The Second Shooter

I have met and talked to a number of photographers, who have both been and have employed the services of a second shooter for photographing weddings. During these talks several things became apparent; The reasons some photographers use a second shooter. The reason why someone becomes a second shooter. How much freedom a second shooter is given during the shoot. What is the intended end game for the second shooter. Lets look at number 1. There would appear to be two main reasons for a photographer to use a second shooter. First is the capturing of candid images that the prime photographer normally misses as they have to focus so much on the main couple. Second is to bring on, train up, another photographer to be used for full wedding coverage later on, when they are seen to be ready. The majority of photographers would probably gravitate towards the first reason, it is always nice to have some of the pressure of you regarding candid shots. I would however advise some cation here, especially if your not considering point 2 above. You may just be training up your competition. Also I would seriously suggest that you check on your second shooters commitment and attitude while with you, as any negativity here will reflect on you and not them. Now Number 2. This again appears to be limited to; First, they want to be able to take photos at weddings without the pressure of responsibility for delivering the service fully to the clients. These can further be broken down into two groups, paid and unpaid. If you are using unpaid labour then the second shooter really has no obligation on them at all to attend or deliver images to a standard that we would accept. A paid second shooter can be worth their weight in gold however. I normally start new second shooters off unpaid, so that we can see the level of their commitment and talent, but as soon as I start to value their input I insist on the relationship becoming a paid one, even if I can only cover their travel expenses. My end goal with second shooters is to get to the point when I can use them as photographers in their own right, covering weddings for me. What is your end goal? Then these is 3. Some don't really bother much with their second shooter, allowing them to do their own thing during the day, without coordinating their activity with yours. This approach can be very counter productive or very unproductive, which is normally in the hands of the gods as your not taking control over any of it. I think if your not going to integrate the second shooter into your overall event strategy then you are just wasting each others time and wasting a valuable resource. And then we are left with 4. You cannot overlook this point. Unless you fully understand your second shooters end goal you cannot in all conscience allow them anywhere near your clients. Whatever they do on the day will reflect on you and your business. If they are viewed as unprofessional or un interested that it will be your business that will carry the stigma of this perception. Also when clients see a second shooter they themselves will have an expectation of additional shots, which if not delivered at the end of the shoot will again reflect adversely on your business. There are many very professional photographers out there who only work as second shooters. These people normally have another job to pay the bills and remove the stress and concerns regarding delivery of service to photography clients, but can be exceptional assets to what you are able to offer your clients, regarding overall coverage on the day. These people normally want their travel expense covered as a minimum and are worth every penny. Then there are those who are thinking of setting up shop themselves and want some free on the job training, from you, where they can learn the admin side as well as the organizational and then the technical side of covering a wedding. I personally would shy away from these, unless they came from an area outside of your patch or had a style that did not provide a direct competitive attack on your co business. Conclusion Professional paid second shooters are worth their weight in gold and I would recommend them for every event. But can you name another industry where businesses are so open to sharing their competitive edge to their future competition? Why then do we think this is OK in our industry. I think this casual attitude harms our standing as professionals and a service which requires fair payment. So, yes I do use second shooters, but only those I feel provide a direct benefit to my business, and I have no interest in their individual portfolio, just the servicing of my clients needs. I think all professional photographers out there should thin carefully about the use of second shooters and tread with care and with purpose when engaging their services.

