I love when I have a second shooter at a wedding with me. I frequently travel for weddings and have a very unique schedule, so it doesn’t always work to bring someone along… and honestly I have photographed the majority of weddings on my own. That doesn’t change the fact that when I do have someone working with me, it’s usually very helpful.
A second shooter can be added in to a wedding photography package so that additional coverage takes place for the whole event. Shooting in two different places allows images to be captured like the one you see above (shot by Kaylan Buteyn for me at Brendan+Stephanie’s wedding). I would highly recommend this for weddings that are larger events, or if you just want additional coverage. They also help carry gear around, set up any lighting, and organize bridal parties and families (large groups take extra help).
So, how do I find second shooters or assistants? It’s usually people that I know and are familiar working with. I wouldn’t bring a complete stranger with me because I can just imagine the horror stories I would be telling afterward. That being said, if you are someone who would like to work with me and join me for some weddings, let me get to know you and see if you’d be a good fit to work with. Email me at hello{at}marydougherty.net with your name, location, experience, $ requirements, and a few samples of your work and I’d love to talk! If you think you would be interested in interning I would love to hear from you as well, although at this point I can’t promise any credit fulfilling positions but perhaps we can work something out in the future.
by Mary Dougherty
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