Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens Wedding
When my friend Emily Veinberg asked me to come down to Columbia, SC to second shoot a wedding with her, I couldn’t have said “yes” fast enough! Emily is someone I truly admire—both in the photography world and in life. We have such similar styles and values, especially when it comes to how we care for our couples. She serves them with her whole heart, and that’s something I constantly strive to do as well.
Shooting for Emily is always the perfect blend of calm and fun. There’s a peace in working with someone who fully trusts you. She knows I’ll arrive prepared, inspired, and ready to treat her couples as if they were my own. That trust means everything—it allows me to show up creatively and confidently. And after the day is done, she encourages me with such genuine words. That kind of support makes the job even more rewarding.
I genuinely LOVE being a second shooter. It’s one of the best ways to serve others without overbooking yourself. It allows me to stay balanced, giving my full attention to my own clients during editing season while still getting to be part of beautiful celebrations. So I thought I’d share a few of my go-to secrets for how to be a great second shooter and make the most of it!
5 Tips to Be an Amazing Second Shooter:
1. Communicate Expectations Clearly
Every photographer works differently. Some want you by their side all day to get extra coverage, while others prefer you step back and help with gear or lighting. Don’t assume—ask! A quick conversation ahead of time helps everything run smoother and sets you up for success.
2. Shoot with Intention
The lead photographer is likely getting the “must-have” shots. So unless you’re asked to capture a backup of a big moment (like the first kiss), move around! Get creative angles, reactions, or unique compositions. They don’t need duplicates—they need a different perspective.
3. Capture the Cinematic Moments
This is where the magic happens. Frame a shot through flowers, shoot from a distance, use reflections or doorways—make it feel like a movie. These in-between, storytelling shots elevate the gallery and help couples feel the atmosphere of their day.
4. Focus on the Details
Details matter. The more you can document—from invitation suites to table settings—the more freedom the lead has to focus on people. You’re helping tell the full story, and those little moments often mean so much to the couple.
5. Be a Thoughtful Teammate
Not every moment is a photo moment. If there’s downtime, offer to grab water or snacks for the lead or check in on the couple (with permission). These gestures go a long way in creating a supportive and collaborative environment—and give your wrists a break from the camera!
Why Being a Great Second Shooter Matters
At the heart of it, wedding photography is a luxury service—and couples deserve an unforgettable experience on one of the biggest days of their lives. As a second shooter, you're a key part of delivering that.
But it's also bigger than that. Being a good second shooter strengthens your business. Some of my favorite clients have come from referrals by photographers I’ve second shot for. When they’re booked, they trust me enough to send couples my way—and that trust is earned through showing up well.
Lastly, the wedding industry can be exhausting. Having a supportive community is everything. Second shooting allows you to build genuine relationships with other photographers. The more you serve, the more your circle grows—and let me tell you, there’s nothing better than a community that cheers you on and pours back into you.
Here’s to many more days second shooting, serving, and storytelling—just like the one I had in Columbia with Emily!
