Let's Talk Tuesday: What's a Second Shooter?

Dear GG,

I really want to start shooting weddings but I don't know where to begin. I've heard photographers talk about a second shooter but I am not really sure what that is or how I can become one! What does a second shooter do? Is it just another name for a photographer's assistant?

Signed,

Wedding Wreck

Dear WW,

If you really want to dive into the crazy world of wedding photography than you definitely want to try to get a few gigs as a second shooter! Second shooting for an already established wedding photographer is a great way to get your feet wet, build up your portfolio and learn a lot about shooting weddings!

Basically, a second shooter is a photographer's assistant/secondary photographer. They are there to help the main photographer with anything they may need, whether that's getting shots from a different perspective, rounding up relatives for family photos, or even fetching a bottle of water for the main photographer. The second shooter is pretty much there to do whatever needs to be done! (Of course, sometimes the main photographer may hire an assistant to tackle some of the other duties, which would free up the second shooter to focus more on shooting... but in most cases, if you're second shooting, be prepared to do whatever is asked of you!) Remember you were hired to make the main photographer's day run smoother, so be prepared to do anything... and do it all with a smile! :)

So, what now? Well, here are some tips that will hopefully get you on the right track!

Get a gig: A good resource for finding second shooting jobs is Facebook. We are members of a ton of photography groups on FB and people are always looking for second shooters. Get out there, join some groups and rub elbows with wedding photographers! Even if you don't start out second shooting, you can always third shoot... or even just volunteer to assist for the day! Be the best assistant you can be and make a good impression.

Communication is key: Once you get the gig, make sure you communicate with the main photographer. You need to know your role! Here's a great list of some questions you might want to ask:

• What exactly is my role?  Will you be shooting all day? Just carrying gear? A little of both?
• When and how should I deliver images to you?
• Am I shooting on my cards or yours?
• What will my compensation be? HELLO. Big question right? Well, sometimes second shooters get paid, sometimes they don't. This is something you and the main photographer will have to agree on. Some second shooters are in it just for the experience and are willing to work for free. Some main photographers will let you use your images in lieu of monetary payment and some will let you use your images and throw you some cash. Figuring this out beforehand can definitely save you lots of confusion down the road.
• Can I use my images in my portfolio, on my blog, etc.? Again, this is something you and the main photographer need to agree on first. This can vary from photographer to photographer.

Follow The Rules:

• Take care of the main photographer: Carry bags, grab water, switch out lenses. Remember, on the wedding day, the main photographer has a ton of responsibilities. If there is anything you can do to help, do it!
• Dress and act like a professional. Leave the cargo shorts at home! Be polite to everyone. Don't visit the open bar.
• Never hand out your personal business cards. Just forget about your business entirely... at least for the day. When you are second shooting you are representing the main photographer. Hand out her cards!
• Do NOT shoot over the main photographer's shoulder. You are there to get shots the main photographer isn't already getting. If she is shooting a photo of the bridal party and you are standing right behind her, not only are you getting a shot that she doesn't really need, but you are also probably confusing the bridal party. They won't know where to look! Some eyes will be on her, some on you! Ugh! Nightmare! Instead...
  • Shoot from a different angle. Stand to the far right or left of the main photographer (out of frame, of course!) and get a totally different perspective of that bridal party shot! Focus on the line of bouquets or boutonnieres. Focus on the groom's nervous hands or the bride's sweet glances up at her husband. Get the candid shots between poses. Remember, you are there to get what the main photographer isn't getting! Be creative and push yourself!

• DON'T interrupt the main photographer while she's shooting and tell the guests to look at your camera. No, no, no. Unless you have been instructed to by the main photographer to get everyone looking your way,  remember all eyes on the main camera!
  • DO remind the guests to look at the main photographer. If you are off to the side shooting a different perspective (which, good job, BTW!) and you notice some wandering eyes staring into your lens, simply stop shooting, point to the main photographer and politely say, "All eyes over here, please!"
• Get the details and the candid shots. The main photographer might be busy getting the big shots, but these are also super important! Details and candid shots help tell the story, too! Always keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
• Check your ego at the door. If you are asked to shoot a boring ol' cocktail hour while the main photographer gets to gallivant around with the newlyweds during golden hour, DO it... with a smile. Sometimes second shooting means missing some of the best parts of the wedding day. You might not be asked to capture the bride getting ready or the formal portraits, but you are there to do a job and do it well, even if it isn't the most exciting task. Don't take anything personally. Just be awesome!
• SMILE! Weddings are a joyous occasion. Don't stand around looking bored or with a frown glued to your face. Have a good time!

