The Joy of Second Shooting

Wedding season may well be in full swing, but its’ been almost four years, since I’ve shot one. By choice, rather than lack of opportunity. Second shooting at Punjabi weddings, is familiar territory for me. However, all too frequently, my terms weren’t respected, so, I seldom accept these commissions.

To some extent, managing expectations is pivotal to any trade, though particularly true of photography. I am explicit in my terms and once agreed, won’t be swayed. Family connections can often make enforcement harder. Thankfully this shoot was refreshingly straightforward.

This wasn’t a traditional Punjabi wedding, rather a beautifully executed hybrid of civil ceremony, and celebration reflecting the couple, their respective families, and friends. Though I’d like to feel I’m proficient at shooting formal, posed portraiture, I prefer a more candid, reportage flavour, when it comes to weddings.

So, second shooting is perfect, and presents little risk of me impeding the main photographer/team. I’ll leave that to “Uncle Bob”. Uncle Bob is a slightly contentious, derogatory term, similar but less sinister, than GWC (Guy with Camera).

Uncle Bob may well impede a shoot, by nipping in “photo-bomber” fashion at the least convenient moment, often to mimic the commissioned photographer’s image (Between my thighs, at one event).   

By the same token, I consider it important to appreciate guests’ desires to capture their memories from the day. On a personal note, I’ve never been someone who seeks attention.

Alternating between an 85mm 2.8 prime and 50-200 lenses certainly helps maintain a respectful distance, though thankfully, the mood was buoyant throughout, and most people pleasantly oblivious to me. For portraiture commissions, I prefer a 50, or 60mm 1.8, so was mildly annoyed to discover I’d forgotten to swap the 85mm before leaving home. However, by my reckoning, a blessing in disguise.