Getting started in wedding photography

[capturedbybrooke]

I would like to get started in wedding photography, but don't want to charge full price and jump into it right away. So I'm wondering if this would be considered acceptable: offering to be a 2nd photographer for free (when they already have a photographer scheduled). That way I could be more relaxed, observe the other photographer's techniques, and get some good shots for my portfolio. Prints would be extra of course.

I offered this to a friend of mine, but told her to make sure it was okay with the other photographer. She gave the attitude that it's her wedding and she can have as many photographers as she wants, but I still feel like I'm intruding on the other photographer. So, I'm hoping this is an acceptable thing to do, as I was thinking of asking other friends that are getting married to do this- so I don't have to be the one and only photographer!

She also was wondering if I could edit the other photographers photos that he takes, since he doesn't edit- just gives them unedited photos on a disc (not cool imho). She wants me to design an album, etc. I am going to ask her to read the contract and make sure this is ok. But I don't know if I feel right messing with someone else's photos. I guess if the price was right?? What would I charge for that?

I've also thought about assisting other photographers, and have asked a few, but no go on that yet...

[autofocus]

I think you should only consider doing this with the permission of the other photographer, irrespective of what your friend told you. There is nothing that can stop you from taking your own photos independent of the photographer though. Having done a few weddings myself, there is nothing more of a nuisance then trying to set up a shot and having 25 people behind you with their point and shoots disrupting the shot and firing their flashes. Sometimes, you just have to resort to crowd control and "nicely" ask the crowd to move along. I for one wouldn't want anybody editing my, or my wife's photos, and think it's pretty stupid on the part of her hired photographer to supply unedited shots in the first place...my 2 cents

[MHouser]

I agree - I would clear things with the other photographer before doing anything! It's only respectful. If I showed up to shoot a wedding to be greeted by another photographer - I would not be impressed.

To get into wedding photography, I would recommend talking to another photographer from your area and requesting to be a second shooter. This way, there are no surprises and you get some shots for your portfolio!

[CaptainNH]

2nd shooting is by far the best way of gaining experience in shooting weddings, but I think it would be more appropriate to organise these gigs with the paid photog rather than being imposed on them by the bride.

You'll learn more if you're playing on the same team as the main photog rather than their opposition!

If you're a guest at a wedding, by all means organise with the couple to shoot some shots for your portfolio. This is how I approached it when I first started out. However, I made sure that I:

1. introduced myself to the main photog at the start of the day
2. promised to keep right out of their way
3. asked their permission before jumping in on their posed shots
4. thanked them at the end of the day

On the editing / album design front, if the other photog has been stupid enough to give away his rights to the shots, then by all means go ahead. My wedding agreement gives me copyright (which, under Australian copyright law, normally goes to the client for wedding shoots) and restricts editing and reproduction, requiring that all images are reproduced without alteration.

Importantly, remember that if you're shooting as the "official" 2nd shooter, or editing the other photogs, images the images won't be yours to reproduce or use in your portfolio to market yourself unless you come to an agreement with the main photog.