Two women pose in a dimly lit venue, one wearing a sparkling silver mini dress and the other in a black backless gown.

 

Expectations, Workflow & Wedding Day Approach

 

A Guide to Second Shooting With Me

Care & Presence


Thank you so much for being my second!


It truly means a lot that you’re stepping into this role with me. Working alongside people who genuinely care is something I value deeply. When I second shoot, I show up with my whole heart in it, as if it were my own wedding day and I bring that same level of thoughtfulness, care, and respect to every moment.


I hope for that same energy in return, coming prepared, being fully present, and moving through the day with intention. The way we show up for a couple is something they feel, and it becomes part of the experience we’re creating for them.

Silver glitter platform heels displayed on a round tray with white calla lilies in glass vases.
White ball gown wedding dress on hanger with cascading burgundy calla lily and pearl bouquet held by bride.
Elegant wedding table with tall taper candles, calla lilies in glass vases, and ribbed stemware overlooking a city skyline.

 

Gear & Readiness

 

01

 

Please arrive fully prepared:

Cameras ready + dual card slots (super important)


Multiple charged batteries (camera + flash)


Extra flash batteries and swap them out proactively so you’re never shooting on low power


Also, please never delete images from your SD cards during the day, this can risk corruption.

02

 

Camera Settings (Non-Negotiables)

To keep our galleries cohesive, I ask that you stay within these settings:


SHOOTING IN RAW ALWAYS & NEVER CUT OFF YOUR SUBJECT'S FEET OR THE TOP OF THEIR HEAD. ALWAYS LEAVE PLENTY OF SPACE ABOVE THE HEAD AND BELOW THE FEET TO ENSURE A CLEAN, COMPLETE COMPOSITION AND ALLOW FOR CROPPING FLEXIBILITY.


Natural Light

Aperture: f/3.2 or higher

Shutter: 1/320 or higher

ISO: adjust based on lighting

White balance is totally fine if you’re not comfortable with Kelvin


Flash (Canon)

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter: 1/160–1/250

ISO: adjust as needed

03

 

Shooting Approach

Take your time.


If you need a second to adjust settings or adjust the subject to better lighting, it’s completely okay to ask people to hold, I’d always prefer that over rushed or missed shots.


When directing:

Keep it gentle and natural

My couples don’t love anything that feels overly performative. A calm presence goes a long way

04

 

Your Role on the Wedding Day

Your role is to more creative than me, not duplicate.


Please avoid shooting exactly what I’m shooting

If I’m front and center, move to the side, behind, or higher angle. Especially for first look and couple portraits


If I’m vertical, try horizontal


Think: close-ups, layers, depth, details, alternate perspectives


This is the biggest thing I’m looking for, you’re there to bring a different eye.

Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing their first dance at a wedding reception.
Black and white photo of a bride in a ball gown dancing at her wedding reception with guests in the background.
Black and white photo of elegantly dressed guests dining at a long candlelit table in a modern restaurant.
Hands gently touch delicate pink hibiscus flowers blooming among lush green foliage in a garden setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment in front of a stone church wall surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.
A couple in wedding attire embraces in a garden setting with lush greenery and flowering bushes in the background.
A series of four wedding photos showing a couple dancing together on a brick patio with green framed windows.
A romantic black and white wedding ceremony moment showing a couple's first kiss at the altar with guests looking on.
Series of photos showing back views of a white lace wedding dress with thin spaghetti straps against beige background.
A series of photos showing a sparkly beige dress and green quilted handbag at an evening event.
A person in a white top and brown satin dress spins and twirls on a patterned red carpet in a dark room.
A group of people in formal attire mingle at an evening event in a dimly lit room.
A bride and groom share candid moments in a series of black and white wedding photos showing their joyful celebration.
A vintage black and white photograph of a couple embracing, set against a decorative lace background pattern.

Details & Groom/Partner 2 Prep

Keep details simple and intentional.


