SECOND SHOOTING AT A WEDDING | Photography

Second Shooting At A Wedding

     I have been photographing weddings since the year 2000. At that point in my life, I was an assistant / second shooter for a photographer in Pendleton. He took me along to weddings and I was to make sure that everything was aligned properly, the dress was fluffed and that there were no photo bombers in the background. While I did this for a few years and enjoyed it I really wanted to do more shooting.  He realized this and sold me his D70. I was so excited to have my very first digital camera. I sported that thing like it was the best thing since slice bread.  I was so proud of it; I kept that camera around until last year that I handed it over to an aspiring photographer in my family.  It still works and take beautiful pictures.  Anyway, having the ability to takes digital photos I was allowed to shoot weddings by myself!!  I loved the challenge of shooting by myself a full wedding. Weddings are usually a blur to the bride and groom. They are constantly being pulled by there guests to talk, hug, take a photo, or dance.  Photographers get to capture all of the wonderful details, emotions, food, cake and chaos that happens throughout the day, allowing the couple to look at their wedding story through pictures when they come back from their honeymoon.

   In 2008, I stopped working for a while and dedicated my time to raising my newborn daughter and spending time with my other two daughters at home.

I had three beautiful girls to shoot, but, I missed the joy of photographing others.  So in 2011, my husband encouraged me to pursue my dreams of owning my photography business. DreamShots Photography was born in my mind in high school and became a reality January 2011.  Sometimes we put our dreams off but that doesn't mean they can't come true. I began networking with vendors and other photographers to get back on the wedding scene.  The photographers in South Carolina welcomed me back with open arms and helped me join groups and classes that would further my knowledge and skills.  Throughout all this my husband, Josh Ament, has been a rock by my side, an encouragement to continue with what I love and a true blessing.   Recently, my husband has joined me in my photography business as a second shooter. He is an amazing second shooter and has a great eye for details.

     On occasion I have the honor of second shooting for other photographers in our area and I love it.  I say honor because at that point they are trusting me with their brides and their reputation and style. 

While initially this makes me nervous, I tend to get at ease once we start the day. Second shooting is not as stressful as being the primary shooter.  As a second, I am able to get different angle of a shot the primary has set up. 

I am also able to concentrate on more of the details and candid shots throughout the night.  Many times I have heard a bride say " Oh my god! I didn't even see that person at our wedding!" and they are grateful that they have a photo of them being there.  Second shooting is fun and I think anyone who is interested in photographing weddings should find a mentor and second shoot for them before taking on a wedding by themselves.  I know this has helped me a great deal and I am thankful to all the photogs who have been there for me in the past and will be there for me in the future.