Bre Thurston’s Guide

TO SECOND SHOOTING

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 Introduction
So, you think you want to shoot weddings? As someone who has been in the
wedding photography business since 2010 I can assure you that it’s rewarding, exciKng, and
saKsfying. It is also challenging- emoKonally, physically, technically, and financially. Is it worth it?
Absolutely yes, as long as you go about it correctly. You’re here, so you’ve taken a great first step.
Congrats!

If you don’t care to read about my journey feel free to skip the next couple of paragraphs but I
personally like to hear the stories of how other’s got started in wedding photography so I’m going
to tell you guys how I got here.

In 2009 I was working an office job in publishing. I had purchased my first DSLR in late 2007 and
had been slowly playing around and teaching myself how to become a be[er photographer. I
would do shoots for friends here and there and just like everyone else, with more pracKce I got
be[er and be[er. One of my co-workers was ge\ng married and confessed to me that they
weren’t hiring a photographer because it wasn’t in their very limited budget. Never one to shy
away from a challenge, I volunteered to do it for $300. I had never shot a wedding before, in fact
I had never even second shot. Outside of my own wedding I had zero experiences with weddings,
having only a[ended 2 or 3 as a guest. I certainly didn’t have any wedding photographer friends
or mentors to tell me that it was a bad idea to shoot someone’s wedding with zero experience.
But, I did shoot his wedding and it went well. They loved their photos (especially for only $300)
and were very thankful that I was there to document their day. Were they masterpieces? Heck
no. Were they technically decent? Eh, maybe…?

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

A=er that first wedding I was in love- hook, line, and sinker. I loved shooDng that
wedding. I loved the anDcipaDon, the chaos, the authenDc moments, the raw
emoDons. I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my newly discovered photography skills. I decided
to reach out to the woman who photographed my wedding in 2005 and ask her if I could assist or second
shoot with her and she kindly said yes. I was able to finally watch someone more experienced than me
photograph a higher end wedding. She was organized, professional, creaKve, and I loved every moment. I
loved working with her that day and challenging myself to see things from a prospecKve that was unique to
hers. I loved finding things to shoot that maybe she was missing because she was busy with the bride and
groom. Second shooKng gave me the joy and saKsfacKon of shooKng a wedding without all of the pressure.

In 2010 I lef my job and devoted myself to my photography business. I focused on weddings and the rest is
history. From that first $300 wedding I built a brand and a business that helps support my family, fulfills all
of my creaKve desires, and has introduced me to some amazing people, places and their stories.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

GETTING STARTED

As I sit here and write this I wonder what led you here? What has made you want to
photograph weddings? There is no right or wrong answer but regardless, it’s something
I’d like you to think about.

What is your photography background?

What has drawn you to photograph weddings?
What do you an6cipate will be your greatest challenge?
What do you see as being the best reward?

Not everyone is suited for wedding photography if I am being completely honest. I truly
believe that anyone can do anything they set their mind to, but forcing yourself to do
something vs. doing it out of love and passion is another. Would you want a wedding
photographer who was only “meh” about shooKng your big day? If you feel “meh” about
anything photography related I encourage you to step back and really re-evaluate. Hate
shooKng newborns? Don’t do it. Hate ediKng? Consider outsourcing. Hate blogging?
Hire someone or just don’t do it. There are many jobs where you are stuck doing what
you hate but this isn’t one of those jobs. The beauty of running your own business is
that you can make changes!

