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And for another round of Frequently Asked Questions, helping all wedding guests and Uncle Bobs alike.

Do you pros have any general pet peeves about us amateurs taking shots at weddings?
Generally, no. Guests taking photographs at weddings does not bother us, heck, when we are guests we do the same. Buuuuuut, there is one thing that does bother us on rare occasions, and his name is Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob is a guest at the wedding, a photog novice, usually carrying a pro DSLR camera, who feels the need to document the whole wedding. Uncle Bob follows the couple around everywhere making it difficult for the paid photographer to get a shot without him in it or shoots over our shoulder. I second shot a wedding once where at the ceremony three Uncle Bobs stood at the front of the aisle two feet away from the couple, which was super frustrating. And back when I was just starting out, I had someone ask me if I could pause between shots so they could get their shot, and while I understand they mean no harm, there is not enough time in the schedule to stop in between each shot to make sure they’ve had enough time to capture it. Honestly though, at most weddings it’s not a problem, and if it is, I normally say something.

Can I use the image of me that I got off of your blog/facebook?
Yes, of course! But, we photographers, kindly ask that you do not alter the image in any way, including cropping out the logo. Think of it as cutting off Picasso’s name from a canvas he has painted. We are artists and like our work to be presented to the world just as we created it. If you decide to put images up that you receive in your package without a logo on it, kindly credit the photographer who took the images.

Do we need to feed you at our wedding?
Yes, I’m 5’1 and 100 pounds soaking wet and if I don’t take a break and eat, I might pass out. Which would totally be embarrassing. But please no swimmie fish, I’m allergic.

And other than wedding season, it’s crab season, YUMM. Check back tomorrow for images from Chaela and Scott’s wedding!

Often times I get asked if people can second shoot for me, and although I normally work alone, well, me and Alberta, this year I would like to have more people come along with me to shoot and see how I do things. I’m not the best wedding photographer ever, but if it helps one person learn something, then I think it’s totally worth it. When I was just starting, I didn’t know photographers, so asking someone if I could second shoot was impossible. I didn’t know where to start, or who to ask, not to mention if I did get the opportunity to second shoot for someone, what to do.

Now, during wedding season, when I have free time, I like to second shoot for people for fun. It keeps my images fresh, and helps me think outside of the box without the stress of being the main photographer. These are some second photographer tips that I have learned by second shooting, and having second shooters.

1. Work those muscles. First and foremost the main photographer needs the shot, so if that means running to the car for the light, then run like the wind. Carrying the camera bag to and from so the main photographer can be shooting, you carry it. Extra batteries in the corner, they’re yours. Umbrella over the photographers head to protect from rain, hail, sleet, you got it.

2. Do your own thing, don’t be scared! Many times second photographers will follow around the first photographer looking for direction, when in fact the second photographer needs to just branch out and go shoot. Shoot everything the main photographer isn’t. If the main photographer is at the front of the room, be at the back. If they’re outside shooting the couple, go inside and shoot the cocktail hour or details. Also try using a different lens from the primary photographer to help capture different angles.

3. Let’s Talk Business. As a second photographer you are there hired to work for the first. So, even if you have your own business and a guest were to ask you for a business card, you are working for the primary photographer and should be handing out their card. Also be conscious about letting the main photographer get ‘the shot,’ so sometimes that means stepping out of the way for the most desired shots.

4. Cattle Herder. During the formal family shots, it is your job to collect family members and have them all lined up for the next shot. If a list is provided of shots and family members names you are the one that needs to make sure all the family members have gotten in. Sometimes teaming up with a cousin, or a friend of the bride and groom who knows everyone’s names and relation, helps speed the process along.

5. Bloggity Blog. NEVER blog the images before the main photographer. Even if you are a avid blogger, you need to refrain from using the images, at least for the time being. If they don’t mind that you blog them, always provide a link back to the main photographers website. But depending on the primary photographers wishes, you may not even be able to use the images at all. This also applies to using them on your website/portfolio, always ask the main photographer what their policy is, as many photographers differ.

6. Pearly whites. Smile, because you are representing the primary photographers business. This is your opportunity to not be stressed about ‘getting the shot,’ so have fun and enjoy it. Try new things, different angles, different lenses.

And these are some of my favorite images from this past wedding season shooting with my friend Kate:

Isn’t this the coolest kid you have EVER seen?!

This post is for photographers, mostly because when I was starting out, there was no one to answer my questions. I was a big deep dark black hole of a million questions, with no guidance. So I’m hoping that while answering these readers’ questions, people that are in the position I once was in can get some questions answered.

Do you bargain with people? And would you be afraid to turn someone down if they offered you something lower?
Great question! When you are first starting your business and building your client base, yes there very well may be some bargaining going on. Are you worth more, yes, most definitely, but you have to start somewhere and then you can slowly raise your prices. After you have established yourself, your style, and your target clientele, your willingness for the bargaining process decreases. By making your business unique to you, building a brand and a style that is exclusive to you, that sometimes means referring a possible client to someone else if they truly cannot afford you. Only you know your budget, bills, and all the hard work and effort you put into your business. And besides your work is probably worth way more than you are charging in the first place.

I’m looking for clothes that are stylish yet functional for weddings. You always seem to be dressed so cute, what do you wear to weddings?
Gah…me, dressed cute?! Clearly you haven’t seen my hoodie and jeans that I sit in front of the computer for hours upon hours. But, to weddings I try to be as comfortable as possible, and most importantly with wearing flats. I’m not a flats kinda girl, in fact I hate them. So finding a pair that was comfortable, stylish, and that I was actually willing to wear was definitely a challenge. I finally settled on a pair of Tory Burch patent black flats and in the summertime I wear t-strap black patent sandals. And depending on the weather and the venue, I have a black and white sleeveless dress, which is key for the hot and humid Maryland summers, or black dress capris. And for the cooler months I wear black dress pants with a nice shirt and jacket, or a sweater dress with black stockings and boots.

How do you get your bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony for a ‘first sight?’
I would say that about ninety percent of my couples opt to see each other before the ceremony, and in all honesty, all I do is give my opinion for why I love it and why I think it’s important. By suggesting a first look, it is a quiet moment to share in their wedding day before hustle and bustle starts. My couples have commented how they really enjoyed being able to share this moment with just the two of them and being able to share hugs and undoubtedly some tears. It is also a guarantee for some amazing relaxed portraits by themselves on the most important day of their lives. After I give them my personal opinion they decide if it’s for them or not, and most are for it, which I love!

Feel free to leave your comments below, I would love to hear from you! Or if you have a question you’d like to see answered in the next FAQ, email me, Megan Beth at megan@meganbeth.com.