Second Shooter Guide

Capturing the groom getting ready is usually quick, but it’s a vey important part of the day. Typically you’ll have between 20-45 minutes for this, so it’s important to keep the guys on task.

  • The MUST HAVE photos for this portion of the day include: 1. Details 2. Getting Dressed 3. Letter Reading 4. Casual Group Shots

  • Use a flash for ALL indoor photos

Detail Shots

  • The grooms have been instructed to have all of these items ready and together for you - but they may not, so be sure to ask them if they have any of the following items:
    __ Ties, shoes, fun socks etc.

    __ Tux jacket with a wooden hanger - only if its a unique jacket

    __ Cufflinks, watch, pocket square, all accessories

    __ Cologne

    __ Boutonnières

    __ Personalize it! Cigars, shot glasses, beer, flask, sunglasses etc.

    __ Any handwritten letters, vows or gifts to/from bride and or groom

  • Take photos of all items together, then do a couple of different arrangements. Move things around, take some items out, switch it up! (Samples below)

  • AVOID: Don’t put items on top of the shoes

  • Personalize it! If the grooms has personalized, special or unique items, focus on those! Take individuals/close ups of each item ie; engraved cufflinks, hand written vows, cool shoes.

  • AVOID: We don’t need individual shots of things like standard rental cufflinks or tux shoes, but still include them in the group shots.

Getting Ready

  • Get some purely candid shots of what’s going on around you, but also don’t be afraid to stage some moments too.

  • The groom has been instructed to just have on his dress pants and shirt/vest when you arrive. If he has more on, just ask him to take it off quick for photos.

  • Clear the space around a window for the best lighting and a clean background.

  • Try to include everyone! Ask the best man to help with the tie, ask the dad to help with the jacket, ask a brother to help with the boutonnière etc.

Letter Reading/Gift (If they are doing this)

  • Clear an area for this, window light is best

  • Let them be in the moment while they are reading.

  • After they are done, ask to get a couple staged photos from closer/over their shoulder

  • Get a couple close ups of just the letter

Casual Group Shots

  • Always put the groom in the middle of the group

  • Have them give a toast to the groom!

  • Get a shot of everyone looking at you and then tell them to go for a cheers or to look at each other

  • AVOID: Make sure they don’t cover each others faces when they lift their arms to toast

  • If they aren’t drinking, still get a casual group shot of all the guys together, arms around each other, very casual

  • Let them have fun! If they want to get creative with the posing, now is their time to shine!

Portrait Time

  • During all the portraits, please get different angles of all the images I am taking - especially during ‘candid’ or fun shots with the couple and bridal party!

  • AVOID: If the couple or bridal party group is looking directly at me for formal a pose, I don’t need shots taken from another angle.

The B&W images below show my second shooter getting different angles of the shots color shots I am taking!

Formal Portraits

If we have plenty of time, I will do all of the group shots of the bridal party and family. I ask that you help me to coordinate people in and of my shots and to also take the following MUST HAVE shots at some point during portrait time:

  • Each groomsmen individually with the groom

  • Any couples that are present - ie; parents, grandparents, spouses and in-laws, any bridal party members that are couples.

For groups of 2 people, please shoot vertically and take a few shots ie: 1 - full body vertical, 1 waist up vertical

(Formal Portraits - Only In Crunch Time)

In addition to the above mentioned photos, if we are short on time during the portrait section, I will ask that you do the groomsmen’s group shots. (while I do the bridesmaids group shots)

  • All the groomsmen more formal (arranged in a straight line, all hands in pockets or in front, looking at camera, flying V etc.)

  • All groomsmen casual (relaxed stance, jackets open, variety of hand placements, looking at groom, looking off camera etc.)

  • All groomsmen candid - walking towards you is a great one for this, or let them have fun and get creative with a pose! Get a laugh - ask who can take the most shots, who’s going to have the worst hangover or tell them to drop their best album cover pose etc.