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

Okay, so we’ve established that you definitely
want to try shooKng a wedding. This is good,
the desire is there! Now let’s discuss what needs
to happen before you dive in. Obviously this is a
guide to second shooKng so what do you think
I’m going to tell you first? Yep, you need to try
second shooKng.
Let’s prepare.
If you can check off the following skills you are
ready to second shoot:
•  Do you understand the relaKonship that ISO,
aperture, and shu[er speed play in the
creaKon of your photograph?
•  Are you comfortable shooKng in full manual
mode? Meaning, not only do you understand
the relaKonships of the items above but can
you change your se\ngs quickly and without
much thought?
•  Do you have a basic understanding of how to
shoot in low light as well as full sun?
•  Can you consistently create images that are
in focus?
•  Do you understand the basic rules of
composiKon, such as rule of thirds?
BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
If you answered “No” to any of the above does
that mean that you can’t second shoot? Well, I
would encourage you to spend a couple of
months really pracKcing and fine-tuning your
skills first. A wedding is not the place to pracKce.
At home, try shooKng in the dark with both high
ISO and flash. Go out during the day and pose a
subject in full sun. PracKce quickly adjusKng
your se\ngs unKl you no longer have to look at
the bu[ons you are pushing or the wheels you
are spinning. Research the rule of thirds and
apply it to every image you shoot unKl you do it
without even thinking.
“But I’m just second shoo6ng. Does it really
ma@er? I just want to get some experience and
see if I even like weddings.”
Yes, it does ma[er, because even if you’re
working for free you need to be able to offer
value to the main photographer. Take pride in
the images you hand over, know that you are an
asset and not just someone tagging along for
their own benefit. I promise you that if you
focus, really focus on pracKcing what I
menKoned above that in just a few months you
will likely be ready to dive in to second shooKng.
 The Gear Talk
What does one need to be able
to successfully second shoot a
wedding?
• Two camera bodies
• A wide lens that will work in Kght spaces
• A long lens that will work from afar
• Two flashes
• At least two ba[eries per camera
• Large CF/SD cards, size depends on your
camera model
“Two bodies and two flashes? But I’m
not the main shooter. Do I really need
back up equipment?”
Yes. As a wedding photographer you need to
start now – prepare for the worst but expect the
best. Imagine you’re second shooKng an
awesome wedding and your only camera body
fails. You’re either done for the day or you need
to ask the main shooter to borrow one of their
bodies. Not ideal, in fact, it’s the epitome of
unprofessional. The same can be said for your
flash. There are Kmes when you literally cannot
shoot without flash, such as a very dark recepKon
for dancing. If your only flash fails you are done
BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
shooKng. So, have two. I know that it’s expensive
and might be redundant to have gear x2 but
you’re going to need them as a primary shooter
so get them now.
“Do I need top of the line gear?”
No. At the point where you are doing this as a
primary shooter it is nice to have the best gear,
but it’s never fully necessary. You simply need
gear that you are comfortable using in all
scenarios (especially low light). You do not need L
lenses or name brand flashes. Ofen Kmes the
cheaper version of a lens (like the non-L vs the L)
will work just as well as the more expensive
version. Great gear does not make you a great
photographer, as I think we all know afer seeing
Uncle Bobs with $20k in gear sKll shooKng in
Auto.
It’s always nice to discuss your gear with the main
photographer before the wedding. Let them
know what you have and what you may be
lacking. They may have you use one of their
lenses for part of the day or you may find out
that you don’t need to bring all of your lenses.
For example, my second shooters do not need to
bring a macro lens since I only use it for a handful
of shots and always bring my own.
 HOW TO BOOK SECOND
SHOOTING GIGS

Okay, you’re ready to do this! You’ve got your skills down, your gear is solid for
weddings, you are excited…now what?! Find a wedding to second shoot of course. For
some people this may be the scariest aspect. “You mean…I need to reach out to
someone and ask if I can second shoot?” Damn straight! You’ve got this.

There it is. Ask.

If you have any wedding photographer friends definitely start there. Having
connecKons within the industry definitely comes in handy when you’re ge\ng started
and I am always willing to have a friend of mine come and second shoot/assist. If you
don’t have anyone you’d consider a friend or direct connecKon, look for secondary
connecKons, friends of friends. SKll coming up short? Here’s where things get fun.
Reach out to a stranger. Find someone that you’d love to shoot with and send them an
email.

• Introduce yourself
• Explain your desire to second shoot and why you’re reaching out to them
specifically
• Be honest and up front with your experience, even if you have none
• Briefly tell them about your gear, but don’t make it a novel. If they need to know
more that will be addressed later on once they say yes.
• Be warm, personal, and sound excited by the opportunity to work with them. If I
sense that I received a blanket email sent to 5 different people I am much less likely
to respond favorably.
• If they don’t reply or say no, don’t be discouraged. Maybe email one more Kme if
no response before moving on, and if they say no, thank them for their Kme.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 As a photographer I am drawn
to airy, filmy styles using
natural light. Should I only
seek out main photographers
with my same style?

”
Yes and no. While I do think it’s
important to shoot in the style of the
main photographer so that your images
mesh well in their final gallery, there is
something to be said for stepping
outside of your box. I learned more
shooKng for a guy who’s style was
extremely different than mine than I did
shooKng for photographers who have a
style that is similar to my own. That
being said, even if you get the
opportunity to work with someone with
a similar style there is sKll so much you
can learn – how they pose, how they
interact with clients, how they see
things, etc.

