Second Photographers are typically hired for 4 hours of coverage. Below are the most common pieces of a wedding day that you will be asked to help Photograph, however, if the timeline is a little bit different, your lead photographer will go over any other moments with you individually.

Detail Photos : If the couple has asked for detail photos, you will often be asked to help the lead photographer take these photos. We always try to deliver photos of the dress and shoes, flowers, as well as a layflat display of all the detail pieces. Please assist the lead photographer in carrying and displaying each of these items.

Groomsmen Photos: Typically a bride and groom hire a second photographer because they desire photos of the groomsmen as they are getting ready as well as the bridesmaids. Please prioritize taking candid photos of each of the groomsmen as they hang out and complete their finishing touches. We want to capture the mood of the room, the different details around the room and each of the groomsmen as they interact with the groom. After everyone is ready, you will most likely also take formal photos of the groomsmen. I do have an official shot list for this process but here are some ideas of photos to take.

• Groomsmen in a line with hands right over left
• Groomsmen in flying v
• A more casual photo with top buttons unbuttoned and arms around each other
• Groomsmen walking toward the photographer talking to each other
• Groom being thrown up in the air by the groomsmen (I usually let the groom bring it up and ultimately decide on this one)
• Groomsmen are often very creative, ask them if they have any other ideas or photos they would like taken

Finally, ensure that you take individual photos of all groomsmen with the groom. I prefer if these are shot using an 85mm lens. I typically take three photos of all groomsmen (a full body shot smiling, a close up shot smiling and then a fun photo as well). Be sure to pay attention to how the groom is putting is situating his hands. If he puts his arm around the groomsmen remind him to unbutton his top button so his jacket doesn’t bulge.

The Ceremony: During the ceremony, you will provide an additional angle for all photos. Please try to choose a location that is away from the lead photographer to avoid unnecessary duplicate photos. During the precession, stand at the back of the aisle to take a quick photo of all couples as they enter the hallway. When the bride enters, please try to take a photo of the groom over her shoulder with her in the foreground to capture his reaction in that moment while still being aware of where I am and if I have taken a photo of her down the aisle with her dad already. For vows & rings, please take photos on the opposite side of the lead photographer to capture both reactions and then take photos of the guests and their reactions as well. Finally for the first kiss, the lead photographer will let you know what their preference is. We will most likely ask you get a second perspective of the first kiss if one is available. Finally during the recession, the lead photographer will follow the couple out. Please take photos of the rest of the bridal party as they recess out of the hall, as well as the guests as they start to leave.

Cocktail Hour: These photos can often be the most challenging & seem the most pointless but are also more often than not the reason the couple has hired a second photographer. Please take your time with these and get a combination of candids as well as asking couples and groups of people to smile for an image. Remember that most of the time the bride & groom don’t get to see what was happening during their cocktail hour so this is a special surprise for them when they open their gallery.

Couple Photos : For any first looks and for couple portraits that you are asked to help with, your job is to capture additional angles and creative shots. For a first look, you will stand opposite the lead photographer and capture the brides reaction to the moment. During couple photos, we want to increase the number of portraits that we can deliver with creative & unique shots. Most likely, standing next to the lead photographer is not going to achieve this. Think about what greenery or shrubbery you could capture the photo through, take slow shutter, blurry photos of the details (holding hands, walking, etc), take photos of the details, etc. If you have an idea of a photo, please double check with the lead photographer before instructing the couple. We do love extra eyes & ideas, so please don’t hesitate to speak up if you see a beautiful photo option!