I want to start Wedding Photography! Part 3 { Delight & Be Savvy }

I have been asked many times how to land assistant gigs, second shooting jobs, ect. The biggest thing I suggest you do is start networking, and putting yourself out there! Join Facebook groups geared towards second shooting and see if there are any for your area specifically! Try to reach out to local photographers and ask them if they or someone they know needs help on a regular basis! If that is outside of your comfort zone than maybe just pick 3 and send a simple message about yourself, why you are messaging and what you would love to potentially help you with! Let me tell you, beautiful things happen outside of your comfort zone. God wants to bless you and do amazing things through you but you have to be willing to take the steps and use the hands and feet He has created you with!

I have joined the J* Second Shooters Facebook groups and have added my information into the documents folder, as well as a few other local groups of wedding photographers and occasionally someone will ask for a second shooter! Sometimes its so last minute (like days before!) but its so worth it! That group and others of the like are a great resources that many photographers go to when they are looking for shooters in their area, you’ll get to know them better too and maybe make some great long term connections!

Next, be flexible, sometimes pay and use of the images change with job to job but the experience is so important and it is a great opportunity to learn from photographers who have run their businesses all in completely different ways. I have worked with so many different photographers, some that I don’t necessarily strive to be like but I LOVE all the experience I’ve gotten taking on “odd” jobs (sometimes literally! ) You can learn a lot about what to do, and what NOT to do!

One thing I suggest is dress to impress! I always try to wear something super professional, especially if you’re young like me I think it makes a big difference. When you get an assisting job don’t forget to ask what the photographer would prefer you to wear!  I always try to be comfortable and practical yet professional by wearing things that are darker in color. I tend to sometimes even be on the ground so wearing black is the best option for me, bonus that it makes me feel a bit more classier! Try  finding a Blazer or a classic black dress,  those won’t just make you look confident but you’ll feel it too!

After the wedding, make sure its clear how you are able to use the images, keep the communication open so there is no confusion! Some people are really strict and prefer you not to use them on social media, and some are just the opposite. Something out of common courtesy you should do is these two things. 1. Wait until the main photographer shares some for the bride and groom. 2. When you’re ready to share make sure you mention the photographer  you worked with out of common courtesy!

Next is keep practicing! If you’re discouraged that people aren’t hiring you or maybe you feel like you have insufficient gear, don’t worry! ALL good things come in time! Keep shooting and pushing yourself and the hard work pays off!

Happy Shooting!