Second Shooter at weddings

[NicoleScraps]

Hi guys, just wondering what the typical standard is for transferring photos from the 2nd shooter to the contracted photographer at weddings?
Do you typically present the client with two seperate proof galleries, one from the 1st and one from the 2nd? Do you package them all together under the 1st's brand name? What about the sales? Do you pay the 2nd shooter a flat rate for their time and keep all profit from print sales? or do you commision the sales to them?
I am trying to work this out and am not sure what the standard is.
Thanks so much!

[Niresangwa]

Everything shot on the day belongs to me. I release the assistant's cards back to them after downloading, they can use what they want unless I've included it in the portfolio presented to the client.

I wouldn't expect to get anything more than flat rate pay, and use of images the lead photographer discarded.

As usual, this comes with the caveat that I don't seem to do things according to the industry standard.

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Everything shot on the day belongs to me. I release the assistant's cards back to them after downloading, they can use what they want unless I've included it in the portfolio presented to the client.

I wouldn't expect to get anything more than flat rate pay, and use of images the lead photographer discarded.

As usual, this comes with the caveat that I don't seem to do things according to the industry standard.

Interesting and useful info, as usual Steve. My potential 2nd is arguing with me that she wants to edit her own images then deliver to me. I might have to cut her loose and find someone else. I need for the delivered images to have consistency and I don't think that two different editors is the way to do it.

[candleman]

When I second shoot, the agreement is that I can use the images only in a printed portfolio.. not online (which is fair enough)

I give her my cards after the Wedding, and she handles everyting frm there.

From the clients perspective, your company doesn;t exist.. you are essentially an employee of the Primary photographer.

I go to the extent of asking for the Primary's business cards to hand out if I get asked.
I know i'd fire someone if they were handing out their own cards at my wedding.

Second photographers get a fixed rate (say $200 for 5 hours, and then $30/hr if you go overtime)

I have no interest in hiring my own second shooters.. my packages aren't geared for that and that's not what I want to do right now.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Interesting and useful info, as usual Steve. My potential 2nd is arguing with me that she wants to edit her own images then deliver to me. I might have to cut her loose and find someone else. I need for the delivered images to have consistency and I don't think that two different editors is the way to do it.

ditch her.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Interesting and useful info, as usual Steve. My potential 2nd is arguing with me that she wants to edit her own images then deliver to me. I might have to cut her loose and find someone else. I need for the delivered images to have consistency and I don't think that two different editors is the way to do it.

LOL no.. find someone that isn't already a know it all.

[kelleyrie]

when i worked as a 2nd shooter, i gave her my raw images and she edited them so that everything was consistent. she gave me permission to use my images as my own and paid me a flat rate. as far as anyone at the wedding was concerned, i was the primary photographer's employee and i acted accordingly.

[slugger]

Well my situation is a tad different. My assistant asked if she could tag along and take photos as she wanted to learn - she had no experience in photography whatsoever. So she uses all my gear, my cards, and acts as my employee. I pay her a flat rate, and that's all she gets. I edit all of her photos - as when they are released to the client - I want them to represent me and my business and what future clients can expect from me, regardless of who my assistant may be (if she decides to branch off on her own - or maybe wont be with me etc.) She has business cards with her name on it, but all my contact info.

I didn't give her any of the images back - but I never really thought of that as an option until reading these posts. hmmm....

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Interesting and useful info, as usual Steve. My potential 2nd is arguing with me that she wants to edit her own images then deliver to me. I might have to cut her loose and find someone else. I need for the delivered images to have consistency and I don't think that two different editors is the way to do it.

Just tell her you're the boss and this is your workflow. You need for everything to consistency as your reputation is based upon quality. If she can't agree to your terms she can take a hike!