Second shooters are magic.
Brian Adams
Not-yet-edited (straight out of the camera) mirror images of a bride and groom, photographed at the EXACT same time by Brian and his associate photographer Troy. Notice the similar poses, expressions, settings, and lighting, despite being photographed across town from each other.
These two mirror-image photos of a bride and groom were taken at the EXACT SAME TIME (down to the hundredth of a second) in completely different locations across Newport, by two photographers who have been working together for 13 years.
So why is this remarkable?
It is a coincidence that each photo was snapped at the same time, and although the similar poses, lighting, facial expressions, and settings are no accident, they weren’t planned either . . .
While I was photographing the bride’s pre-wedding portraits, my long-time friend and associate photographer Troy was photographing the groom. Seeing these two photos while I was selecting the images to edit made me realize and appreciate the intangible side effects of a great second shooter/assistant/associate photographer. One who works independently, but acts as an extension of me, my style, and my brand. Someone who thinks like me creatively, yet pushes me as well. Someone whom I am proud, even enthusiastic, to have represent my company and my name.
I am lucky, I know . . . I have had the pleasure of working alongside one of my best friends for the past 13 years. I’m not sure how much of my style I taught him, or how much he picked up on his own, but Troy and I are so in-sync that we can practically read each other’s minds when we are working together. We rarely have to discuss a game-plan or our respective roles, responsibilities, and “vision” anymore. From this example, we can even be in completely different locations from each other and still achieve very similar-looking results.
At a wedding, we immediately fall into our respective roles. It initially took some time and a bit of trial-and-error, but at this point we just know what we need to do and we do it! Great second shooters (and great friends, for that matter) are not easy to come by, but when you see some potential, hold onto them. Provide the training, experience, and opportunities so that they can become an integral and invaluable part of your team and your life. Who knows? One day you could get a pleasant surprise like this!