The Purpose of the Wedding Album

What do you think is the purpose of a wedding album? Do you think it is an historical document? or do you think it is a portfolio of artistic images? Well I know most of you out there will be shouting out, BOTH, but here is the rub, how often do we sacrifice the documentation of the day for the artistic image? This question was raised following a viewing of another photographers work, on their web site, which has lots of out of focus (soft focus, atmospheric focus or what ever other name you want to call it) shots. You know the kind I am talking about here, such as the bride in focus in the foreground and the groom out of focus in the background and a variation on this them. Now there is no documentation here of the event or the people present, just what some may call a very nice artistic image and there is nothing wrong with this, except when we look for it's purpose in the recording of the events of the day and fail to see any purpose at all. Myself, well I think the wedding album should first and foremost be a record of the event, the people who attended and the fashion of the time. I want this document to be handed down through the generations and provide an historic link to those who have gone before and give the viewer a glimpse into the past. That is not to say the images cannot or should not be beautiful to look at, of course they should, but the documentation of the people present for this event is the prime purpose of the album. For me, the album is not a portfolio of interesting and artistic shots to demonstrate my creativity, but rather it is an historical document capturing the people, the fashion of the time and the atmosphere that was present. I tend to shoot in a very photojournalistic style for the vast majority of the day, stopping and taking control only for the formal group shots. The rest of the day is covered as it happens. I have seen brides being directed by their photographer as though they are models on a photo shoot, and we all know the purpose of the image, it is for the photographers shop window or web page and has little to do with telling the story of the wedding day itself. I would strongly suggest to all photographers that when considering the photo you are about to take, stop and ask yourself what that image is going to contribute to the telling of the story of the day and what historic legacy it will leave behind for others to see.

3rd Wedding of a 3 Wedding Shoot

Well that's it, all edited and posted and ready for the date to be set for the viewings. These three weddings were all different and all wonderful, not for the money spent on them or the locations used, but rather for the sheer joy and happiness that radiated from all three weddings. We have been remarkably luck as all three weddings took place on a clear sunny day, between constant bouts of rain. Yes the sun was a little harsh at times and yes the sky was a little lacking in interest on occasions, but I will take that over rain any day. My second shooter also headed out for his first solo shoot this weekend, boy was he nervous. I had forgotten all the worries and concerns that I had on my first shoot. The one thing that I, and i hope he learned during the first wedding assignment is preparation and planning makes or brakes the day. Our planning starts at the first interview stage. Is the couple right for us and are we right for them. Get this wrong and it is a very miserable day for all. Then it's the pre-wedding shoot, more on this on my next blog. This shoot will set the scene for the main event. Then there is the follow up calls and meetings with the couple to set out what shots they 'must have' on the day. Get these recorded down and work to them as quickly after the ceremony as possible. Once the guests and family have settled down at the bar or in conversation with other family and friends you will have a devil of a job to get them back out for photo's. Set out and check all your equipment and paperwork the day before the wedding, and have plan 'B's in your mind for weather and venue problems. Keep the couple at ease all day and remain as much in the background as possible, at least this is how we roll. The day is theirs and not a photo opportunity for me, so they come first. Of course we ask the couple do they want to spend any special time getting photos, if the answer is yes then location selection and shoot planning comes into effect. I like to have a set of clear ideas in my mind for any planned set shoots we do, which may evolve and change during the shoot, but have a plan in place first. Well here are a few of the shots taken during this wedding, hope you like them.

The 2nd wedding of 3

Well this is our second wedding in less than 7 days. The first has now been edited and posted for the couple to view, all good feedback from there so far. Our next wedding was a little further afield, but the remote hilltop golf course venue presents some great opportunities. Our style ensures the Bride & Groom maintain total control of the day. If they want extra 'posed' shots then we will get them, if not then we maintain a photojournalist style and let the event unfold as it will. For this couple they wanted to have some fun, and we hope we helped them get that. Here is a selection of the shots taken on the day, I hope you find them of some interest.

