I did a similar post on Second Shooting awhile back (you can view that here), but I wanted to touch on one more thing that I find extremely helpful when hiring a second shooter for your wedding. Not only does it make things run so much smoother, but it gives you a chance to have your story told in two different perspectives. I have been blessed to work with the same second shooter for a majority of the weddings I've shot, and vice versa - I've been able to help her out on her weddings. We like working with each because both of our styles are similar, which to me, is extremely important - I want someone on the same page as me. But furthermore, we both see things differently, which is where I am going with this post.
We both pose our subjects differently & shoot details differently. This is a good thing and I will tell you why. When you have two photographers who style is the same, but see things differently, you are going to have your story told from both perspectives making it that much more special. I am a detailed person & I always have in the back of mind..."how would this story look if told in a book"...."how do I want to capture it"..."how do I want it to look" - all important questions. I want nothing more than to rock your wedding images & tell your story artistically & in a unique way. So in my humble opinion, it's a must to have a second shooter. Not only will your story be told in my perspective, but from someone's else's perspective who in turn, pays just as much attention to your wedding day story as I would.
I actually really like second shooting, where in some cases, some might hate it. But for me, it gives me a chance to stretch who I am as an artist and think differently. As a second shooter you have so much more freedom to be creative and the day is so much less stressful. As a first shooter, all the weight is on you and there are all the "I have to's" of the day. You are responsible for so much and it's hard to pay close attention to detail, because your focus is on all the things you must do. As a second shooter, you are running around doing all the things the first shooter can't do and are able to spend time on all the little details of the day.
For example...I helped my good friend Joleen out on a wedding over the weekend. I've known Joleen since High School & it's so much fun having her back after YWAM, moving away, and then finally moving back a few years ago. It's been great to reconnect with her & we both love working with each other. She is my go-to second shooter and her help with the last few weddings I've had have been phenomenal. So, I was more than happy to head up to Oakhurst early Saturday morning and help shoot a wedding of friend she went to High school with. I don't blame her for wanting my help - the bridal party was HUGE, with 10 Bridesmaids + 14 Groomsmen!
I showed up and went right to work photographying the dress, shoes, jewelry, flowers, ect. while Joleen was able to photograph the lovely Bride having her hair and make-up done. As a second shooter I was calm and was able to focus all my attention on all the little intricate things of the day. It was not my job to do the posed images (unless asked), but rather stand to the side and zoom in and get different angles then that of the first shooter.
So to close this very long, drawn out post of mine...I love second shooting because it stretches my mind and capabilities. It helps me see things differently and of course I'm a sucker for details, so that's always a bonus. Here is a little peak at the wedding I second shot alongside Joleen Willis up in Oakhurst, California at ParadiseSprings. I will post all the details shot once Joleen has posted her blog post first. Here are the lovely ladies - all 11 of them!
0 comments:
Post a Comment