How to get started as a second shooter

[kingpatzer]

Guys,

How did you go about getting started? I'm absolutely not interested in just jumping into shooting weddings. I'm not even sure that shooting weddings is the type of photography that I really want to do. I do want experience it though as a second or third shooter to see if it's something that attracts me.

I know how to handle a camera, I have high quality gear, a back-up body, lighting, and a good attitude. I get that as a second (or third) shooter I'm going to be doing a lot more 'step and fetch it' work than using a camera, and I'm perfectly ok with that. What I don't know is how to find a job as a second shooter to begin with -- let alone how to make sure I'm working with the kind of photographer I want to associate myself with.

I'm pretty sure I want to stay away from the craigslist crowd. Not because I have a problem with 'low budget,' but because I don't want to pick up bad habits. I want to see this world from the perspective of a professional, not from the fly-by-night side of the house. So how do I find someone who is willing to take on a 40 something johnny come lately?

[Jim Bryant]

Approach an already established studio or "professional" photographer, show them a portfolio and express an interest and desire in becoming a second shooter.

[kingpatzer]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Approach an already established studio or "professional" photographer, show them a portfolio and express an interest and desire in becoming a second shooter.

The thing I'm concerned about is that my portfolio obviously doesn't include event photography.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by kingpatzer

The thing I'm concerned about is that my portfolio obviously doesn't include event photography.

I think that will matter less if what you do have in your portfolio shows vision or personal style and a level of technical expertise.

[Niresangwa]

I think the issue you're going to have is that the established Pro is already going to have an assistant they're used to working with and have trained etc.

That's my issue anyways. I do have two or three people I use casually, however, it's never preferable to do so. Not because I suck, or I'm mean or that I buy into the whole 'training your competition' idea, simply that weddings are stressful enough without having to not only worry about the day's events, but also essentially coaching a new assistant..

...by that I don't mean explaining why you're doing things, and generally teaching them your process, I simply mean helping them place lights, directing them for ancillary work and where you want them positioned etc.

My wife, my assistant-proper, isn't a serious photographer, but because she's worked with me for a while, she hands-down beats the other two who have their own portrait businesses and handle a camera very well.

I would say find someone who is in the early stages of their business and who shows some style, or find a place that has branched out into having associate photographers who while they're not the lead guy, are working in an established framework.

[prabbit237]

Originally Posted by kingpatzer

What I don't know is how to find a job as a second shooter to begin with

Well, first ya get a good rifle and scope (a .30-06 works well) and then ya have to find a good hole in the fence there up on the grassy knoll to shoot through. Oh yeah, make sure that you time your shots so that the recording on the police radio shows only 3 shots and not 4. Then put an ad in the personals: Cool shooter looking for revolutionary type. Must have spent some time in Cuba and willing to be a patsy.

JUST kidding. No, I don't really think there was some huge conspiracy although it's possible there was another person working with Oswald who got away. But I'm pretty sure he did get off three shots and that those were the ones that killed Kennedy. But i just couldn't pass up this question.