To this day I will s6ll occasionally second

shoot. I love switching rolls and
reminding myself how to think like a
second shooter, working hard to find
unique angles and moments. This was
from a wedding I shot with Chloe
Ramirez (www.chloeramirezphoto.com)

I think it’s fantasKc to eventually second

shoot for many different photographers.
You can and will learn from each and
every one of them because no two
wedding photographers are exactly alike.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 BEFORE THE WEDDING

If the main photographer has not already gone over the terms with you,
reach out and make sure that you’re both on the same page.

• Will you be paid, and if so, how much?

• How many hours will they need you and where do you need to be?
• Get the couple’s name (sounds silly, but talk about awkward showing
up to photograph the guys and not even knowing the groom’s name!)
• When will you sync cameras?
• Will you be shooKng on their cards or your own (or both)?
• Anything specific they want you to know about this wedding or the
couple?
• Are you allowed to use the images and what terms would they like
you to follow if so?

Make sure that you and the main photographer exchange phone
numbers and NEVER be late!

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

How to
Second Shoot
like a Boss
Let’s get to the fun stuff!

What makes a killer second shooter? What will make the

main photographer think, “Dang, they were a huge asset
to me and got great images”? It’s pre[y simple, actually.
You don’t even have to be the most amazing
photographer out there to make a great second shooter.
Some of my favorite second shooters were people with
limited experience but major hustle.

The single most important thing to me in a quality second

shooter is how they consider the client’s final gallery and
how they can make it larger/stronger. Okay, let’s break
that down. What can you as the second shooter add to
increase a final gallery?

Details – Look around and observe all of the details of

the wedding day, from items in the bridal suite to the
recepKon site. It can be a pull back of the front of the
venue, signs, flowers, the lace on a bride’s dress, a
newspaper with the wedding date on it, a cute text on
the groom’s phone, the beer they are drinking…all of
those li[le details that a main photographer could miss
during the hustle and bustle of the day.

Venue details by my second shooter, Bree Walker

(www.katherinebreewalker.com)
Do shoot these details cleanly and clearly. Don’t try to get so creaKve that you spend too much Kme on
it. These shots should be quick and simple.

People – Be hyper aware of the people at the wedding, not just the couple. Chances are that the main
shooter is glued to the couple and bridal party, so make it your job to focus on everyone else. Especially
pay a[enKon to parents and family members! I just recently had a second shooter who took wonderful
photos of guests as they sat and watched the ceremony. She captured their smiles and laughs while I was
shooKng the couple up at the alter. I think those shots alone added 30 images to my final gallery and I
know that my clients are going to be extremely grateful.

GePng ready details by my second shooter, Jo Clark (www.bluella.com)

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 Guests during ceremony by my
second shooter Kim Heath
(www.kimheathphotography.com)

Guest candids during cocktail hour

by my second shooter, Heather
Avrech (www.heatheravrech.com)

Do observe everyone at the wedding and make it a goal to take at least one keep-able (I made up that word)
image of every person in a[endance. If you don’t get everyone that’s okay, but be that diligent in your
a[empt. Don’t get focused on just cute kids, pre[y people, or people in the best light. The couple doesn’t
need 20 photos of a friend from college’s toddler just because you thought they were cute. I know, I know…
no fun, and I’m occasionally guilty, but again always be considering what will ma[er to the couple. This starts
with you as a second shooter and will carry over to how you shoot as a main photographer.

“Grip and grins” – Yuck, I hate that saying but it’s one that you might hear around so I’m going to go over it. A
“grip and grin” simply means asking someone if you can take their photo and having them pose/be camera
aware. These are not the most fun to take and you might even feel awkward asking people, but trust me,
these shots are hugely valuable. Let’s think about it for a second. Say you’re a guest at a wedding. Chances are
you’ve spent a chunk of Kme planning your outfit and ge\ng dressed up. You may have even had to nail
down a babysi[er to have a fun night out with your significant others. Who doesn’t want a photo of
themselves on a night like that? By going up to people and asking to take their photo you are giving them
something that they like, want, and appreciate. So, be a pal and take those shots for your main photographer!
They will all end up the gallery and earn major brownie points.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 I aim to get full length grip
and grins. Guests love to
see their en6re outfit,
down to the shoes!

