Paul Metzgar
July 8 2008, 10:05 AM
Is it appropriate to contact photographers in your area, simply to introduce yourself and let them know of your willingness to 2nd shoot/ assist? I recently moved to a new city and would love to assist and 2nd shoot as I did in my last city, but I need to find a few photographers who are looking for help. Would emailing them to introduce myself be an appropriate thing?
Thank you,
Paul Metzgar
www.paulmetzgarphotography.com
Mariah
July 8 2008, 10:12 AM
Sure...I did when I went into business. I only heard back from one and nothing ever became of it but there's no harm in trying. I would be happy to talk w/ a photog. that just into the area and was looking for some 2nd shooting or referrals for already booked days.
Theresa Marie
July 8 2008, 01:29 PM
I was so eager to get some experience so I did what I was told on here and many other forums - to contact photographers in the area expressing my willingness to second shoot. One photographer looked at my work and thought I was trying to get inside his business and take over! Another photographer was willing to let me come, but it was a little awkward so I sent my thanks and told him to let me know when he would like to me come along, (I left the ball in his court) and two other newer photographers gladly accepted my offer and I have since shot with one of them. (It was a great experience, the photographer, Kerri McConnell, is a member on here and we have become good photographer friends! lol)
If there was a newer photographer that contacted me to come along on a wedding to second shoot to gain more experience, I would accept after they attended a wedding or two just as an assistant. (so that they could get a feel for how a wedding works)
I think everyone is different, its all about perspective. Go ahead and do it, you have nothing to lose. Just try to be as humble and subtle as possible. Offer to assist them at a wedding to get a feel for how a wedding pans out, then casually throw in the idea of letting you second shoot for them. If they do allow you to second shoot, make sure you will be able to post the images to your blog at least. : )
Good luck!