Should Second Photographers Use Wedding Photos?
Should 2nd photographers be able to use their images in their portfolios?
There are 100 different schools of thought on this and I'm sure you'll work with many photographers who are the same and some that are different. Some believe that if they're paying you to take the pictures then you shouldn't be able to use them for your own use at all. Others, like me, are ok with you using them, but not just anywhere you feel like it. Some will trade off and let you come shoot to build your portfolio but won't pay you to your work for the day (I do this when I bring third shooters along that I’m training for second shooter positions). Whatever the conditions are, make sure you're clear on them with each photographer that you work for so you don't end up with an embarrassing and potentially reputation-ruining debacle in the end.
Here's what I tell my second shooters:
Pictures MAY NOT be used ANYWHERE EXCEPT up to 5 images on your website portfolio/Instagram or up to 20 images on your blog with proper credit given that the wedding was shot by "Vanessa Joy Photography" with a link back to my website and absolutely no text stating the couples name, wedding venue or any vendors involved. You may not use or tag any names of B&G, venue or vendors at any time, anywhere. This includes putting them on social media, tagging or hashtagging my bride/groom in it, and/or friending or following the clients on social media.
Seem harsh? I recently had a venue find one of my second photographer’s photos on their blog via a Google search because there was venue information in text on her blog. And because so many people enjoy just “sharing” images without permission or even the common courtesy of a notification, this venue took and posted the photo on social media. The kicker was that they did so crediting and tagging my second photographer and her company as the photographer that shot the job. No bueno. I don’t think my second shooters should gain SEO/social media juice from one of my jobs and definitely not referrals or social media tags from my clients or networked venues either.
What are your thoughts?