Start with a quick flow:

Ask for details and the boutonniere first

Get everything styled and photographed

Then move into candids and natural moments


If something meaningful is happening, grab a few shots, then go back to finishing any styling/details.


I usually prefer suits hung up on a clean or textured background (rather than laid flat), unless the space really calls for it.


Take your time styling, less is more.


For groom prep:

Offer gentle guidance when needed (putting on the jacket, buttons, etc.)


Focus on candids and natural moments.


For the groom or partner 2, take your time with them. If possible, step outside for details or portraits (if lighting sucks) I’d love for you to capture strong portraits whenever you can.

Blurry motion photo of a person carrying a white tiered wedding cake with heart topper at a dimly lit reception.
Guests raising glasses in a celebratory toast at an elegant wedding reception with floral centerpiece.
Bride and groom cutting their three-tier white wedding cake together at their elegant reception venue.
Bride in white gown dancing with guests in elegant attire at a wedding reception celebration.
A couple in formal wedding attire shares a romantic kiss in a tree-lined park setting with fallen autumn leaves.
A couple embraces in a fall forest clearing with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
Artistic wedding photo sequence at sunset showing couple leaning against white doors in autumn forest setting.
Black and white wedding photos showing playful moments between a couple in a wooded outdoor setting.
Close-up view of hands signing documents on a wooden surface.
A couple in wedding attire poses in a wooded area with autumn foliage and fallen leaves on the ground.

Working Together For Ceremony And Family Photos

There may be moments where:


I’m shooting film during key parts (like ceremony), so I’ll rely on you to cover digital.


I may ask for help with family photos but if I don't focus on candids during this time.


If anything ever feels overwhelming, just communicate, we can always adjust or switch. I want you to feel comfortable and confident.


During the ceremony, I like you on the sides, focusing on close-ups of the family in the front row. You may not know who the bride or partner 1’s family is since I’ll be with them during the getting ready, but you can usually tell, they’re typically seated in the front. Since you’ll have been with the groom or partner 2’s side, you can prioritize capturing their family too.


Throughout the ceremony, get a mix of close-ups of the couple, guest reactions from both sides, and those emotional in-between moments. Once you feel confident you’ve captured strong guest reactions and close-ups of the couple, come back toward me so we can both be ready to capture the ring exchange and the kiss together.

Bride and groom share first kiss at elegant waterfront wedding ceremony with NYC skyline backdrop.
A couple exchanges vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony while holding hands in front of greenery.

Candids & Guest Coverage

About 80% of your focus should be on guests and candid moments, unless I say otherwise.


Especially prioritize:

The guests during the ceremony

Their reactions during speeches and toasts

The energy of the guests surrounding the first dances

And above all, stay attentive to the in-between moments, they mean everything.

Two brides in white gowns run joyfully on a green lawn in front of an elegant historic mansion wedding venue.
Two brides in white gowns walk across a grassy hill surrounded by lush trees in a black and white wedding photo.
Two brides in white gowns sit together on a lawn at an outdoor wedding ceremony with white chairs and an elegant estate.

FAQ

When can I share the images:

You’re welcome to share once the full gallery has been delivered. My typical turnaround is about 9 weeks from the wedding date, and that includes the film photos as well, everything will be ready at the same time. If you don’t hear from me by then, feel free to check in around the 9-week mark. Please tag only me when sharing, and not the vendors.

What’s your style in terms of posing vs. candid direction?

I’m mostly candid and documentary. I step in to give light direction when needed (especially for portraits), but nothing overly posed or forced. I want moments to feel natural, so I focus a lot on real interactions and in-between moments rather than setting things up too much. A lot of light prompts.

What’s the dress code/vibe?

Please wear earth tones or blac, dark grey or dark blue are great options too. Aim for something comfortable and stylish.

When will I know more info about the wedding?

I’ll keep you informed and send you the timeline for the day, usually a month before the wedding.