Wow! Let me first start off by saying, WHAT AN AMAZING QUESTION! Not just the question, but the fact that you are ASKING WHAT YOUUUU can do to service another better and correctly to better yourself/career….that is just downright admirable and so very professional of you. Two traits I happen to adore!

When it comes to getting a job done, it is no secret that two minds are better than one. 4 hands are better than 2. And teamwork, well….we know how great it is in this industry. With that said, there is also a catch phrase that can ring true,  “If you want something done correctly/timely, do it yourself.” This is where you can make your impression. This is where you have the chance to better serve the main photographer. If you can help them CORRECTLY, and in a TIMELY manner to achieve a task on their plate, YOU my friend have just fulfilled your responsibilities to that photographer/event.

Some photographers are weary about bringing on NEWBIE assistants. NEWBIEs refer more to the beginner photographers that have never attended a wedding, do not know the flow of the day, how the photographer likes to work and get things done, and may or may not ruin a shot because they were standing in the wrong spot, unaware of the angles the head photographer is after. These are valid concerns photographers may have in regards to why they may be hesitant in asking you to tag along if you haven’t been asked yet. Again, however, there is a flip side.

WE ALL START SOMEWHERE. The biggest of the biggest name photographers out there ALL started somewhere. They started as that VERY assistant I was just referring to above….the NEWBIE. And guess what folks….ITS OK! Its ok that we dont enter this industry with all the answers. In this industry, everything is constantly changing. Camera gear, style, editing software, etc etc. The minute you think you know it all….your in trouble! You dont need to know everything to be a good assistant, you just need to be willing to do whatever is needed  to LEARN and be a GO-GETTER in the situation.

My second shooter, though I have a few and they are all PRETTY AWESOME….my main one is Mike. Mike however, is FAR FAR more than a second shooter. I have a hard time even calling him that on a wedding day. He is my equal. He is wildly talented. A seriously motivated, hardworking person, that ALWAYS puts my needs as the “head” shooter above his own. THE LAST thing he is concerned about is capturing images for HIS own portfolio. He is concerned first about me and what I need from him and second about my client. He never complains, has an attitude, or is found “sitting down” on the job. Both in the figurative and literal senses of the word. He is the PERFECT second shooter, so I am going to base the following advice on how to be a “GREAT SECOND SHOOTER” on him. Ready?

1.  BE EARLY, BE OVERDRESSED, BE SMILING, BE PREPARED!

– When YOU arrive on wedding day to assist your photographer, or you meet them at their house, or even if they pick you up…get there early. I usually arrive at weddings 30-60 minutes early. (60 minutes when the location is over 2 hours away and I may have not had a chance to scope out locations yet) So, get there early. Go to the bathroom, so that you do not have to excuse yourself right away in the beginning of the day. Be well, if not OVER dressed. NEVER ever think about wearing jeans, sneakers, etc. My advice to new assistants, dress as you would for a business day at the office. A stuffy old pant suit is better than being sent home because you thought jeans were acceptable attire for wedding day! Smile! Approach the photographer with a smile on your face. Great them with a friendly and excited tone letting them know you are PUMPED for the day and HAPPY AND GRATEFUL they allowed you to be a part of it. Have you gear cleaned, even if it is one camera, one lens. Have is cleaned, charged and ready to go. You never know when they may need you to capture a moment at the drop of a hat.

*** TIP for going above and beyond: ARRIVE with their favorite drink (coffee, gatorade, etc and piece of candy/treat….heck, even a water bottle is a nice gesture. It shows you are thinking well beyond your own needs and the wedding day, and focusing on what THEY need in the day)

2. SILENCE THOSE CELL PHONE, BETTER YET HIDE THEM!

Nothing is more infuriating than trying to find an assistant and they are sitting down, down the hall, texting. AH! You can have them on or out in school, it should be the same on wedding day. Keep it ON your person though so you can help the photographer keep track of the time line and what not though.

3. CARRY BAGS, STANDS, LENSES, AND MORE!

Try not to let the head photographer do any heavy lifting, make two trips, struggle with carrying items. Put YOUR stuff down to assist them with theirs. Grab an extra bag, search for a luggage cart, etc. The last thing you want is for the photographer to drop any of his gear, hurt his/herself, or LOSE anything.

4. GET IN THERE, BE A GO- GETTER, USE YOUR VOICE!

Dont get lost in the crowd. Say, “Where do you need me….what can I do….do you need this….” Feel free to POLITELY and PROFESSIONALLY interact with the clients. Congratulate them on their day, compliment the bride. Be friendly. Most likely they have never met you….and if you plan on putting a camera in their faces, you are not going to get genuine smiles from someone that is grumpy, quiet, and basically a stranger to them. You have a limited window of opportunity to get them to think of you as trust worthy, competent, and fun. PLUS…if you are any of those negative things, it reflects POORLY on the head photographer. You nevvver want to make them look bad. NEVER!

5. BE ALERT, WATCH OUT, EXPLORE!

I know those 3 pieces of advice mashed into one seems like an odd combination, but I swear its not. You need to be alert to your surroundings. If you are left with the task of watching the gear on a busy street in Philly…BY GOLLY YOU DO NOTHING ELSE BUT WATCH THAT GEAR! When the photographer is shooting, make sure you arent in the way or in any shots. Stay at a 90 degree angle from him…never mirror him/her (directly across).  When they are shooting with a long lens…you shoot wide. Then vise versa. Pay attention to the angles and shots he is getting….there is still a whole other picture and angle to be capturing from where you are. If they are posing the bride and groom to look directly at his/her camera, YOU shoot the side view….BOOM…instant candid and a whole other picture. When not immediately needed, let your head photog know you are going to shoot some details. THIS IS THE PERFECT time to go above and beyond. Go shoot the outside of the venue, any details or nick -nacks the estate may hold to tie the story together, shoot a picture of the staff, that way it can go on their business page on Facebook. COVER WHATEVER THE MAIN PHOTOG MAY HAVE MISSED. That way, when they cull your images, they see you were thinking OUTSIDE of the box, going above and beyond, and thinking like a TRUE photographer.

6. SAY THANK YOU, DONT POST YOUR IMAGES, SAY THANK YOU AGAIN!

At the conclusion on the night, THANK THEM for the opportunity. Make sure you have done everything you can for them before excusing yourself. When you get home DO NOT post any images before getting permission. PREFERABLY written permission. ALWAYS CYA! After about a week, there is nothing better than bein reminded of your appreciation in an unexpected way. WRITE THEM A HAND WRITTEN THANK YOU CARD! Tell them what you learned from the day, how you are excited for the opportunity to help again and lastly….ASK THEM WHAT YOU CAN DO BETTER NEXXXXT TIME! I promise it leaves it huge impression when you ask that!