And finally, remember to drink lots of water, get plenty of rest the day before, wear comfy shoes and, this is very important, wear deodorant. Trust us.

Good luck!

Xoxo!

Golden Girls

If you have a question for Let's Talk Tuesday, email us hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!

Let's Talk Tuesday: How do I get clients?

Dear Golden Girls,

This sounds silly, but I need advice. I launched my business about a year ago and things were going great. There was so much interest and I was so busy! But lately, things have really died down. I get a few inquiries once in a while and a couple people book, but it is definitely not like it was a year ago! I'm starting to think this was a mistake. Please help! How do I get clients interested and booked?

Starving Artist

Dear Starving Artist,

First off, congratulations on starting your business and sticking it out so far! That's a huge accomplishment! We totally get where you are in your journey and hopefully we can help you figure this out!

You have to understand that businesses go through seasons... some seasons are busier than others. When you first started, of course interest was up! We're willing to bet that before you officially went into business, you had a lot of friends and family begging you to take their photos, right? Well, after you launched, a lot of those people were ready to book! And their friends saw the photos and wanted to book! And so on and so on...

But after that you noticed things went south. This could have been caused by a lot of things. Maybe your pricing is off for your area? What about your branding? Are you putting yourself out there and really showcasing what makes you and your business special? If you aren't sure, we recommend reading some of our previous blogs on branding. (Here and here!) See if there's anything you can change!

Something to remember though, is that you have only been in business for a year... maybe your initial clients only want yearly photos? The key to fixing that, is luring them back in! Maybe try offering your previous clients a special sale price or free prints or something really snazzy! Get them excited again!

If you've fixed all that needs fixing and tried luring in your old clients but things are still slow, here are a few other ideas you might want to try:

1. Host a mini-session special! Shorter session = smaller price! Make sure you're not losing too much money, but also make sure it's exciting enough to get people's attention!

2. Keep posting on Facebook and Instagram, even if business is slow! Dig up some of your favorite images from past sessions. Tag your clients! Keep your social media accounts active. You want to be sure you are still popping up in your fans' newsfeeds!

3. Speaking of which... find your ideal clientele and offer them something special! Maybe consider offering a FREE or super discounted session. (Only if you're comfortable with that, of course!) After you rock their session, be sure to encourage them to spread the word! Offer incentives, like free prints or discounted sessions, in exchange for referrals! And, of course, be sure to post those photos online like crazy! Tag your clients! If these people are your ideal clients, there's a good chance that those in their social circle are your ideal clients, as well! You want their friends to see your work and book sessions, too!

These are just a few ways you might be able to get people interested again. And remember, it takes a while to build a solid business. Get through the slow periods and you're golden!

Xoxo!

Golden Girls

If you have a question for Let's Talk Tuesday, email us hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!

Let's Talk Tuesday: Shoes!

Dear Golden Girls,

I just started photographing weddings and my feet are killing me! Standing for 10+ hours is not something I'm used to. At the end of the night I can barely walk. What do you recommend?  I don't think it professional to wear my cross trainers at a wedding, but they are the only comfortable shoes I have.

Sincerely,

Swollen Sally

Dear Swollen Sally,

Oh, we've been there! I've made the mistake of wearing new boots to a wedding and my poor feet were a blistered mess for a week after. Of course, you want to look professional and polished when you're shooting weddings... but standing all day can really do a number on your feet. Don't worry, though... there are some great options in the shoe world! You can be professional and comfortable at the same time!

• Toms: Mostly comfortable, made with breathable fabrics that keep your feet dry and pretty darn cute.
• Hush Puppies: Super comfortable, many styles to choose from.
• Born: Ballet Flats are super comfy, handmade, stylish.
• Frye: Most Comfortable boots, super cute

We also recommend packing a pair of flip flops with your gear or leaving a pair in your car. We can't tell you how many times we've hobbled back to the car after a long day and threw those suckers on for some immediate relief.

Hope that helps!

Xoxo!

Golden Girls

If you have a question for Let's Talk Tuesday, email us hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!

Let's Talk Tuesday: Why should I attend a workshop?

Dear Golden Girls,

I am just starting to turn my photography hobby into something more serious and I am on a very tight budget. I'm very curious about workshops, but honestly, and please don't get offended, I feel like they are kind of a waste of money. Wouldn't it be better for me to spend money on new props or equipment? Are workshops really that important?

