Second Shooter Wedding Guide: Expectations When Photographing for a Lead Wedding Photographer | By Colleen's Captures

Della Terra by Wedgewood Weddings by Colleen's Captures

A Guide for Second Shooters

Second shooting is such a special role on a wedding day. You get to tell the story from a different perspective, capture moments the lead photographer can’t always see, and be a huge part of creating a beautiful, complete gallery for the couple.

This Second Shooter Wedding Guide is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited going into the day! While also clearly outlining expectations so everything runs smoothly. When everyone knows the flow, wedding days feel calmer, more fun, and more creative for all of us.

1. Shooting Settings & File Delivery

Shoot RAW Only

• No JPGs. Ever.

• RAW files give us full flexibility with color, exposure, and consistency across the final gallery. This helps your images blend seamlessly with the rest of the day and ensures the couple receives the highest-quality work possible.

Auto White Balance (AWB) Required

• Use Auto White Balance, not Kelvin.

• AWB ensures smoother color matching between multiple cameras in changing lighting conditions as well as different skin tones.

• AWB adjusts more naturally in changing lighting situations (especially indoors), which makes color matching across multiple cameras much smoother. Fixed Kelvin can shift unexpectedly and create extra work during editing.

• This setting helps your images shine and keeps the final gallery cohesive.

2. Camera Setup & Technical Standards

Time Sync Your Cameras

• Sync your camera time to the lead shooter before the wedding.

• This is critical for timeline flow and editing efficiency.

Aperture Guidelines

• Please avoid shooting below f/2.8.

• I personally love a good f/4—the more in focus, the better! Sharp images are always appreciated, and extremely shallow depth of field can lead to missed focus and less usable images overall.

Memory Card Handling

• Do NOT delete images in-camera.

• Deleting files can corrupt SD cards and compromise entire weddings galleries.

• Even if a photo feels unusable, leave it on the card and let the lead photographer handle culling later, saves you time, work, and from currupting files.

3. Composition & Shooting Style

Limit Heavy Creative Techniques

• Avoid:

  • Dutch angles!

  • Excessive motion blur

  • Intentionally soft or unfocused reception shots

• A few creative images are totally fine! Aim to keep these to about 15–20% of what you shoot. Most clients gravitate toward clean, timeless images they can print, frame, and revisit for years.

4. What You Should Be Focusing On

Second shooters should be actively capturing supporting angles and moments, not shadowing the lead unless asked.

Focus On:

• Alternate angles during key moments

• Candids of guests and reactions

• Groom & groomsmen coverage

• Cocktail hour details and interactions

• Reception room shots and atmosphere

• Moments the lead physically cannot be in two places for

If you’re unsure where to be, position yourself where the lead is not...that’s where you’re most valuable.

5. Professional Etiquette on Wedding Days

Client Communication

• Please, Do not ask the main Photographer questions while I am speaking with the client.

• Always wait until the main photographer is finished.

• This maintains confidence, flow, and professionalism in front of couples.

Cell Phone Policy

• Keep your phone on you (emergencies happen).

• Set it to Do Not Disturb.

• Do not be on your phone during coverage unless absolutely necessary.

• Being present helps you anticipate moments before they happen.

What to Wear

• Neutral, professional, comfortable attire.

• Typically black, dark gray, or muted earth tones.

• No Whites, Reds, or creamy nuetral tones, or anything that sparkles. no jeans, yoga pants, leggings.

• Clothes should allow you to move easily and blend into the day.

6. Behind-the-Scenes Content

Behind-the-scenes photos are always appreciated.

• Quick moments of the team working

• Setup shots

• Environmental details

These are a bonus,not a distraction.. and help with brand storytelling.

Two Extra Pieces of Advice That Make a Huge Difference When Second Shooting a Wedding

Anticipate Moments, Not Just Reactions

One of the biggest skills great second shooters develop is anticipation.

• Watch hands, body language, and emotions building

• Be ready before a laugh, hug, or tear happens

• Move early and quietly so you’re already in position

You don’t need to chase moments,let them come to you!

Stay Ahead on Gear Without Being Distracting

Part of being a strong second shooter is being technically prepared without pulling focus.

• Swap batteries and cards before they’re critical

• Keep gear organized and accessible

• Avoid adjusting settings or lenses during emotional moments

Preparedness keeps you calm, and calm energy is contagious on wedding days.

You’re Doing Great 🤍

If you’re reading this Second Shooter Wedding Guide, it means you care! and that already puts you ahead.

Second shooting is not about being perfect. It’s about being present, adaptable, observant, and supportive of eachother. Creating a small community of artists!

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Want More Photography & Workflow Tips?

If you’re looking to keep learning, growing, and refining your workflow, I share more behind-the-scenes advice on the blog post "My Go-To Tools for Photography and Running a Smooth Business | By Colleen’s Captures"