SUMMARY: The overall goal is for the Lead and Second to have different pictures. The only time the Lead and Second should take pictures of the same moment is during fundamental activities where two camera angles is truly beneficial, such as the First Look and First Kiss. In all cases, the Lead and Second should coordinate to capture noticeably different perspectives that truly add value to the gallery.
The Lead Photographer is responsible for the important shots of the day. The Lead Photographer may never designate the Second Photographer to capture important shots from the ideal angle. For example, the Lead Photographer should always be positioned in the primary and ideal spot at the ceremony for the first kiss.
The Second Photographer should not take the exact same pictures as the Lead.
- Don’t stand over their shoulder!
- Don’t stand 6 feet to the side!
- Be very different, or don’t take any pictures at all!
The Second should ask themselves, “Is my version going to be noticeably different from the Lead Photographer’s version? Is my version going to be valuable to the gallery?”
Lead Photographer’s Important Shots
Details
First Kiss, from the primary position
Family and Group Photos
Couples Portraits
Second Photographer Should NOT Take
Family and Group Photos (except for groomsmen)
Couple Portraits
Primary Details
We pay our editing team based partly on the number of images. Second Photographer’s pay might be reduced if you are duplicating the Lead’s photos in a manner that is against these instructions, such as taking pictures during Family and Group Photos or trying to duplicate the shots to build your own portfolio.
Please use good judgement. Don’t overshoot.
Lead Photographer
Second Photographer
CEREMONY — PROCESSIONAL
Lead Photographer — Stand in front of the aisle when the wedding party and bride walk down the aisle. Capture groom’s reaction. Make sure you stay for the handoff of the bride.
Second Photographer — Stand in the back, and focus on the back of the bride’s dress. Get different angles.
CEREMONY — FIRST KISS
Lead Photographer — Stand in the primary position, in the middle/back of the aisle.
Second Photographer — Do not take the same picture as the lead. Instead, stand to the side of the ceremony space, use a wide angle lens, or find something noticeably different from the lead’s shot.
FAMILY PHOTOS
Lead Photographer – You are in charge of taking family photos.
Second Photographer – You should NOT take photos during the family photo session. Instead, go to cocktail hour and take candid shots.
FIRST DANCES
Lead Photographer — You focus on the people who are dancing. It’s easy for one photographer to capture a variety of shots. Move around.
Second Photographer — You focus on the guests and the reaction from family members who aren’t dancing. You should intentionally capture different pictures from the Lead.
TOASTS
Lead Photographer — You focus on the speaker and the couple’s reaction.
Second Photographer — You focus on guests and reactions. Show restraint.
CAKE CUTTING
Lead Photographer — Get photos of the couple right in front of you; waist up. Include the cake when appropriate.
Second Photographer — Stand to the side and get guest reactions.
BOUQET/GARTER TOSS
Lead Photographer — Get photos of the bride and/or before the toss. From your vantage point get pictures of the toss. After the toss is complete get photos of the couple with the lucky guests who have caught the bouquet/garter as a group.
Second Photographer — Stand to the side and shoot the catch from below.
DON’T TAKE THE SAME PICTURES!