”
BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
Moments - There is nothing more valuable than the capture of an authenKc moment. Moments happen
lef and right on a wedding day, and not just amongst the couple and their bridal party. Always be scanning
the scene to see what might be happening. Look for people laughing, crying, loving, or being silly. While it
may be easier for you to spot details or to do grip and grins of the guests, try to remember the importance
of storytelling. The main photographer is likely on the hunt for these moments as well, but they can’t be in
two places at once. You serve as a second pair of eyes to seek out and document these stories. Be quick,
always be aware, and have your camera in your hand and ready to shoot. Moments can happen quickly and
second shooKng is great pracKce for when you’re the main photographer and the job of telling a couple’s
story is yours and yours alone.

Here are a few 6mes when you’re almost always likely to find some great moments
• Parents reacKons during the ceremony
• Guests laughing during toasts
• People hanging out by the bar
• The bridal party’s reacKons as the bride walks down the aisle
• The bride’s mother during the father/daughter dance

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 My second shooter,
Rachel Simpson
(www.rachelsimpsonpho
tography.com) took
both candids of the
guys as well as portraits
of the groom.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

Lens Choice
and Position
I have a personal rule when second shooKng –
never have the same lens on your camera as the
main photographer. If he’s shooKng with an 85, I
will use a 35. If he’s using a 24-70, I will use a
70-200. This is a great rule to abide by so you
never get the exact same shot as the main
shooter. There are a couple excepKons to this but
I suggest you start by following this rule.

You should also never shoot over their shoulder,

or even really next to them unless they specifically
ask you to. Always be aware of where the main
photographer is and move yourself into a unique
posiKon. Shoot low or off to the side. Keep
moving unKl you’re sure that your shot will be
totally unique to theirs. If you find yourself next to
the main photographer, move. If the main
photographer asks you to help them with couples
portraits this is especially important. It’s so easy to
accidentally get a repeKKve shot that your main
shooter will likely toss because he has a be[er
one. This is also a Kme that can be really fun and
challenging for you and the main reason I like
second shooKng. I love being forced to look for
something different. This mentality forces you to
think creaKvely. Some of my favorite shots in a
gallery are ofen my second shooters because
they are super interesKng. As the second shooter
you have the luxury of not having to get the “safe”
shot. Take risks and play!

During bride and groom portraits my second

shooter, Alice Che (www.aliceche.com) chose to
use a wide 6lt shiX while I used my 85mm.

While it ini6ally seemed that this portrait could

only be shot from one angle, my second shooter,
Chloe Ramirez, found that she could shoot
through the front of the car’s window while I
shot from the side. I actually prefer her image.
 While I was
photographing the
bride alone in the
stairwell, my second
shooter, Tiffany Zabala
(www.tiffanyzabalapho
tography.com) noticed
the groom watching
from around the
corner which made for
a great shot.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
While I photographed the detail of the bride’s dress from the side with my 85mm, my second shooter
Ashley Vos (www.ashleyvosphotography.com) photographed a wide, pulled back shot.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

My second shooter at this wedding, Rachel
Simpson, captured a nice photo of the groom
and groomsman watching on as I photographed
the bride and bridesmaids.

Stay Busy - There is almost always

something to shoot. As a main shooter it
really bothers me if I look over and see a
second shooter just standing around. Of
course there are Kmes when we can relax
a bit, sit down to eat dinner, use the
bathroom, and grab water but make sure
that you’re working hard at all other Kmes.
I expect my second shooters to hustle just
as much as I do, even more. Maybe I’m
just a demanding boss, but ge\ng your
hustle on as a second shooter is never a
bad thing, so make it your goal. If you
truly feel like there is nothing to shoot,
think harder. Don’t shoot just for the sake
of shooKng, but explore the venue, find
more people, and search for more
moments.

While I was second shoo6ng for

Chloe Ramriez I realized I wasn’t much
of a help while she did posed
bridesmaid photos, so I quickly posed
the flower girl/groom’s daughter for a
solo shot.

