why work with me?

I’ve been described as "bomb-diggity" and "stealth like a ninja" to give you 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 go-with-the-flow, 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 and Godox gear; here's a peek inside my camera bag:

2 x Canon R5 II

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 Speedlites

2 x Godox AD200

Lightstands and other various accessories

I also have some more specialized equipment which I can bring upon request. Larger Godox AD1200 and AD600 strobes and modifiers if you need more power than speedlites can provide, a 400mm f/2.8 lens for longer reach and a unique look, and a DJI Mavic 3 drone for aerials. 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)/modifiers or the drone. No rental fee for bringing the 400mm, I’ll take any excuse to use that thicc boi.

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 your 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’re both starting at the same location I’ll give you memory cards to shoot on which I’ll collect at the end of the night. 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 flopping boutonnière, 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 you 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 at least two camera bodies, long and wide lens(es), and whatever lighting gear you want to use.  I use speedlites/AD200s at most reception venues for OCF.  I've found that two people using the same speedlites at the same time results in long recycle times and missed shots, so please bring whatever OCF system you're comfortable using. I have clamps you can use to attach flashes to my light stands, so no need to bring your own stands.

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, assume we’ll get the usual wedding vendor dry chicken.

Payment/Image Delivery: In most cases, you can take off after the formal events of the reception.  I’ll collect your memory cards and mail them back to you (or if you shoot on my cards I’ll take them back), and I'll send you payment via PayPal or Venmo.  I ask that you keep a backup copy for at least 24 hours after the wedding to ensure I have your images imported safely on my end.

Attire: Wear whatever you’re comfortable in as long as it’s professional looking; my usual wedding outfit is a button down shirt and grey pants. No need to be super formal (if it’s a black tie event or something I’ll let you know beforehand), but please no jeans or t-shirts/polos.

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" or similar, and link to my website for anything posted on a blog. For social media, please tag @StephenWangPhotography.  Private or unflattering images (e.g., partially nude or embarrassing, etc..) should not be shared at all.  And if I post any of your images online, I’ll 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. And if the venue or another vendor requests any of your images for use on their site/social media, please give them my contact information and I will work with them directly.

I'm looking forward to working with you!