What should I look for in a 2nd Shooter?

Chip Thome · July 26th, 2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Harding

The problem now is (thanks to Philip) I just get cannot erase an image out of my mind of a very impressive looking model with all the right attributes laying bricks and dressed only in a pair of hot pants and high heels!!! .....
Chris

Sounds like great qualifications to me !!!! :-)

Christian Brown · July 26th, 2011, 11:19 PM

Thanks for the response, Jeff. Helped me to read Philip's post with fresh eyes. He was pretty clear, and I'll add my support to it. Having a second shooter implies at least three cameras to me (which is why I was confused).

And back to the question at hand... what to look for.

-- Find someone who is already shooting in your style. You'll have an easier time getting them to do what you want (because it's what they want).
-- Find someone who is easy to reach. I need to know that I can quickly book an event. I need to know that I can easily send you feedback online. Screenshots, snippets, etc. I don't want someone who takes forever to respond when planning or reviewing.
-- Find someone who has their own equipment. Can't hurt to have more back-ups, or extra angles.
-- Find someone who has gear or skills that you don't have. "That glide cam might be handy..." "Those extra audio channels are critical..." "Your mics costs what?!?!?" "I'm not sure we can fit this jib in the balcony..." "I'm sure the bride will love the pyrotechnics..."

Like gear, work with a few different people to get a feel for things. It will probably be obvious who is easy to work with and who isn't, who does a good job and who doesn't.

Chris Harding · July 26th, 2011, 11:46 PM

Thanks Christian

Despite being tempted by Chip's suggestions I figured paying a nice, trustworthy, well dressed assistant will be a lot cheaper than a divorce laywer so I went with that!!

I agree 100% with your first two points...unfortunately when shooter have their own gear then the price goes up and of course your prices will have to do the same thing!!

I would be a little hesitant at hiring someone as a 2nd shooter when they have all this gear and all this talent!! If they are so well equipped and shoot such good footage, why are they not shooting weddings and hiring their own assistant!!

I'm working this weekend with my first assistant who shows great promise, shoots my way and listens to what I suggest. I also have a potential backup lady so I think if both shoot equally well, it will come down to who I feel works best with me.

Chris

Philip Howells · July 27th, 2011, 12:13 AM

Chris, you have a way with words. I've been married twice and can say from experience that having a backup lady isn't always the best way.

And Christian, Jeff's understanding of my point of view was exactly right.

July 26th, 2011, 11:19 PM	#17
Christian Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 194	Re: What should I look for in a 2nd Shooter? Thanks for the response, Jeff. Helped me to read Philip's post with fresh eyes. He was pretty clear, and I'll add my support to it. Having a second shooter implies at least three cameras to me (which is why I was confused). And back to the question at hand... what to look for. -- Find someone who is already shooting in your style. You'll have an easier time getting them to do what you want (because it's what they want). -- Find someone who is easy to reach. I need to know that I can quickly book an event. I need to know that I can easily send you feedback online. Screenshots, snippets, etc. I don't want someone who takes forever to respond when planning or reviewing. -- Find someone who has their own equipment. Can't hurt to have more back-ups, or extra angles. -- Find someone who has gear or skills that you don't have. "That glide cam might be handy..." "Those extra audio channels are critical..." "Your mics costs what?!?!?" "I'm not sure we can fit this jib in the balcony..." "I'm sure the bride will love the pyrotechnics..." Like gear, work with a few different people to get a feel for things. It will probably be obvious who is easy to work with and who isn't, who does a good job and who doesn't. __________________ http://artslaureate.com/, http://facebook.com/ArtsLaureate http://www.christianamonson.com/

July 26th, 2011, 11:46 PM	#18
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Re: What should I look for in a 2nd Shooter? Thanks Christian Despite being tempted by Chip's suggestions I figured paying a nice, trustworthy, well dressed assistant will be a lot cheaper than a divorce laywer so I went with that!! I agree 100% with your first two points...unfortunately when shooter have their own gear then the price goes up and of course your prices will have to do the same thing!! I would be a little hesitant at hiring someone as a 2nd shooter when they have all this gear and all this talent!! If they are so well equipped and shoot such good footage, why are they not shooting weddings and hiring their own assistant!! I'm working this weekend with my first assistant who shows great promise, shoots my way and listens to what I suggest. I also have a potential backup lady so I think if both shoot equally well, it will come down to who I feel works best with me. Chris

July 27th, 2011, 12:13 AM	#19
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	Re: What should I look for in a 2nd Shooter? Chris, you have a way with words. I've been married twice and can say from experience that having a backup lady isn't always the best way. And Christian, Jeff's understanding of my point of view was exactly right.