Sincerely,

Penny Pinchin' Photog

Dear Penny,

We want to first start by saying congratulations on deciding to turn your hobby into something more! We are sure this is a very exciting time for you!

Jumping into the photography world can be overwhelming... especially in the beginning! It's a new adventure and you want to soak up as much information as you can! You subscribe to all the photography magazines, memorize the B&H catalogs, and dig through so MUCH information online. These are all awesome tools to have right at your fingertips... but it's also easy to get lost or feel alone!

One of the coolest things about attending workshops, is that you not only hone your skills and learn new things, but you also meet and network with people that are in the same boat as you. The friendships you make can be essential when you are looking for a second shooter, have an unexpected camera malfunction or need a suggestion for a new location.

The short answer to your question? Yes, workshops can be pricey but the information you receive and the connections you make are priceless.

If you are on the fence about attending a workshop because of the price, look for a small workshop in your area. (You might even find some free meet-ups or shootouts!) We would suggest testing the waters with a simple beginner workshop!

We know you are on a tight budget, but if you invest in yourself and your education, you can't lose!

And while having new equipment is always nice, you might want to remember that skill is something you acquire by practice... not by purchasing new shiny toys!

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Plus, if you start buying equipment just because you think it will take your work to the next level, you might end up with something you never even needed in the first place! We've been there. Purchasing some random photography related item (i.e. a kit lens, an off brand lens, some crazy complicated gadget... who knows?!) and then later realizing they didn't work for us at all and we kinda wasted our money.

When you attend a workshop, you have the opportunity to meet other photographers and ask them about the equipment you have your eye on! You can get their opinion on that lens that's on your wishlist. Some workshops even have rental companies present to let you test-drive equipment on the spot!

Obviously, we are big proponents of the benefits of attending workshops and that is because we seriously believe that hands-on experience is truly the best way to learn. When you're at home watching a video or reading a book, you can't really stop and ask someone for help. When you're at a workshop, surrounded by people who share your passion, you can stop and ask for help or clarification... or even a hands-on demonstration!

We at Golden Girls believe in creating a safe and fun space where no question is too little and no dream is too big. There are no silly questions! We all started at some point and we are here to help!

Of course, we would love to have you attend a Golden Girls Workshop in the future! We have some fun events planned, including an Editing 101 Workshop this weekend and a Photography Basic Workshop next month!

If you're ready to dive in, here are a few tips to help you find a workshop that suits you best:

• What skill level you are at? Look for workshops that will help you at your current level. If you are at an advanced level, look for workshops that focus on things you are currently struggling with.
• Do your research! Check out the photographer(s), work and look for any reviews on past workshops. Make sure to choose a workshop where the host has the style you aspire to be,  or at least the same type of photography you are interested in.
• Know the cost and make sure you can afford it. You don't want to put too much of a burden on your finances. The stress alone will be too much and you'll put too much pressure on yourself to make your money back quickly. Workshops can start at $50.00 and go all the way to $2,500! (Yes, some workshops actually cost that much!) Golden Girls believe in keeping the costs down as much as possible because we've been there! We know what it's like to be on a tight budget.

Good luck... and remember to keep learning!

Xoxo!

Golden Girls

If you have a question for Let's talk Tuesday, shoot us an email hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!

Let's Talk Tuesday: Facebook makes my photos look bad!

Dear Golden Girls,

 I spend so much time editing my photos and getting them just right, then I post them to Facebook and they are wonky! The look either blurry or way too grainy. What's going on? Is FB trying to make me go gray?

Sincerely,

Facebook Smacebook

Dear Facebook Smacebook,

   This is something that frustrates us to no end. Just when we think we've figured out the perfect dimensions,  Facebook goes and changes it all up. There are a few things you can do to help improve your image quality on Facebook, though! Two things we here at Golden Girls suggest:

1. Get blogstomp! This is an awesome program that resizes and compresses your photos in one quick click of the mouse. Bonus, it usually stays updated just as much as Facebook does (more or less) so it's typically the best way to share your photos via social media.
2. Resize your image to 1040 on the longest side. Resize the DPI to 72. These numbers are subject to change based on Facebook being Facebook, of course... but for now, these are the dimensions we use when posting images to Facebook.

Xoxo!

Golden Girls

If you have a Let's Talk Tuesday question for us, please send an email to hello@goldengirlsworkshops.com!