The first of 3 weddings in 7 days

Feeling a little daughter, this being the first of three weddings we are about to do in the next 7 days, we set off for the first of our weddings. We are a family team, consisting of myself, my wife and my daughter. We also have a second shooter who sometimes works with us who will also be there today. As I have a second shooter available we ask if the groom would like some shots done at the house as he gets ready, to which the bride and groom say yes and I promptly dispatch my wife and the second shooter over to the house, while myself and my daughter head for the bridal preparation room. My second shooter is a photographer who has not done weddings before, and would like to start. I shadows us to see how we set up shop and work through the day. At the moment he lacks people skills and is a little reluctant to give direction to people, but he can work the detail shots very well. My wife goes with him to provide direction and help set up the shots we would like to get. My daughter is also a second shooter, but she has not, as yet, got the bug for photography, so at the moment she just likes working with her dad and who am I to complain at that. Our couple, Sarah and Carl, are a wonderful pair and we are looking forward to spending time with them. We do tend to attract a particular kind of client. We don't do divas or bridzilas, we don't do the kind of couple who just want you because you are the cheapest or you agree to give them everything for next to nothing. We chose people who we like as individuals, are happy to be getting married and not there to show off to their friends and who we would like to have a more long term photographic relationship with into the future. We are still in contact with the vast majority of our Brides & Grooms and are now pleased to know them as friends as well as clients. But back to today's wedding. The photos start at the bridal preparation, and the atmosphere in the room is just wonderful. Everyone is relaxed in each others company and enjoying every moment. Then it is on to the ceremony, where i am joined by my wife and the second shooter. The room is small to work with but all goes according to plan, yes we have a plan and had already visited the venue quite some time ago so there were no surprises on the day. The weather is holding, following days of rain the sun has come out for today, hurray. All the guests and the bridal party now head out for a nearby park for the group shots, with us in hot pursuit behind. Yes we have a plan in place here as well, been here and set out our locations already. All the group shots are in the bag and it is now time for the bride and groom on their own. All done and it's back to the venue for the meal and nighttime festivities, or the first dance which is what we are here to capture. From start to finish, about 15 hours including traveling. Now it's back to the studio for the sorting and editing phase, which I have just finished, some 3 days later. Here is a small selection from the day and I will be back to let you know how the other two wedding go, these are back to back and some traveling is involved.

A small wedding

The Pre Wedding Photo Shoot

I am now fully underway with the pre wedding photo shoots.  Despite the weather, which right now is pretty bad, unless you like the wind and rain that is, I have three couples to shoot this Saturday. 
Despite the rain I still enjoy these shoots.  I don't treat them as normal photo shoots, in so much as the end results are not as important as bonding with the couple and getting them to feel comfortable in front of the camera.  If I can achieve both these results then shooting the wedding gets so much easier and lets face it that's where it counts.

These are a few examples of last weeks pre wedding shoot.  Due to very high winds and heavy rain we had to take these in a stair way of a nearby hotel.

Where are we now?

It's been a few weeks since my last post, I have just lost track of time.

Since I lost wrote we have done several wedding fairs and been preparing for the start of our wedding season, which for us started in April.

I have been busy trying to get my images uploaded to my stock website, Deposit Photos, and meeting clients to start the preparations for their wedding and pre wedding shoots.

I have been busy in the studio, several 'Baby First Year' projects now underway, and we have also been experimenting with alternative light sources, spots and video lights.

I did spend a day canoeing on the River Wye with my son, 13 miles of peace and tranquility and a very enjoyable day had by both of us, even if it did rain a little between the sun shine.

I have finally had to relocate my 17inch macbook pro to back up machine and promote the 15 inch macbook pro to the main machine, the 17inch is older and was just not keeping up with demands.  I will be working towards a desktop mac newt year, along with a long list of lenses and other items I would love to get.  You never know those numbers may yet come up on the lotto!

My wife is recovering from a bad bump to her knee, which dislodged her knee cap and had to push it back in place herself before she was able to move, brave girl.  She has been off work for nearly 3 weeks now but should be able to return next week.

With a wedding looming this Friday we are all scanning the weather reports with interest.  I have been to the venue and walked the route that will be used and also the inside of the venue, which is stunning, the only problem will be the group shot.  Unless we are able to get outside to do this we will have a problem as the interior is a little dark and has no large areas that can be used effectively.  We will manage I dare say.  We have 6 new white umbrellas ready to go into action for the bridal party and will look great in the photos.

Later this year we have a wedding shoot at Sketty castle, site to a Doctor Who Christmas special last year, which is fantastic and I am really looking forward to that.

