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FAQ : Second Shooter Value + Copyright
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Dear Jasmine
I've started second shooting/assisting for a wedding photographer and I've only helped her at one wedding but she is going to take my photos and give them to the bride and groom and I'm not being paid anything. I understand sometimes to learn you have to make sacrifices but it's really a confusing topic and I vacillate on what I believe. I want to learn but at the same time, my photos aren't really being valued. She said she would give me credit if she decided to blog any of them but since the pictures are going to the bride and groom, if they get any of my photos printed, they'll never know they were taken by me because the main photographer gets copyright in the contract. Wow. I'd love your opinion because no one else seems to be of any help.
Thanks,
Under Valued
Dear Under Valued
Of course second shooting is a confusing topic...you've likely never been a situation like this before getting into the photography world! Vacillation is totally normal, so don't worry about the ebb and flow of your emotions. I am, however, going to have an opinion on your idea of being valued. Oh...yes...you knew this was coming.
Before I get into specifics, I want to emphasize every photographer has his own way of doing things. What I'm about to write may only apply to one photographer, but I want to paint the dreariest picture so you can make a decision based on what could be--in your mind--the worst thing: not getting credit for the photos you captured. But before I address that (yes, there's a lot of befores up in my hood), you need to understand there are thousands of photographers who wish they could be in your shoes. Unpaid and all. The main photographer (let's call him X) gave you a cherished opportunity, wrapped in a shiny bow. Seriously. Every wedding you shoot with another photographer is an opportunity to learn, grow, and see what mistakes to avoid...and there's no risk to you because your name isn't on the business card. X's is. If the photos are wonderful/awful, he takes the responsibility.
And with responsibility comes the right to use photos produced under his name, for a wedding he booked, and the risks he assumed. As far as I can see, the second shooter is sitting pretty. A day of shooting, learning, and no legal responsibility? Sounds like a sweet deal...sign me up. |
I've second shot 50+ weddings and never (not once) has a photographer attributed photo credit to me. Not only is that a logistical nightmare, it's confusing for the bride and groom as they don't want to bogged down with the specifics of every photo. I outlined this in great detail in Exposed, but I've mentioned I worked for free when I first started...and continued second shooting for free for anyone who'd allow me to join on the wedding day. As my portfolio grew and my skill set strengthened, I began getting paid for my assistance but never dreamed of requesting photo credit because I understood I was--for the wedding day, at least--an affiliate of the main photographer.
I firmly believe you need to define what it means for your photos to be valued (e.g. getting paid for your second shooting services, photo credit, public acknowledgement from the main photographer, etc) then measure it against what's currently available for you. And here's the best part: there isn't a right or wrong answer. You get to define it. Once you figure what you want--how you feel valued--create an agreement between you and the main photographer to ensure you're on the same page. Before I shoot with another photographer, I understand the terms of our agreement to ensure there's no misunderstanding and feel mutually comfortable with the terms. However, I caution you to research industry protocol before you ask for something most photographers wouldn't permit, not just X.
I wish you the best as you pursue your dreams, but, more so, feeling valued as you define yourself as an artist.
Stay Fabulous,
j* |
    
A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a letter F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote to his daughter. I found it fascinating, endearing, and a beautiful reminder of Things Not to Worry About: Don't worry about popular opinion...Don't worry about the past...Don't worry about growing up...Don't worry about failure unless it comes at your own fault...
To read more of this letter, you can do so here... |
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FAQ : What Does a Photographer Wear to a Wedding?
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I 've marinated this blog post for a bit because--well--it makes me slightly uncomfortable. I don't know what, precisely, is so nerve-wracking, but I want to preface it by stating: 1. I don't think I'm a fashionista; 2. I don't think I have it together; and 3. When I look into my closet, I secretly pray Rachel Zoe will magically appear and help me address my fashion woes. Having said that, I've received more than my share of emails from photographers asking what I wear to photograph a wedding.
For years I struggled with what I should wear, as well as balancing the desire to be functional, professional, and represent my brand. To be honest, when I look back to outfits I wore my first year of business, I cringe. Basically, I looked sloppy. I once heard I should dress for the job I want, not the job I have. If this was true, I was dressing to be a vacuum saleswoman or Cupid Shuffle instructor.
