"Second shooting is arguably the best gig in the wedding industry. You smash out the morning prep, support the lead, and hand over your cards at the end of the day. Win-win."
If you are shooting alongside me, you are getting access to some of the most exclusive, high-end wedding venues in the country. Venues I have worked incredibly hard to build relationships with.
Your job is straightforward. The majority of your heavy lifting is done in the first couple of hours during the morning prep. After that, you are my second pair of eyes. Do not stress. Weddings are dynamic, things move, and timelines shift. Just roll with it.
THE DEAL: IMAGE USAGE
1. Once the client has received their final gallery, you may use your images for your own website portfolio.
2. You must never contact the couple or any of the wedding suppliers.
3. You cannot post these images on social media.
Keep it professional. That is the deal.
Phase 01 The Morning Prep
This is where you earn your keep. I need you to capture the groom or partner getting ready. Keep the energy high, keep them moving, and nail these essential frames.
- The Window Portrait If you are stuck in an uninspiring hotel room with terrible lighting, do not panic. Put the groom right in the window. Have him adjust his tie and mess with his cufflinks in the natural light. Window light solves everything.
- The Rings If the groomsmen have the rings, I need them photographed. Get the best man cupping them in his hands, followed by a close-up of him holding them to give the image context.
- The Details If you have time, build a quick lay-flat. Groom's aftershave, shoes, socks. Find a clean surface and get the shot.
- The Letter Always ask if the groom has a gift or a letter from his partner. This is a non-negotiable shot. If he has already read it, ask him to sit down and read it again. Recreate the moment.
- The Lads Get them in a line with the groom in the middle. Then, get the classic 'Reservoir Dogs' walking shot. Get them laughing. The Nicholas Teal brand is not stuck-up. We have a laugh with our couples. Bring the energy.
- The Emotion When the real emotion hits, shut up and step back. Never interrupt a genuine moment.
Phase 02 At The Ceremony
We are a team. If we are at the back of a church or a hall, do not worry about ruining my shot. I can Photoshop you out in seconds. I would rather have to edit you out than miss a banging angle because you were hiding.
The only caveat: Videographers. They cannot edit you out of their footage. Be conscious of their angles, but if it is just you and me, do whatever it takes to get the shot.
During the service, I rarely use flash unless we are signing the register. Your job here is to hunt for reactions. Look for people crying, look for laughter. Capture the room.
The Money Shot
"The absolute most critical shot I need from you is the groom's reaction. As his partner walks down the aisle, I need you locked onto his face. That 'wow' moment pays your day rate. Do not miss it."
Most importantly, have fun with it. If you are ever unsure about anything, just ask. See you at the ceremony.
