I'm wanting to know what others might say are good guidelines to follow for second shooters? I was asked to be a second shooter for a wedding and I plan to have my own second shooter when I start shooting weddings professionally. I've shot 3 weddings myself so I have a little experience but I would not consider myself a "pro" since I've only had my entry pro camera for just under a year (I have a Canon 60D). I would just like to know what I should expect as a second shooter and what I should offer when I need one.
I know it's broad, but it would be great to know what common expectations are of them/us, and how you might figure what they/we should be paid. And is there a certain amount of shots I should be expected to edit and produce as a second shooter?
Also I'm assuming there is a difference between an assistant and a second shooter? It sounds like there should be. I feel like I'm being asked to do a little of both. The person I'm working with said that she is thinking that I will help watch gear and move people where she wants them to be in family photos and what not. Is that stuff normal of second shooters? I told her that I will be keeping all my gear on me and I recommend that she do the same.
Also I can't really find anything on how the second shooter should interact with the lead photographer. The person I'm shooting with has never shot a wedding before and during the ceremony she said that she wants to shoot them in the center isle while I shoot from the side and then once the bride and groom are up in front she wants me to fall back with her and just float behind her and shoot. Is it just me or does it seem like we are just going to get totally similar shots then? Should I say something? Is it fair to say that I'll stay behind her line but that it might be a good idea for me to move to different angles so we are covering the ceremony from different views?