Well thats my quick round up done, my next post will include this weeks wedding, with photos.

First Wedding Bookings of 2012 and what we can expect to face in 2012

It is now February and we have completed two wedding fairs and taken 4 bookings for weddings, three this year and one in 2013.  The wedding fair circuit has proven, for us, to be the best form of marketing so far by a long way.  I think when you are relatively new to an area, or new to this form of photography, you do need to get your name out there as quickly as possible and at wedding fairs you do get a one to one with potential clients, who are there looking for a photographer and are interested in what you have to sell.  Of course we are living in times where everyone wants to have as much as they can for as little spend as possible, and there are many 'photographers' out there willing to give it away for nothing, but we are here for the long haul and will try and weather out this storm.

I do think the storm will blow over as more and more horror stories of failed wedding shoots emerge, here is but a small example;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218248/Newlyweds-win-court-battle-1-500-wedding-photographer-shoddy-pictures-include-missing-heads-car-close-ups.html

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/872387/couple-sues-over-disastrous-wedding-photos

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8292164.stm

There are many many more where the couple just did not want the fuss of suing the photographer and lets face it, suing in not going to suddenly provide you with the images that we not taken or poorly taken on the day.

I have just been reading a fellow photographers blog regarding the price you can expect to pay, against the level of competence the photographer will have.

http://www.niccleave.com/wedding-photography-prices-uk/

I must say that I think he is a little out with his figures by a little, as he is providing price comparisons against ability, when the price these days is more directly linked to the number of wanner be photographers working in an area that are willing to charge very little for their efforts, forcing the rest of us to rain back our prices or move out of the area altogether.

This current situation does remind me of what it was like for tradesmen back in the late 70s and early 80s. This was a time when there were large numbers of electricians, builders, plumbers etc all out of full-time work and claiming benefits.  These out of work tradesmen then offered their trade skills direct to the public at a fraction of the normal price.

These people were not relying on their trade skills to pay the bills, the government were doing this for them via the benefits system, and they had no over heads to pay except travel costs.  I remember many legitimate tradesmen being forced to cease trading or go bankrupt as a result of this kind of work practice.

photographers are currently finding themselves in the same sort of position, especially at the lower end of the wedding market where money is a little more constrained.  The cheap wedding photographers that are now plying their business mostly have full time work, normally outside of the photographic industry, and use the wedding photography as a means of generating extra cash on a weekend.  These people seldom have any insurance, normally are equipped with limited equipment and have no fall back plan should they be sick or otherwise unable to attend the wedding day.

Well for now I think all we can do is hunker down, demonstrate the reasons why a full-time professional photographer is always the best way to go and wait for the wannabes to fall by the wayside, and more importantly the public to wake up to the fact that this is a very important aspect of their big day and should not be treated with any less importance than the wedding dress, cake or car.

Why pay for a professional wedding photographer

I have lost count of how many brides and grooms I have met and read about who fail to see the importance of a professional photographer covering the big day, or paying a realistic price for that service.

They spend hours, if not months, selecting the decorations for the room, the table layout, the venues, the cars, the cake, the grooms suite and the brides dress etc, etc, act.  Booking a photographer is normally one of the last items on their preparation list.

But lets face it, without the photos of ALL the detail that has gone into the big day, what is the point.  24 hours after the event and most of your guests will not be able to recall anything about the room decorations, the food or the clothes worn on the day.

Also we consistently hear brides and grooms complaining about the cost of a professional photographer.  Why do we pay so much for someone 'just' to take photos, surly anyone can do that?

Well should they not also ask, why are they paying for someone to make a cake for them?  there must be plenty of people in the family who can cook!

Why are they spending all that money on a hand made wedding dress, there are plenty you can buy second hand, lets face it they are only ever worn once so how much wear and tear can there be.

And why pay for a vintage car to take you the 10 - 15 minute drive between venues, there are plenty of family members who have cars and can do that just as well.

And the price you are willing to pay for the food, it's just cooking and we can all do that surly?

