why work with me?

The terms "bomb-diggity" and "stealth like a ninja" have both been used to describe me, if you want the Cliff Notes version.  In all seriousness though, you can count on a punctual, reliable, unobtrusive, and flexible photographer who knows his stuff (400+ weddings and counting!), and has you and your clients' best interest in mind.  I can be discreet (in true ninja fashion), or I can take charge and direct family members for group photos.  I'm pretty low-key and relaxed, and generally do best when working together but not attached at the hip.  I'm comfortable covering the bride or groom getting ready alone, photographing details while you're with the couple, getting candids/couples during cocktail hour, or stepping up as the main shooter if you're ill or have an accident.  If you haven't already, please check out my wedding gallery to get a sense of my style.  I also have full wedding galleries available upon request.  As far as my expectations as your second shooter, they essentially mirror what I've outlined for my own second shooters below, so take a look at that section, and if you have different expectations or work in a wildly different manner, please let me know!

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

I shoot with Canon gear; here's a peek inside my camera bag.  This is what I bring to each and every wedding:

2 x Canon R5

RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS

RF 28-70mm f/2L IS

RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

RF 85mm f/1.2L

RF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro

4 x Godox V1 Speedlites

2 x Godox AD200

Lightstands and other various accessories

I also have larger Godox AD1200 and AD600 strobes and modifiers that I can bring upon request if you need more power than speedlites can provide, just let me know beforehand so I can make sure the batteries are charged up and ready to go. A $100 rental fee will applied for the strobe(s) and modifiers.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS MY SECOND SHOOTER:

First and foremost, expect to have fun and make some great images together!  You're being hired for you creative eye and technical expertise, so if you have a shot you want to try or a pose you want to set up, I encourage you to go for it. I may ask you to get a specific shot here and there, but in general, we'll mostly be working independently, but as a team.  You won't be micromanaged, and you won't be set up for failure without any direction.  Here's a rundown of the typical wedding day with me:

You'll probably be covering the groom and groomsmen by yourself, assuming it's in a different location than the bride.  Before the start of the day, please make sure you're shooting in full-size RAW format, and set your camera clock to www.time.gov.  If we are both starting at the same location I’ll give you memory cards to shoot on. Depending on the amount of time allotted, these are the typical shots to get:

Groom getting ready/getting dressed

Any meaningful details (watch, cufflinks, tie, shoes, etc.)

Candids of guys hanging out

Portraits of the groom alone

Group photos of the groom with groomsmen and/or parents (if time allows)

Individual photos of groom with each groomsman and/or parents (if time allows)

After that, we'll rendezvous at the first look or ceremony location.  You're generally free to  just do your thing as a creative professional. I just ask that you don't shoot over my shoulder (getting the same shot as me) or directly across from me (getting in each others photos).

When taking portraits (or during any other time of the day, really), your input is always welcome - if you think of a cool shot or pose for the couple, go for it!  If you notice a crooked tie, out of place hand, sunglasses left on, etc. don't be afraid to speak up; it's always great to have a second pair of eyes while taking portraits.  Depending on the schedule, I may ask to go the reception and get detail shots or candids during cocktail hour, or possibly call out family members' names and be on "shot list duty" if the couple has a particularly lengthy or complicated number of family combinations.

Equipment: Please bring your own equipment and whatever lighting setup you want to use.  I use speedlites at most reception venues for OCF.  I've found that with two people using the same speedlites at the same time, long recycle times result in lot of missed shots, so please bring whatever OCF system you're comfortable using.

Meals: Unless it's an unusually short day, we'll be having dinner, per my contract with the couple - yay!  If you have any specific dietary needs, please let me know as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made with the couple/venue. Otherwise, prepare for the usual “dry wedding chicken,” ha ha.

Payment/Image Delivery: In most cases, you can take off after the formal events of the reception.  We'll download your images onto a portable hard drive (or I’ll take back my cards if you shot on mine), and I'll send you payment via PayPal or Venmo, so you'll go home with both payment and your memory cards (if you need a physical check, please let me know beforehand).  I ask that you not format your memory cards until 24 hours after the wedding to ensure they are backed up on my end.

Attire: There's no need to be a dressed-in-all-black SWAT team photographer, but please wear professional looking trousers/skirt and button-down shirt/blouse or dress.  No jeans or polos, please.

Image Usage: You're welcome to use any of your images for your website/portfolio/blog/social media.  I ask that you wait 6 weeks before posting anything online, and please include "Shot for Stephen Wang Photography" and link to my website for anything posted on a blog, and for social media please tag @StephenWangPhotography.  Private or unflattering images (e.g., partially nude or embarrassing expressions) should not be shared at all.  If I post any of your images online, I will give proper credit and link to your website as well.

Please do not tag or send friend/follow requests to my clients on social media.  If they friend/follow you however, you're welcome to accept/follow back it if you wish.

Please do not share images with other vendors.  If a vendor requests images for their use, please give them my contact information and I will work with them directly.

Second shooter's payment is commensurate with experience, skill, and hours worked, typically $400-$750 for a typical wedding day.

Non-shooting assistants are paid a rate of $30/hr.  Your duties will include hauling gear, holding light stands/reflectors, calling out names for family photos, transferring files to a hard drive, fixing dress trains, fetching me a soda, and other stuff like that :)

I'm looking forward to working with you!