Getting into Second Shooting is one of the best and easiest ways to break into the wedding industry! Though it is the easiest, there is still a lot of competition and people bidding for the same job which can be overwhelming for someone who is new to weddings! Thankfully there are a couple of easy ways to snag some second shooting job that will help you grow your portfolio!
- Facebook has tons of online groups dedicated specifically to Second Shooters! People post in these groups daily searching for someone and it’s a great way to get your foot in the door with other photographers!
These groups can be super helpful when it comes to finding second shooting jobs because others are able to post that they are searching for shooters on specific days and locations! This makes it super easy for you because all you need to do is drop a link to your website and an email so they can get in contact with you! That’s it!
You are also able to make your own posts that you are searching for second shooting gigs and that you would love to learn from other amazing photographers in the group! People always need second shooters so this is always a great way to get your feet wet!
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to other photographers and offer your services to them! I have found a few great second shooters because they reached out and asked to help me!
Most photographers receive emails weekly asking if they need another second shooter and when that’s the case your email needs to stand out to them! When you reach out there are few things that you can do to better your chances of them agreeing and helping you!
- Create a template that you will use for every email that you send out asking to second shoot!
- Talk about who you are and where you are located.
- Tell them why you want to learn from them.
- Let them know what gear you use and where you believe your strengths are!
- Send them a link to an online gallery with your work! Most people prefer a full gallery from a wedding, but your favorite images will work as well.
- Finish by attaching your social media and website link!
Here is an example of an email you can send!
Hello { insert name },
My name is ____ with { business name } and I am a photographer based in ____. I have been a photographer for __ years and I specialize in _____. I found your work on ____ and I have been following you since! I am interested in becoming more experienced in weddings and would love to learn from you! I love the way { Your couples look so relaxed, the way you use light, the way you capture authentic moments, etc }. Plus, I love { add in a personal fact about them – their dog, the city they are from, the fact they travel to a city you love, etc }.
I currently shoot with { add in all of your gear info }.
One of my favorite times to capture on a wedding day is ___ because of ____ . I feel like my biggest strength on wedding days are ____ and are best used during ____. { Example – One of my favorite times on a wedding day is during the ceremony because I love seeing how happy and excited everyone is for the couple. One of my strengths on a wedding day is being able to watch the guest and capture moments that many people tend to overlook. Specifically the reactions of the guest during the ceremony and toast! }
Here is a link to one of my favorite weddings I have been able to be a part of! { insert link }
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my email and considering me to work with you! I attached my social media links below as well for you to take a look at! I hope I get the chance to work with you and I can’t wait to hear from you!
Facebook – { insert link }
Instagram – { insert link }
Website – { insert link }
That’s it! Just two simple steps that will help you land second shooting gigs that will help you break into the wedding industry with easy! Just remember, when you are second shooting you are shooting for the main photographer, not yourself, so go into every gig with an open mind on what you can learn not what you’ll get!
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