Starting out...assisting/2nd shooter?

[jennifer_clapp]

<p>For the past year I have been studying photography and practicing every chance that I get. In past couple of months I have concentrated on portrait photography and really would like to start a wedding photography business. I do not have any experience with shooting a wedding and would like to get as much experience as I can before venturing out on my own. <br>

I have read many forums and blogs that suggest asking a professional wedding photographer if I could assist on a job and then working my way to becoming a 2nd shooter. However, I have also read that many photographers do not like being asked to teach or mentor another photographer as it could potentially be competition for them. Furthermore, it seems from what I have read that most professionals will not allow you to use the images for your portfolio as it could confuse the client as to who took the images. <br>

I could really use some advice. I am so passionate about learning wedding photography. I know it is is not easy so I am would really like to learn from the best without stepping on anyones toes. <br>

How did you all start? What advice can you give to someone wanting to start in the crazy and amazing world of wedding photography? </p>

 

[jpb]

Search the internet for photographers in your

area that you would like to assist. Email them

humbly and enthusiastically, highlighting your

personal strengths, and ask to assist them. Show

up on time, pay attention, and question no

professional task that they assign you until you

have gained enough confidence to know where

you're heading.

 

Also, learn how to put an invoice together and

research what the standard day rates in your area

are for assisting. Some people may advise you to

work a few free days here and there in order to

gain some initial experience, but that is up to you

- just don't do it more than a few times or more

than once for the same person. Assisting is about

learning how to become a photographer, which

means running a proper business, and treating

your assisting work as such will prepare you for

the future.

[jpb]

Lastly, do not plan to use the images you shoot while working for somebody else

unless they explicitly say it is OK. I would not consider assisting or second shooting

as a way to quickly develop your portfolio, but rather as a way to properly learn how

to be a photographer, before you venture out on your own.

[jennifer_clapp]

<p>Thank you for the response! I have actually found someone that would like to meet with me. :) </p>