Congratulations! You’re a part of a team of world class photographers who aims to always excel at their craft and client service. We’re grateful to have you as a valuable member of our team.
At the core of who we are as artists, we want to curate an experience for our esteemed clients - it should feel seamless and enjoyable.
The secondary goal, is to ensure we operate as a team.
Communication is key through out the day.
Self pursuit of greatness is a must.
Leave any ego at the door.
We encourage a team player mentality - if all members of the team execute their roles to the best of their ability, everyone succeeds and we get an ecstatic client.
I’ve compiled my over a decade of experience in client service to assist you in starting on the right track. This will help guide us towards success. If anything is unclear, please feel free to contact me or Priya and we’d be happy to help clarify.
Thank you for your dedication and effort! Let’s create & document the best memories for our clients.
Onward and Upward,
Jashim Jalal
Founder & Principal Photographer
The Guide to Wedding Photography Second Shooters
OUR MINDSET & APPROACH
As we tackle any task, we place the utmost importance on the attitude and energy we bring to our work. We always strive to approach our work with resourcefulness, serenity, and poise, even in challenging situations. We encourage you to come to work with a positive attitude, a smile, and a professional demeanor, ready to take on any task with a can-do spirit to provide the ultimate experience for our clients.
Remember, it’s their wedding. Most people here are in a celebratory mood.
Our attitude and energy should always add value to their moments.
INTERACTION WITH CLIENTS
Our goal is to remain a calming and trusted source of support and guidance throughout the wedding day.
All communication with the clients primarily remains with The Lead Photographer (priority) and Second Photographer so as to not overwhelm or distract the clients.
Be aware of your surroundings, your energy, and conversations and whom you may be in earshot of.
If there happens to be an issue, do not bring it to the attention of the clients. Rather, pull the team aside (out of earshot) and bring it to our attention.
Approach everything with a problem solving mentality.
REPRESENTING JASHIM JALAL STUDIOS
ATTIRE
By choosing to work with us, you are choosing to represent and be part of Jashim Jalal Studio’s team/brand during our time together.
As a part of our team, we expect you to not discuss your own business work with vendors or clients, share business cards, or in any other way represent your own business while working with us.
Be cognizant of any personal information you share.
It’s very important that we present ourselves professionally and our goal is always to blend in with guests.
While the attire may vary for pre-wedding events like the rehearsal dinner, Sangeet, Home events, we dress in black-tie attire for most of our wedding events.
For women, this means all-black, closed-toed shoes, black dress pants, and a black top with shoulders covered and hair pulled back.
For men, this means a black suit with dress shoes and a black tie, white shirt.
Different scenarios may call for different outfits.
Example: Destination weddings, Beach Weddings
The best way to be a good documentary photographer, is to blend in to the guests - not stand out.
P.S. You can only look bad or stand out by underdressing.
SUPPORTING COVERAGE
Second shooting alongside the Lead photographer. Always coordinate with the lead photographer before events.
Assist in the getting-ready suite and with bridal details (Invitations // shoes // jewelry // rings // dress, etc).
Cover different angles at major events—such as wide shots of the ceremony when the main shooter handles couple of hero shots.
Varying perspectives of first look.
Ceremony decor and detail shots (depending on the event).
Various perspectives at ceremony. Photos of the ceremony location // Secondary angles // Candid moments // People chatting before start time //
Assist during family photos and bridal party—includes shooting candids, helping with posing, ensuring all guests hands are clear of items and tracking a shot list (if applicable).
Cocktail hour decor, details, and guests (varies by event). Conversations, Drinks, unique details
Reception decor and detail photos (varies by event).
This is usually happening while lead photographer is working with the couple.Various angles and moments during reception.
Shoot guests throughout the day (“grip and grins” & candids) to add to the level of coverage.
Always keep your eyes out for wide scene setting photos that add value to the story
Remember, a good story is when you can activate all the senses for a viewer. (Taste, Feel, Hear, Touch, Smell)
Things you need to be cognizant of when you are not photographing alongside the Lead Photographer
Groom’s details (flat lay) and getting-ready photos.
Always ensure to get 5-10 Great portraits before the ceremony in good light. (Details, Headshots, Full body). Keep these looking editorial.
Groom and groomsmen portraits. Time permitting - Individual portraits of each member
Transition moments: Guests entering events — ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
SOLO COVERAGE
As a second photographer at weddings, it's crucial that you take high-quality photographs and actively contribute to the event's coverage. To ensure success, it's important to plan ahead and understand the specific responsibilities and expectations for the wedding.
Your role is to enhance the story and collection of images available by capturing the event from a different perspective, while also complementing the lead photographer's approach. This includes getting unique angles of key moments to provide clients with a diverse range of options for their final album. To help guide you in your responsibilities, below is a list of coverage that a second shooter typically handles.
Remember, people are celebrating a wedding. We want them to feel comfortable with our presence and not add stress to their day. Be a calming presence for your team and the clients.
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER COVERAGE LIST
SHOOTING GUIDE
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Format: RAW ALWAYS
Time Sync before every event.
First photo should be of the clock on time.govWe will provide the CF cards for shooting and handle all post production. Be sure to give the CF cards back before the end of the event.
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To ensure a level of cohesiveness in our reception images, we require all of our second and third shooters to be proficient in off-camera flash - use as needed based on event
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Unless you are intentionally going for movement, please do not shoot below 1/160th.
Be aware of motion blur unless it is done intentional. DO NOT try something for the first time during a crucial moment. -
We love capturing guests, especially during the cocktail hour and reception.
Always shoot groupings of people (whether candid or formal, two or more people) at a minimum of f/2.0, ideally f/2.8 - f/3.5
Ensure all faces are visible; don’t be afraid to gently move people if they are hidden. REMEMBER: They are looking to you for guidance - they don’t see what you see.
Avoid cropping people’s appendages, i.e. the wrists or ankles. In general, frame your shots to get full length and/or waist up, not in-between.
If arranging groups with couples, the lady should go on the inside, the man behind/next to her.
Pay attention to details, distracting elements, and scan all four corners of the frame to make sure your background is clean or complementing the image