How to break into wedding photography as a second photographer
If you’re looking to build a career in wedding photography, starting as a second shooter is one of the smartest and most effective ways to get your foot in the door. In Sacramento, the Bay Area, and other competitive markets, this role is where many of today’s top photographers began.
Being a second shooter gives you hands-on experience in real wedding situations—without the full pressure of being the lead photographer. You’ll learn to work within tight timelines, adapt to different lighting conditions, and capture emotional moments as they unfold, all while building your portfolio and learning directly from experienced professionals.
What a Second Shooter Actually Does
A second shooter is not “just an assistant.” You’re a professional photographer responsible for helping capture the wedding from additional angles and perspectives.
Here’s how that might look in action:
Split coverage – At 2:00 PM, the lead photographer might be with the bride for hair, makeup, and dress shots while you’re across the street with the groom capturing candid moments with his groomsmen.
Multiple perspectives of the same moment – During a 3:00 PM first look, one photographer can capture the bride’s face while the other focuses on the groom’s reaction.
Simultaneous event coverage – While the lead is photographing family portraits at 3:30 PM, you might be getting candid shots of guests at cocktail hour, detail shots of décor, or even wide environmental images of the venue.
Your role is to add depth and completeness to the couple’s wedding gallery—capturing moments that would otherwise be impossible for one photographer alone.
What You’ll Learn as a Second Shooter
Every wedding will teach you something new—how to adjust quickly when timelines shift, how to anticipate moments before they happen, and how to shoot so your images blend seamlessly with the lead photographer’s style.
You’ll learn to:
Adapt to different lighting conditions (bright outdoor ceremonies, dim receptions).
Understand wedding day flow and stay on schedule.
Work in sync with another photographer so you don’t block each other’s shots.
Equipment You’ll Need for Partial vs. Full-Day Coverage
For partial-day coverage (4–5 hours), I recommend:
Full-frame camera (primary body).
Lenses: 24-70mm and 70-200mm for ceremonies/receptions, prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) for portraits, and 24-70mm for large group formals so you can change framing quickly.
Flash with diffuser for indoor receptions (bounce or diffuse for softer light).
At least four 128GB SD cards, formatted before arrival.
Three fully charged camera batteries minimum (two per camera if you’re carrying a backup).
For full-day coverage (8+ hours), increase your gear:
6–8+ SD cards (128GB each) to avoid mid-day file management.
6+ batteries—weddings run long, and batteries drain faster with flash use.
Backup camera body in case of technical failure.
Why Lens Choice Matters
Over time, you’ll develop your own preferences, but here’s my approach:
Ceremony and Reception: I rely heavily on my 24-70mm and 70-200mm for versatility. The zoom range lets me adapt quickly without moving around too much, which is essential in sensitive moments like vows.
Portraits: I switch to primes (35mm, 50mm, or 85mm) for their sharpness, depth, and beautiful bokeh—but I still use my 24-70mm for large group portraits and family formals so I can move between wide and close compositions quickly without changing lenses.
Professional Etiquette for Second Shooters
Gear is important, but how you work alongside the lead photographer is just as critical.
Follow posing directions: If the lead says “hands in pockets all the way, jacket adjusted,” you make sure every person looks their best before the shutter clicks.
Be the detail checker: Watch for stray hairs, sunglasses in formal shots, crooked boutonnieres, and phones in pockets.
Assist proactively: Adjust veils and trains, manage small gear, or grab water for the couple during portraits.
Deliver files properly: Transfer to the lead’s drive, rename folders in shooting order, and confirm nothing is missing before leaving.
💡 Pro Tip: The best second shooters are fast, flexible, and in sync with the lead photographer’s style. Show up prepared, work efficiently, and you’ll quickly become a go-to second shooter—often leading to your own bookings in the future.