A bit ago, I read this note on Facebook... |
| Today I'm blogging photos of outfits I wore as a wedding photographer in the past month for Kori and anyone else who might be interested. If you're disinterested at this point, I heavily suggest you mosey on to a different part of the web because we're gonna get into shoes, clothes, and a whole lotta jsuche. |
| This is one of my favorite outfits because it looks like a skirt and shirt, but it's really a dress. I think the length is appropriate and I like the pop of color, but it's not enough to be too distracting or be noticed (which is why I stay away from wearing prints at a wedding). |
| A lot of my outfits in the past month were sleeveless because it was hot. Unbearably hot, if I was being honest, but when work demands being outdoors, the key is to look professional and not necessary like I'm ready for afternoon tea. I particularly like this dress because it was only $34...at full price. I was tempted to leave the pricetag on so people would know what a great bargain hunter I was. |
| What you'll notice is a pattern of black clothing in my work attire. For whatever reason, I feel like wearing black is understated and allows me to work without drawing attention to myself. I wore this beige dress because it was over 100-degrees, an afternoon ceremony, and hosted on a Monday. These factors allowed me to take a slightly more casual look, because the goal was blend with guests. |
Some might say the photo above is blurry, but I'm okay calling it SOFT FOCUSED. Totes. I not-so-secretly think JD did it on purpose because he doesn't like this dress. He muttered under his breath something about looking like I was about to make homemade tortillas, but I ignored him. I'm just in touch with my roots, okay?!
When I saw the photo below, I admitted JD was right. I don't mind the off-the-shoulder look as much as much as I think the ruffles were a bit much for work. Aye aye aye. I mean, need I remind you about the RUFFLE DEBACLE OF 2010?! We all make mistakes, Internet. |
| Yesterday it was chilly enough to wear a suit...or so I thought. The morning started with a cool nip in the air, it rained during family photos, but then cleared to be an 80-degree day. In any case, when I bought this suit, I told JD I felt like Don Draper. Except with long hair and sobriety and the capability of commitment. |
So. That about wraps up this Photography Meets What To Wear To A Wedding post. Like always, it'll hopefully help one person...if it does, then I'm thankful.
Happy Monday!
**Updated To Add**
Wearing a dress is definitely a personal decision. I'm not the type of photographer who is crouching, climbing, or doing somersaults, so as long as the dress/skirt is to my knee, I'm well covered. Literally. ;)
Also, I shoot with one camera only (and don't use a strap), so I don't have to worry about my outfit getting in the way of gear. A couple months ago my doctor and I had a discussion about my health, which resulted in bringing an assistant with me to weddings. Kendra is officially my intern/assistant/right hand and I love her!
For those who asked about the heels...I have officially crossed to the dark side. I wear flats when I work and I make no apologies! ;) |
I hate to admit it, but I will...I usually work 12-hour days. Six thirty in the morning to 6:30 p.m.. Sure, I take a gym, lunch, and social media breaks, but I'm usually glued to my computer for long periods of time. When the end of my work day appears, I want to be done and fill my mind with anything but work. JD and I will make dinner (okay, I'm just the official taste tester most nights), I'll read, or watch television.
One of my favorite shows is Modern Family, so I thought I'd share my favorite Phil-isms today on the blog. This is a perfect way to start the weekend, right?! |
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The Memory Cards GIVEAWAY!!!
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D id I ever tell you about the time I felt awful about myself because I had only one CF memory card for my camera? A 2 Gig. It was enough to get started, but in no way did I feel professional. Feeling unprofessional was further augmented the time I read another photographer's blog and he posted a photo of his desk. He intended to show what was on his computer, but my eyes fell upon something sitting on the corner of his desk. CF cards. I zoomed into the photo so I could count how many CF cards sat on his desk. I stopped after 15. And then I cried.
Here I was trying to start a business and I couldn't even afford more than 2 Gigabytes of memory.
The second 2 Gig CF card I received was a going away gift from my boss when I submitted my two-week notice. He was so supportive and I promised to pay it forward when my business took off, because I believed/hoped/prayed it would. A few days ago, I ordered new CF cards from Adorama and I remembered the promise to my {ex}boss...so, Internet, it's time for a GIVEAWAY. |
I'm excited to announce one lucky winner will receive
...Four Sandisk 8 Gig CF Memory cards (that's 32 Gigs of memory!)
...A ThinkTank memory card wallet
Many thanks to Adorama for allowing me to pay it forward! To enter the contest, leave a comment in the box below (be sure to include your email address!) sharing what you're most excited for in your business this year. The winner will be announced TOMORROW (Friday) at 6am PST, so holler back.
Happy Thursday!
**THE CONTEST IS CLOSED and COMPLETED NOW** |
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