The reason! You all want your day to look different from every one else and you want the cake 'to be right' and not just hope it will be ok on the day.

You want the dress to fit right and every one to look at it and there not to be another quite like it.

You want the car to separate you out from the rest of the world on that day so people will know you are getting married and not just another member of the public going about a normal day.

You want to know the food is going to be right and not just hope it all turns out OK.

Obviously the list can go on and on and lets not forget you are also looking for some form of assurance and guaranty that the day will pass off without disruption or disasters and the bulk of the strain to be taken up by others while you and your guests get on with enjoying the special event.

So with all this careful planning and preparations why would you take any risks when it comes to recording the event for prosperity?  Lets face it that is what the photographer is doing.  The wedding service will be all over is an hour or so, the car journey over in minutes, the food eaten and forgotten in an hour, the cake cut up and consumed in no time at all and your dress, well that will find it's way into some box in the attic never to be seen again, certainly it's very unlikely it will ever be warn again.

But your wedding album you should expect generations to come to be able to sit down with it and look back on your day.  You want to relive those moments with your children and your children's children.  And your future descendants will also be looking back on this important document with keen interest and you still want the emotions of the day to shine through, even then.

I have seen people hand cameras out to their guests to record the day, great, so just to clarify, you are happy to 'hope' that 'luck' is with you on the day and you get 'some' good snaps!!

What will you do if there are no good snaps?  There is nothing wrong with this if they are in addition to  the presence of a professional photographer, whom is going to ensure nothing is missed or left to chance.

And all photographs need editing of some description, even if it's just cropping or colour correction, who will do this for you?

Do you want 'photos' of your wedding or do you want 'snaps'?

What will your album look like?  Will it have the quality to last at least several generations?

Just because such and such has a new top of the range digital camera for christmas does not make them a professional wedding photographer, it does not even make them a good photographer.  

My wife bought me a top of the range oil painting set up for christmas, does that mean I now expect to find my work hanging in some gallery any time soon?  Or people to be lining up to purchase my work?  Of course not.  

To become a professional artist takes time, training and a natural ability.  Why would you assume this is any different for photography?

Most cameras have an 'auto' setting on them these days, which will pretty much produce good snaps, but it cannot allow for the users inability to compose an image, inability to understand the various properties of light and it's effects on the image, understanding the dynamics of posing people so they can look their best in the image.

Your wedding photographer should be a tried and tested professional, who can cope with whatever the weather conditions are, whatever lighting is available and whatever the physical environment you find your self in to produce the very best images possible on the day.

If the professionals camera fails for any reason he should have at least two other cameras to fall back on, if his flash stops working he should have a back up and batteries and memory cards to cover the whole day, with some to spare.  He should have reflectors and tripods and know when and how to use both.

In other words the professional photographer should leave nothing to chance.

This is, we all hope, a one off event in your life and there are no second chances for a reshoot if something goes wrong.

All that effort that you have put into creating this wonderful day, the months and months of planning, the number of suppliers you checked before ordering, the number of venues you looked over before booking, where will all that effort be recorded?

The current state of affairs is not being helped by the number of so called professional photographers out there willing to perform work for little to no financial remuneration.  These people normally have no insurance and no contracts will be signed to provide protection for all concerned.  They are also very unlikely to have the ability to store your images for several years, in case you have any mishaps and need copies, the ability to order high quality wedding albums or the time necessary to concentrate on your requirements fully, as they must surly be running a second job in order to cloth and feed themselves and they families and your wedding will always take second place to this.

Please take as much time selecting your photographer as you have the other suppliers contributing to your big day and leave nothing to chance or luck. Take the time to understand the different styles of photography and which you think suites your personalities.  And the photographer, lets not forget you will be spending quite some time in their company throughout the day and you must be able to get on with them and like them as people or the day will be a little strained to say the least.

Check out our web site page;
http://www.oakfield-photography.com/wedding-gallery/

Here you will find plenty of information to start you off regarding styles of photography along with other useful tips and advice to help you make the right decision.