Associate Photographer vs Second Photographer

There are two roles that may come up when you're working with a photographer that can be helpful to have more insight on. These roles are Associate Photographers and Second Photographers (often referred to as "second shooters"). The distinction between these two roles is easy to miss, so let's quickly explore the differences between them.

What is an Associate Photographer

For photographers who have built a successful business that requires extra hands, you'll often find that they enlist the support of associate photographers or have an "associate team". The primary photographer or owner of the business will delegate projects to their associate photographer team when the primary photographer is already booked or has other calendar obligations on the date requested by the client.

Associate photographers may be brought on board for a variety of projects, depending on how the primary photographer and associate photographer have agreed to work together. For example, if the associate photographer has ample wedding experience, they may be brought in to associate shoot a full wedding or elopement package. However, if the associate photographer specializes in and is more comfortable with family photography sessions, they may be selected to support those projects.

How does it work?

Associate teams tend to be assembled over time as the primary photographer finds similarities in how they work and shoot with how the associate photographer works and shoots. While the associate photographer may have a photography business of their own, taking on associate projects is leveraged as a way to fill gaps in their calendar or to work with a more established photographer to gain experience and build their portfolio.

How associate photography works logistically depends on the primary photographer's workload and agreement with their individual associate photographers, but typically the primary photographer manages admin, organization, editing and delivery of the project while the associate photographer acts as the on-site photographer during the project and ensures the project is a great reflection of the primary photographer's style and brand.

Associate photographers are paid by the Primary photographer, which again changes based on individual preferences but typically reflects a percentage of the total cost of the package. For example, associate photographers may make 30-70% of the total cost of the package booked.

Benefits for the Primary Photographer

The biggest benefit for the primary photographer is being able to accommodate more business under their brand name and to increase their overall income in a relatively hands-off way. This is also a great way for photographers to stay afloat in times of need, like if they fall ill before a big project, anticipate time off due to vacations, maternity leave, or disability needs. It also allows an opportunity to build community in an industry that can otherwise feel a little bit lonely.

Benefits for the Associate Photographer

There are so many benefits to being an associate photographer. The biggest perk I know my colleagues love about being an associate photographer is that they don't have the time and energy obligation of editing the galleries. Depending on what elements you love most about being a photographer (shooting vs editing), associate work can be a much needed break from sitting at the computer and working on digital files. It allows you to make an income on the one thing you truly enjoy, and wipe your hands of the nitty gritty business elements of planning, organizing, admin work and editing. And as mentioned above, it's an excellent tool for both filling in the gaps of your calendar and building experience and portfolio (often at venues or locations that are outside of your normal routine).

Do Associate Photographers own the photo rights?

This is another element that lies in the hands of the primary photographer. More often than not, it seems that the associate photographers do not own the photo rights and will have limitations on utilizing the photos from the project for their portfolio, website, social media, etc. It's important to have a transparent conversation with the primary photographer and understand their requirements and restrictions around photo use, individual photo editing and tagging / backlinking of images.

What is a Second Photographer?

A second photographer, in comparison to an associate photographer, works alongside the primary photographer on a project. While this is often seen at larger weddings, it's not uncommon to see a second photographer assisting for other events like school reuinions, corporate events, etc.

A second photographer acts as support, insurance and additional coverage for large projects. In my case, I typically bring second photographers in on wedding projects where partners are getting ready at two separate locations and for couples who really value having multiple perspectives of their day (ex: the groom's reaction at the bride coming down the aisle and the classic photo of the bride walking down the aisle with her parent). For events that are held on large properties with a lot of ground to cover or guest counts reaching 200+, a second photographer is something that helps ensure nothing is missed.

How does it work?

Similar to an associate photographer, the second photographer is paid through the primary photographer. When a second photographer is agreed upon or included in a photography package, the primary photographer will connect with trusted colleagues in the community or potentially have newer photographers who they have vetted as a good fit for the responsibility and offer them either an hourly or flat rate for their assistance. The second photographer will be given some direction by the primary photographer on what their goal is for different elements of the project (guest coverage, cocktail hour coverage, additional angles and perspectives during ceremony, etc) and the final photos will be selected and edited by the primary photographer to be included in the final gallery for the client.

Benefits for the Primary Photographer

The benefits for the primary photographer lie in what they can offer their client. If a client is showing anxiety about wanting to make sure nothing is missed or they are explaining the value they find in capturing a wide range of moments in one, being able to offer what I call "insurance" of a second photographer is a perfect way to put them at ease. It's also a great way to begin exploring potential members of your associate team if that's something you feel you'll need or want. Finally, it's great experience in leadership! Taking on a second photographer and learning how to delegate responsibility, ask for help and offer active mentorship garnishes a leadership skill that will build your overall confidence as a business owner.

Benefits for the Second Photographer

Taking second photographer opportunities, especially early on in your photography career, can be a great stepping stone into larger projects. It gives you insight into the workings of a wedding day or the flow of larger events and projects without demanding that you have all the answers. You can learn from a more experienced photographer, or just learn how different photographers handle high pressure situations, and ultimately get an idea of if you can see yourself adding larger projects to your menu of services. It also has the similar benefits of associate photographer work where your responsibility begins and ends at photographing moments from the event. You aren't required to edit or organize - you get to focus on dialing in your photography skills.

Do Second Photographers own the photo rights?

Similar to associate photographer work, the answer lies in the hands of the primary photographer. The answer is generally no in the case of a second photographer, but to better understand the permissions and limitations of how you're allowed to utilize second photographer work for your portfolio, social media and beyond you'll need to have an open conversation with your primary photographer. Primary photographers typically want to support your success and will allow you to utilize photos taken as a second shooter, but this is typically with guidelines of only sharing the primary edits and tagging the primary business - which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you! Communication is key.

Finding Associate and Second Photography Opportunities

If you feel like associate photography and second photography opportunities could be a helpful next step or additional stream of income for your, it's up to you to keep an eye out for opportunities. If you have photographers in your area that you admire and look up to, take the leap and connect with them to see if they have an associate team, what requirements they have to join or if they'd be open to taking you on for any second photographer opportunities! The photographer community can be a cut-throat and competitive world, but in most cases we are all here to support one another and build each other up. The photography industry, above being competitive, can be lonely. So showing admiration for one another's work and a desire to grow and improve together is always worth the DM.

Nettik Photography is always open to helping new photographers harness their craft and build a successful business. If you'd like to be considered for our associate team or second photography gigs, fill out our interest form here!