Second Shooter Opportunities

Taking advantage of second shooter opportunities is one of the quickest and most enjoyable ways to grow as a wedding photographer. You get to experience the full flow of a wedding day without the pressure of being the one in charge, which means you’re free to observe, experiment, and learn as things unfold.

You’ll see how real timelines work, how quickly lighting can change, and how to react when things don’t go exactly to plan — all of which are difficult to practise anywhere else. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to build a stronger, more varied portfolio. You’ll capture guests’ reactions, different angles of key moments, candid details, and scenes the lead photographer simply can’t get to at the same time.

If you’d like to see the kind of moments I aim to capture, have a look at my Weddings Gallery.

Second shooting also gives you a better understanding of how to move around a wedding discreetly and respectfully. You learn how to anticipate moments, how to stay out of the lead photographer’s way, and how to spot interesting shots that others might miss. And perhaps best of all, you get to learn in a relaxed environment where mistakes aren’t career-ending — they’re just part of the process.

It’s a genuine, hands-on education in everything that makes wedding photography so rewarding.

I’m not looking for perfection or years of experience. What matters far more is attitude. If you’re enthusiastic, reliable, and genuinely enjoy working with people, you’re already halfway there.

The main things I look for are pretty simple:

• Reliability and good timekeeping
Weddings run on tight schedules. Turning up on time, prepared, and ready to go makes the whole day smoother for everyone.

• A friendly, professional manner
You’ll be chatting with guests, blending into the background, and representing both of us. A calm, positive approach goes a long way.

• A willingness to help wherever needed
Sometimes second shooting means grabbing extra angles. Sometimes it means helping to move a chair, hold a light, or fetch a forgotten bouquet. A team mindset really matters.

• Comfort with candid shooting
Most of what I ask you to capture will be natural moments — reactions, guests laughing, small details, and alternative angles of key events.

• Respect for the couple, the venue, and the flow of the day
There’s a real skill in moving around quietly without drawing attention. If you’re naturally considerate, you’ll be great at this.

• Basic familiarity with your camera gear
You don’t need the latest equipment. You just need to know your camera well enough that you’re not fighting with it during important moments.

You don’t have to be an expert. I’m looking for someone who’s eager to learn, easy to work with, and able to bring a supportive, professional presence to the day.

On a wedding day, teamwork is everything. A good second shooter doesn’t just give me more coverage — they give the couple a richer set of memories. We’re there to support each other, stay organised, and make sure we don’t miss anything important.

Before the day, I’ll talk you through the timeline so you know exactly what to expect. We’ll agree who covers which parts of the day, and I’ll explain any specific shots I’d like you to focus on. That means you can turn up confident and prepared, rather than guessing what’s coming next.

During the ceremony and key moments, I’ll take the lead angle, and you’ll capture the reactions, the guest expressions, and the details happening around us. These shots often end up being some of the couple’s favourites because they show moments I simply can’t see from my position.

Throughout the day, we’ll stay in quiet communication so we’re not duplicating shots or getting in each other’s way. If I’m shooting something close and intimate, you might step back and grab a wide scene-setter. If I’m covering portraits, you might wander off and capture the guests enjoying themselves. The idea is to build a complete story between us.

You can also learn more about how I approach the day on my Wedding Photography page.

I keep things relaxed and friendly, and I’m always open to suggestions. If you spot a great angle or a lovely moment, go for it. The whole point of working together is to get the best coverage possible — and two creative minds are always better than one.

I shoot with a Nikon camera, but you don’t need to. You’re welcome to use whatever system you’re most comfortable with — DSLR or mirrorless — as long as it allows you to change lenses. Weddings move fast, and a camera with interchangeable lenses gives you the flexibility you need for different parts of the day.

You don’t need a huge kit bag. What matters much more is that you understand the gear you have and can use it confidently. Being able to adjust settings quickly, switch lenses without stress, and keep your camera steady in low light makes a real difference during important moments.

Two things you will definitely need are at least one spare battery and at least one spare memory card. Wedding days are long, and there’s nothing worse than your camera dying right in the middle of the speeches or the first dance. If you’ve got an extra battery (or two), as well as a spare memory card, you’re already ahead of the game. I always have a spare camera as well, as weddings are a once in a lifetime experience and I’d hate to miss important moments that could happen if a camera malfunctions.

For lighting, I use the Godox system along with the X2T trigger and a handful of portable flashes. You don’t need matching gear, but if you do use Godox, it makes coordinating off-camera lighting much smoother. If not, that’s absolutely fine — you can still focus on natural light candids and guest reactions while I cover the flash work.

I shoot with dual card slots for backup, and if your camera has that option, it’s a big plus. After the wedding, you’ll send me your RAW files and I’ll handle the editing so everything looks consistent for the couple. You’re welcome to use selected images in your portfolio once they’ve received their gallery, and if I share any of your shots, I’ll always credit you. Note that Portfolio use excludes commercial or advertising use.

We’ll go over all of this before the day so you know exactly what to bring and how everything runs. The aim is to keep things simple and stress-free — especially if you’re still building confidence with weddings.

Second shooting isn’t just about helping me out — it’s about giving you real wedding photography experience that actually moves you forward. My aim is to make sure you walk away from each wedding with new skills, new confidence, and a growing sense of how the whole day fits together from start to finish.

In a second photographer role, you’ll have the chance to build a stronger, more varied portfolio with images you simply couldn’t get on your own. You’ll see how I approach different parts of the day, from quiet preparation through to the dance floor, and you’ll get to observe how I handle the trickier moments too. It’s a relaxed way to learn without the pressure of being responsible for every single shot.

I’m also happy to offer feedback if you’d like it — on composition, timing, technique, or anything else you’re curious about. And just as you’re supporting me on the day, I’m more than willing to return the favour. If you ever need a second shooter for your own weddings, I’m always open to helping out where I can.

I always pay my second shooters for their time, and we can discuss the details when we arrange a booking. More than anything, you’ll be part of a trusting, collaborative partnership where you can learn at your own pace and feel fully supported.

If you’re interested in second shooting and would like to chat about working together, I’d love to hear from you. A quick introduction and a link to your portfolio (or a small selection of recent images) is all I need to get a feel for your style and experience level. You don’t need a huge body of work — enthusiasm and reliability matter far more.

The easiest way to get in touch is through my website’s Get in Touch page, but you’re welcome to email me directly if you prefer. Let me know a little about yourself, the gear you use, and what sort of experience you’re hoping to build. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, and we can go from there.

Here are a few common questions photographers often ask about second shooter opportunities.

Taking advantage of second shooter opportunities is one of the best ways to grow as a photographer, build confidence, and learn what really happens on a wedding day. It’s also a great way to meet other photographers, share ideas, and enjoy being part of a supportive creative community. If you’re looking for real wedding photography experience in a friendly, relaxed environment, this could be the perfect next step for you. I’m always happy to help newer photographers find their feet, and I’m excited to meet others who feel the same way about capturing genuine moments. If this sounds like a good fit, get in touch — I’d love to hear from you.