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

 How to Represent the
Main Shooter
On top of taking killer photos it’s also
important that you are a great employee to the
main shooter. This isn’t something that’s talked
about much, but having had both amazing
experiences and terrible experiences I feel that
I can speak to this and share some important
insights with you so you don’t make any
avoidable mistakes.
You are there to work for the main shooter.
While you may hope to walk away with some
images for your porsolio, always remember
that at this wedding you are an extension of
the main photographer’s brand and business.
You represent them in every way, shape and
form. If you do something in poor taste, it
reflects badly on the main photographer. So
what do I mean exactly? This means that when
a guest asks you if you have a website, you
give them the main shooter’s website, “I’m
actually working for X-Photographer, their site
is www.xphotographer.com - he’s over there if
you want to chat with him!” Do not ever give
your own informaKon to anyone at a wedding,
no ma[er what. Never insinuate that you are
the main photographer but instead deflect to
the main.
Take a back seat unless otherwise directed.
One of my pet peeves are second shooters
who speak ahead of me when we are
addressed as a group. I get it, I’m a type-A
extrovert and it’s hard for me to not
immediately pipe up or chime in during a group
conversaKon, but when it comes to second
shooKng I know to bite my tongue and let the
main photographer be their primary
representaKve. It could be as simple as a
bridesmaid asking, “Are you guys based around
here?” or a guest saying, “Did you guys get
some great shots today?” However, if you are
not standing next to the main and someone
talks to you, absolutely be friendly! Also feel
free to engage people in brief conversaKon so
you’re not a total bump on a log. Just keep in
mind that the main is the one who wants and
needs to make an impression, you are her
wing-man.
Be on your best behavior, always. I think things
like, “Don’t grab a beer from the bar” and
“Don’t grind with a groomsman during the
dancing” are pre[y clear “Avoids”. Ha! This also
means that no ma[er what you should always
be polite to guests and other vendors. I once
had a second shooter who didn’t like the meal
she was served. She rudely went to the
catering staff and demanded something
different. I was horrified. I also once had a
second shooter using the f-word in the office
of the priest as we waited for him to come out
and explain the rules of his church.
 GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

Here are a few things that can earn you major extra brownie points with the main shooter

• Bring them water during posed family photos or afer the posed couples photos
• Carry their bag when you guys change locaKons
• Help ask people to scoot back and give the main photographer room during family photos (nicely
of course)
• Offer to cover things so they can take a bathroom break
• Help get silverware or place se\ngs when it’s Kme for you guys to eat dinner
• Ask her if she would like any nice behind the scenes photos of her shooKng (I personally love
that!)

SomeKmes the smallest things can make the greatest impression.

I was doing formal family photos and the girl who acted as the dog’s handler during the
ceremony needed to be included in a photo, so we needed someone to hold the dog (Fitz!) on
his leash. Chloe immediately offered. Talk about going above and beyond! I don’t think “Dog
Handler” is in the job descrip6on, but I was impressed!

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017

BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
 After the Wedding
I’m going to start with some bullet points
because it’s pre[y simple. If you are allowed
the share images:
• Never tag the clients on social media
• Do not friend request the clients or contact
them in any way
• Do not tag/hashtag other vendors or the
venue
• Always tag/link to the main photographer
when you share. This includes your blog and
social media. It should be extremely clear
that you were second shooKng and not the
main.
• Do not blog the wedding unKl afer the
main photographer does, unless she says it’s
okay
• Do not go crazy sharing images. Keep it
brief.
Okay, so why are these “rules” in place?
You don’t tag clients on social media because
then you run the risk of them seeing your
images first and deflecKng credit from the main
photographer to you.
You do not friend request the clients because
the main photographer has earned the right to
that relaKonship and referral base.
Don’t tag vendors because then they might re-
share your images instead of the main
photographers.
Link back to the main photographer because
it’s the right thing to do and you should never
BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017
falsely lead people to think that you were a
main photographer on a wedding when you
were not.
Don’t blog the wedding unKl afer the main
because if the client were to see that, their
excitement might be dulled when they see the
main photographer’s gallery/post since they’ve
already seen images from their wedding.
Womp womp, no fun, right? I know that when
you’re new this is very hard. I was once guilty
of half of these things and I was lucky enough
to have the main photographer call me and
gently explain to me why he wanted me to edit
my blog post. Let me tell you, that meant a lot
to me. He could have simply never hired me
again and been pissed but instead I learned
how to be a be[er second shooter. It’s really
not unKl you’re a seasoned main shooter that
you see the value in some of this and why it’s
important. Hopefully you can trust me here J
At the end of the day it’s hard a** work to be a
wedding photographer. It’s hard to book great
clients and it’s a huge accomplishment to earn
that business, successfully shoot a wedding,
and leave with a strong new client relaKonship.
We never want to take any of that away from
the main photographer. At some point you will
be in their shoes and hope for second shooters
that build you up, support you, and advocate
for you on a wedding day and beyond. In
return, you may be rewarded with more
second shooKng gigs, loads of experience, and
hopefully referrals.
 Let’s Connect!
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BRE THURSTON PHOTOGRAPHY // © 2017