Video University: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers: The more photogs the better?

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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
The more photogs the better?

Brackish
Veteran

May 5, 2007, 3:15 AM

Post #1 of 4 (452 views)
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The more photogs the better?	Can't Post

Lately I've been running into a lot of teams where there
are two shooters but it seems like the second shooter
often really doesn't know much - almost as if
the main shooter handed someone a cam and
said "here you go ... you're my 'second shooter' today".
(The last wedding I shot video there were two
shooters but they took all their shots standing
right next to each other and chimping - looked great
during the first dance when they stood directly
opposite the video cam and chimped and laughed
five feet away from the couple, in the background
of the video.)

Anyways, I was wondering if the clients prefer to
have more than one shooter? Are they willing to
pay extra - or can you get more for your packages - if
you have an assistant?

----------------------------------------------
"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."

Jeko
Enthusiast

May 5, 2007, 8:04 AM

Post #2 of 4 (446 views)
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Re: [Brackish] The more photogs the better? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Treat the second shooter as an option. The second perspective can allow for coverage of things simultaneously --so the bride doesn't have to choose between his/her prep.... can see HER entrance and HIS reaction... the crowd watching cake feeding and the actual feeding, etc.

I also bring an "assistant" to watch gear at all weddings. So, even if the couple does not hire a second shooter, the assistant may take some shots too. Just not guaranteed, and not as experienced or creative with a camera. Their images are not as useful as a true second shooter would give me --but they cost me much less too. Same as video shoots, right?

Some clients prefer two shooters, some doen't care... the results are better certainly with a second shooter.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

RT Steele
Veteran

May 6, 2007, 1:56 PM

Post #3 of 4 (416 views)
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Re: [Brackish] The more photogs the better? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I typically only see 2 shooter husband/wife teams. You can tell who the main shooter is because it's the one not carrying the gear or setting up all the light stands and umbrellas. Laugh

But when they both shoot I've never seen the side-by-side style mentioned.

I used to think photographers were problems until I joined VU and read the real horror stories some of you people have. Sly

Working with them is a piece of cake for me in comparison.

And I imagine those of you with video backgrounds are just a joy to work with.

- RT

StillMotion
User

May 7, 2007, 9:25 AM

Post #4 of 4 (407 views)
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Re: [RT Steele] The more photogs the better? [In reply to]	Can't Post

We have options of either one or two photographers and many couples who get either just photo or a combo package prefer two. We try and educate them on the differences and tell them it is not about just having two shooters in different locations. For us, te second shooter allows for much more artistic and out there shots that the main cannot always take and it also gives the othe rperson a break while one shooter is comig up with the ideas. Overall, we find the day runs much smoother and the portfolio is much fuller. We try and sell all those points to the couple and I think that is more or less why we get alot of 2 photog jobs. All of our shooters are of equal caliber and we don't have assistants, so that also makes a difference.