someone asks who you’re with, you should always say the primary photographer’s business.
Leave your business cards at home and don’t think about your Instagram stories. Your job that day is to support and make the primary photographer’s business better!
Agree Ahead of Time on a Portfolio Policy
I’m a believer that when I’m working as a second photographer, I’m there to get paid to do a good job for their business. However, I understand that it’s challenging in the beginning to build up your portfolio.
If you’re working with a primary photographer who does allow you to use those images in your portfolio, you need to agree upon that in advance in a second photographer agreement contract. Know the primary’s expectations in that realm. For instance, as a policy, we do not allow second photographers to use their images in their portfolios.
Even if you do have the ability to use those images, just make sure that doesn’t get in the way of how you’re photographing. There can be a tendency to photograph from certain angles to make it appear as though you’re the primary. Just focus on doing a good job for the primary photographer’s business!
Truly, I believe the experiences and relationships I gained as a second photographer FAR outweighed the images I got for my portfolio. I promise, you WILL get those portfolio images and jobs in time 🤍
Allow the Primary Photographer to Lead
Remember, you’re the second photographer. So allow the primary photographer to lead!
If you have an idea about the timeline or a location, NEVER bring this up in front of the client. Always pull them aside and tell them your idea. They might be impressed and so excited to take your ideas! But you don’t want to ever overstep as the second photograph, so always allow them to take the lead.
Every Photographer is Different
Every photographer is different and has their own unique style. You really want to vibe with them, have a good time, and create an amazing experience.
When it comes to getting second photographer jobs, the best way is to do a good job for who you’re working for. Those referrals will lead you in the industry, and you’ll become known as an amazing second photographer.
There are photographers who don’t like to be the primary photographer at all, and they only want to be a second photographer! Whether that’s you or you’re looking to move into a primary photographer role, use these tips to start getting more second photography jobs 🤍
Be Confident in Your Posing
If you’re early on in your wedding photography career, knowing which poses to use can be intimidating.
Do you ever feel stuck or nervous trying to come up with poses on the spot? Or maybe you use the same poses over and over and need something new?
I’ve been there… and now I’m sharing what I’ve learned to help you! My Posing Guide below will allow you to:
- Build confidence so your clients know EXACTLY what to do
- Have “go-to” poses to create consistent, strong images
- Never feel stuck or on-the-spot – you’ll have a posing flow!
Check out the Posing Guide below ⤵️
