I love helping out and assisting other photographers with weddings!  Over the past few years I’ve build up a great network of photographer friends and I regularly photograph with them at weddings.  I’ve assisted as the second photographer at over 75 weddings and helped out around 25 photographers.  I’ve picked up some great tips on how to be helpful as a second photographer, and these are also qualities I look for when hiring a second photographers for my weddings.

• Remember names, especially the bride and groom’s names.  I know this is simple, but it is often over looked.
• Anticipate the lead shooters needs. Once you’ve worked with someone a few times and get to know their shooting style it’s easy (and extreme helpful) to grab their lens for them, or grab them a water on a hot summer day.

• Always be polite and helpful without interfering. Most photographers spend a lot of time and effort getting to really know their clients before their wedding day, I know I do! It’s important to remember to respect that relationship.
• Always offer to carry the lead photographer’s bag.  I normally just pick it up when we’re moving locations. It’s a huge gesture and I guarantee they will be thankful!

• Remind the lead photographer to sync camera times.  This can often be overlooked.  It’s possible to fix in post production, but much easier to simply adjust times prior to starting the day.
• Be respectful. Always do what you’re asked, when you’re asked.

• Keep a watch for anything ‘off’ during family formals. I personally never have my second photographer photograph during this time. Instead I need their help with getting groupings together and watching for someone who forgets to remove their sun glasses, or to hold Grandma’s purse.
• One of the most important tips – shoot for the wedding day, not for your portfolio.  You are there first and foremost by hire for a job – being able to use photographs you took in your portfolio is a privilege extended to you by the lead photographer.

• Remember you are working for and representing another photographer and their brand, not yours. Act accordingly.
• Always arrive early, dress appropriately and never check your phone in front of clients.
• Try to make sure you’re using a different lens from the lead photographer. Shoot at side angles and get candid moments they might not see.

• Be mindful of the timeline. All weddings run late at some point, try your best to let the lead photographer know and keep them on track.
• Always offer to show the lead photographer photos you took (on the back of your camera) while they were photographing elsewhere.
• Bonus – It’s always great to grab a few ‘action’ photographs of the lead photographer!

Fun story! In the photo below, I’m standing in the pouring, pouring rain (with my camera gear!) to hold an umbrella over the videographer.  I assisted Lauren Carnes with this wedding in January. After holding the umbrella for her to photograph the grand exit, the videographer jumped under.  Sometimes it’s more important be willing to help however you can. In this case, the car driver lost his phone and we waited in the rain for around five minutes to get the perfect shot! Thanks to Lauren for sharing this photo with me and to my Kelly Moore Bag that kept my gear safe and dry!

I hope this post was helpful! Do you have any tips to add? I’d love to know, feel free to leave a comment below.