Second Shooter Guide
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
Daniella dyan photography
Hi!
I'm so excited to have you as part of the Daniella Dyan Photography team! This guide is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and equipped for a successful wedding day.
Providing an exceptional experience for my couples is my top priority. Every interaction, from our first email to the delivery of their final gallery, is centered around making them feel comfortable, celebrated, and cared for. As my second shooter, you play a huge role in that experience.
When you're shooting alongside me, you're representing my business and becoming an extension of my brand. I strive to create a calm, positive, and fun atmosphere where couples can fully enjoy their day while trusting that every meaningful moment is being documented. Your professionalism, attitude, communication, and attention to detail are just as important as the photos you capture.
This guide outlines my expectations, workflow, and approach so we can work seamlessly together and provide the best possible experience for every couple. Please take the time to read through everything before the wedding day. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at danielladyanphoto@gmail.com.
I can't wait to work with you and create something beautiful together!
Dress code
As a second shooter for Daniella Dyan Photography, your appearance should reflect the professionalism and elevated experience we provide for our couples. Weddings are formal events, and we're often working alongside planners, venues, families, and other vendors throughout the day. Dressing professionally allows us to blend into the environment while representing the brand well.
Please wear all black attire. This can be either:
A modest black dress, or
Black work slacks paired with an elevated black top or blouse.
Clothing should be clean, polished, comfortable, and appropriate for a full day of movement. Please avoid bright colors, patterns, graphics, denim, athletic wear, or clothing with visible logos.
For footwear, comfort is key. You're welcome to wear comfortable black sandals, flats, or sneakers, as long as they are clean, simple, and professional. Please avoid all-white sneakers or shoes with bright colors or distracting details, as they tend to stand out in reflections and behind-the-scenes photos.
Wedding days are long, fast-paced, and often involve walking, kneeling, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods. Dressing comfortably while maintaining a polished appearance will help you feel confident and prepared throughout the day.
Professionialism & Expectations
As part of the Daniella Dyan Photography team, you are representing my brand through both the images you capture and the way you show up throughout the wedding day.
I value a calm, positive, and professional presence at every wedding. My goal is to create an environment where couples and their families feel comfortable, supported, and able to fully enjoy their day. As a second shooter, please be proactive, observant, and intentional—look for moments happening around you, anticipate what may be needed, and help create a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Respect for the couple, their families, the venue, vendors, and any cultural or religious traditions is incredibly important. We are guests in these spaces and should always represent ourselves with kindness and professionalism.
Please avoid complaining, gossiping, excessive phone use, or any behavior that could take away from the positive atmosphere of the day. Stay engaged, team-oriented, and focused on serving the couple. Every interaction—whether with guests, vendors, or the wedding party—reflects the experience we provide and the reputation we are building.
Equipment and Camera settings
Please arrive fully prepared with professional, reliable equipment and ensure everything is tested and ready before the wedding day. As a second shooter, your gear plays an important role in helping us capture the full story of the day.
Second shooters are expected to bring:
- A full-frame camera body with dual card slots preferred
- A backup camera body
- Multiple fully charged batteries
- Empty, reliable memory cards
- At least one flash for receptions and low-light situations
- A variety of lenses that allow you to capture different perspectives (a 50mm and 24-70mm are highly recommended)
Before arriving, please test all equipment and make sure:
- Batteries are fully charged
- Memory cards are formatted and ready to use
- Cameras and lenses are functioning properly
- Flash equipment is working correctly
All images must be captured in RAW format. Please double-check your camera settings before the wedding begins to ensure you are not shooting JPEG.
You are expected to shoot in manual mode and have a strong understanding of your camera settings. If you are comfortable shooting in Kelvin white balance, please do so to maintain consistency throughout the day. If you are not familiar with Kelvin, please use Auto White Balance rather than guessing or changing settings inconsistently.
Capturing Groom
and groomsmen
Groom Getting Ready & Portraits
My goal during the groom's getting ready portion of the day is to tell the story of his morning while also creating timeless portraits of him before the ceremony. I love a mix of candid moments, lightly guided interactions, and classic portraits that feel natural and effortless.
Groom Getting Ready
Capture a variety of moments rather than photographing the same pose repeatedly. Focus on documenting the process as it unfolds while gently directing him when needed.
Be sure to capture:
- Sitting naturally while getting ready
- Standing as he buttons his jacket
- Adjusting his tie or bow tie
- Fastening his cufflinks
- Putting on his watch
- Spraying cologne
- Putting on or tying his dress shoes
- Straightening his jacket
- Looking out a window
- Reading a letter or gift from the bride (if applicable)
Don't forget the small details, including his watch, cufflinks, shoes, tie, boutonnière, cologne, vow book, and any other meaningful accessories.
Meaningful Interactions
Some of the most emotional images come from the people surrounding the groom. Be observant and ready for genuine moments.
Look for:
- Mom pinning on his boutonnière
- Dad helping straighten his tie or jacket
- A parent or best man patting him on the shoulder
- Hugs with family members
- Laughing with the groomsmen
- Reading letters or opening gifts
- Quiet moments before the ceremony
- Groom Portraits
Once the groom is fully dressed, spend a few minutes creating classic portraits of him on his own.
Capture a variety of:
- Looking at the camera
- Looking off into the distance
- Full-body portraits
- Mid-length portraits
- Close-up portraits
- Standing naturally with hands in pockets
- Holding his jacket over his shoulder (if appropriate)
- Walking toward and away from the camera
- Adjusting his jacket or cufflinks
- Natural smiles as well as more relaxed, serious expressions
Aim for a gallery that includes both traditional portraits and candid movement so the couple receives a well-rounded collection of images.
I can't wait to work with you!
Every emotion, detail, and fleeting moment deserves to be remembered. Your wedding photographs will become part of your family’s legacy, images your children and grandchildren will one day look back on. My goal is to preserve your day in a way that feels genuine, timeless, and true to your story. Let's have some fun!
Daniella