A second shooter, for those who aren’t familiar with the term, is a main photographer’s back-up and assistant. Not all weddings demand a second shooter, but it does relieve some nerves on those days where time is limited and there is a large number of people. Second shooters carry gear, get reaction shots, are in another location if two things are happening at once, shoot a lot of details, and work FOR the main photographer as part of their business. I LOVE second shooting. It is a sneak peek into the way another person does business. Even if its not for you, it is really awesome to observe and learn from others.

I second shot a Richmond, VA wedding with Shay of Shay Cochrane Photography [Facebook and Twitter…you should Like her and Follow her]. She is an amazing woman of the Lord, and a great photographer.

Things I learned from working with Shay:

• Smile. Even when you’re behind the camera.
• Do business in relation to how you do life. Don’t mix up your priorities.
• Laugh. Because weddings are FUN!
• Balance confidence and humility.
• Dress cute and do your hair. Shay, besides the bride, was the cutest thing in Richmond! So stylish! 🙂

This wedding was just awesome. You can read Shay’s account on her blog! Its worth the read; I cried. Christy and Andy had a dating relationship that had taken many turns, but all seemed to lead to this day.

People were praising God, worshiping, and celebrating all morning. This day was covered in prayer for the couple and their marriage.

Seriously. I have never seen a couple have so much fun during their ceremony.

When I say fun, I mean a surprise gospel choir busting through the doors in a glorious rendition of O Happy Day.

Such a wonderful day of learning, photography, and love. O Happy Day, indeed.