JESSICA PAIGE PHOTO CO
SECOND SHOOTING GUIDE
My Style of shooting
My goal is for my couples to look back on their gallery and for all the emotions of the day to come flooding back. I want to provide an archive of the day, but also ensure that the images are artful, intentional and fit for a magazine. How do I do this? I have a mental shot list for each scenario and you, as my second shooter, help me bring this vision to life for my couples!
Here are some quick tips and notes on my approach:
In every scenario (whether getting ready or even venue detail images) I'll capture:
- A wide establishing shot
- A medium shot
- & A close up detail image.
Polished portraits are just as important as the candids. I deliver a lot of guest reaction shots so I will most likely have you focus on guests during the ceremony, speeches, and dances (likely on a long lens).
Always be on the look out for the emotions (the laughs, the tears, the hugs, and the bloopers).
I love to give the couple variety in their gallery so I'll usually have you on a different lens than what I am shooting with.
Feel free to be creative - get close up, capture a fun blurry shot, maybe the couple is out of focus and the background is in focus.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- We will meet up before shooting begins (unless noted otherwise when planning) and I will hand you a memory card. Please format it to your camera. If you run out of space at any point throughout the wedding and need another card, let me know.
- We will ensure cameras are synced to the same time.
- Most of the day we will be together and I will let you know what lens to shoot on and what to focus on.
- If you shoot Sony, we can share gear.
- I will share an Apple Note with you that has a shot list, timeline, and all the details of the day once I have everything finalized. You will find addresses and more on that shared note.
WHAT TO WEAR & Bring
- I do NOT require you to wear all black, although that is perfectly fine if you want to! I do occasionally wear all black.
- If you don't wear all black, do not wear anything with a lot of white, busy patterns, or bright colored clothing like red or pink.
- Think professional business wear or comfy wedding guest attire.
- You can wear sneakers.
- Please bring your own snacks and a water bottle.
- I'll share inspiration below (for wardrobe only, I don't expect you to wear heels)!
Dos & Don'ts
- Dos:
- Ask Jessica what lenses to use, any questions about gear, settings, and preferences for shooting.
- Arrive early, eat before, and be prepared.
- Take candids when you don't have any specific directive (we should always look like we are working).
- Don'ts:
- DO NOT Direct the couple for posing when Jessica is present.
- If you have an idea please run it by Jessica in private, and not in front of the client.
- DO NOT Critique or comment on the couples wedding choices.
- DO NOT Answer any phone calls unless its an emergency or during the vendor meal.
What you can & Can'T Do with Your photos!
- Do NOT share your images from the wedding to social media until at least 3 months after the wedding date OR until I have sent them the full gallery (feel free to text me and ask for an update). I want to make sure that the client has received their full gallery before any images exist of the wedding online.
- You can share images to your social and website with your own edits. I want you to grow your portfolio and have the freedom to use the images!
- On the topic of crediting:
- WEBSITE: There is no need to say "second shot for" unless you want to note that information. They are your images to use, print, and share.
- INSTAGRAM: When sharing on social media I'd love it if you say "second shot for: @jessicapaigephotoco" on instagram, but I do not require this.
- Do NOT tag the clients or use their names when sharing the images.
- If the clients request to follow you on instagram please do NOT accept.
- Why? I do not want the clients to see your images with your edits and then come to me looking for those shots.
GEAR & SETTING NOTES:
- Please sync your cameras to time.gov the night before or morning of the wedding.
- Please keep ISO as low as possible, shutter no slower than 1/200, aperture as wide open as it needs to be. For any formal group photos or grip + grins, set aperture to f/4 or higher to keep all faces in focus!
- When you use a long lens, please *try to* keep your shutter around 1/400 at the slowest to minimize handheld motion blur. I know it's not always possible!
- During cocktail hour, focus on candids, grip + grins (guests smiling at the camera), appetizer photos, and any custom signage (i.e. specialty cocktail stuff, pet-themed items, centerpieces).
- Plan to use flashes during the reception.
WHAT YOU MIGHT SHOOT SOLO:
- The only time during the day I anticipate we might not be together (or where I won't be accessible) is the Groom Getting Ready portion of the day. I have included some visual examples below of what to capture, but here are some additional things to keep in mind.
- Please turn off yellow/orange lights in the room, and remove wrappers/water bottles/clutter from the frame while groom is getting ready. Feel free to ask friends/family members help you with this.
- Have the groom get ready in window light - don't use flash unless this is not possible. Same setup for gift exchange or letter reading if they do this.
- Please get an "establishing shot" of the place they are getting ready (aka, hotel entrance for example)
- If possible, I'd love a flat lay or close up of groom details (tie, watch, pocket square, boutonnière, etc.)! Please include the vow book if he has one.
- If you include the shoes, please tie the laces!
- Please shut bathroom doors during getting ready time - I will never deliver a photo with a toilet in it!
- Ensure that the groom has a shirt and pants on... I won't deliver a shot with them half dressed.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
You might be solo at cocktail hour while I capture family photos or couple portraits.
If we are rushed on timing I will have you shoot the groomsmen portraits if you are comfortable doing so.
Preferences for specific scenarios listed below!
