One of the many topics we discussed was second shooting. The question of second shooting often comes up here and in other forums.
Garret Delph did a whole session on second shooters. I went to see if there was anything that I was missing. Good news: not missin' much--I'm doing it well
So going back to my convo w/ JT.... He asked, why do I want to second shoot? Well, several reasons. I'm a photographer, so I want to shoot pictures! Yes, of course I want some usage (my web site, portfolio, blog when I start it later this week). Money: I do expect to be paid (I do not expect to get rich as second) because I am competent, a good photographer, I have experience, we all need to make a living, the primary is getting paid, I play well with others, 90% + of my pics are in focus and properly exposed, I communicate effectively, I establish rapport with subjects, I do not stand in the same place and just make pics at eye level, I pay attention to where the primary is and what they are shooting and not shooting, and I can even provide references
Another reason: I like collaborating! This is one of the best parts! Shooting with other talented photographers can be very stimulating and gratifying. The value of a shared experience, and things that happen or that you shoot that you would not share with a client, but eagerly share with another photog. Maybe you overheard something from a guest about something that is going to happen, and you can give the other shooter a heads up. I'm sure most of you have your own examples.
It all makes for better and more pics, and thus a happier client.
So, with all of that said, I want to second shoot more. A LOT more!
I live in LA, shoot RAW, use Canon, will gladly shoot JPEG if that is what the primary is shooting. 30D; 16-35 f2.8L; 50 f1.4; 580 EX. I rent a 70-200 f2.8L.
On my site, gallery of Malik and Babette was shot in Temecula as a second with John Schnack; gallery of Jen and John was shot as a second with Eric Grigorian. All 3 weddings were shot in the last 2 months. I'm having some really nasty computer hardware problems that are making LR crash constantly, so there are a few pics that I have not been able to add to Malik and Babette yet.