Photographers often hire other photographers to be their second shooters when doing weddings to allow for greater event day coverage and a greater variety of perspectives.One of the benefits of networking with fellow photographers in your area is that you can often form bonds that will allow you to hire people that you trust to second shoot for you. And it is fun to work with your friends! =)

** A Tip for Aspiring Photographers: A great way to get valuable experience and break into the photography industry is to second shoot and/or assist a fellow photographer. I have often taken my students with me to weddings and events as my “third shooter” in order to allow them to learn. They often take great shots and walk away with so much hands on knowledge. Pick a few photographers in your area whose work you admire and who shoot the kind of photography you want to get into, and send out a kind email to each of them. You will be surprised just how many photographers are looking for assistants.  I know I always need someone to hold a reflector for me! If you are willing to work for free in exchange for the learning experience, it will help you immensely. Even if all they offer you is assisting with no shooting, you will learn a TON just from watching them work. Also, if you need a good, supportive group to be a part of, I am in one on FB that rocks. Contact me and I will get you in!**

Even though I am a experienced photographer who has shot many of my own weddings, I still enjoy second shooting because it allows me to see how another photographer perspective and way of doing things, which can be so inspiring. It is also a lot less pressure to not be the main photographer in charge of the day.

My friend Lauren of Lauren Louise photography is a amazing photographer, and a few months ago I shot Colleen + Albert’s wedding with her as her second shooter. I have been meaning to share a few of my favorites images from that day here on the blog.

I have a cute story to tell about this first photo of Albert below. Albert was running a bit late on wedding day. He rushed to get dressed, and his nerves got the best of him. Despite the fact that he ties bow-ties all the time (they even had bow-tie napkins at the reception), he just could not get his tie tied correctly. When I took the portrait below of Albert, his tie was still a bit off, but I love this picture because it captures the emotion of the day. Albert’s sister eventually helped him tie his tie perfectly a few mins before the ceremony started, but it is this picture that reminds me of just how special weddings really are.