Second Shooting

Every now and then, it's refreshing to step into a slightly different role and see a wedding day from another perspective. Recently, I had the pleasure of second shooting for Annie Rees Photography across two fantastic weddings in Aberdeenshire, and it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.

The first wedding took place at Thainstone House in Inverurie, a venue that always provides a stunning backdrop for a wedding day. Just a couple of days later, we were back at it again, this time at the beautiful Raemoir House in Banchory. Despite the busy schedule, both days were filled with laughter, great teamwork, and some wonderful couples who made the job incredibly rewarding.

While I don't second shoot very often these days, working alongside Annie was an absolute pleasure. Having the opportunity to support another photographer, while still contributing creatively throughout the day, made for a really enjoyable experience. Annie and I quickly settled into a rhythm, ensuring every important moment was covered from multiple angles.

One unexpected role I seemed to fall into over the course of the weddings was crowd control! When it came to organising larger group photographs, confetti exits, and evening sparkler shots, Annie occasionally handed over the reins to me and my supposedly "authoritative teacher voice." Years of directing groups clearly haven't gone to waste, and thankfully everyone listened, resulting in some fantastic images and plenty of smiles.

Of course, weddings are always a team effort, and it was brilliant to work alongside some excellent suppliers throughout the weekend. Entertainment was expertly provided by James Smith DJ and Shaun Ahmed DJ, both helping to keep the celebrations going well into the evening. We were also joined by Niall from Wee Wedding Films, whose calm and professional approach made collaboration effortless. At Raemoir House, it was lovely to work with Julie and the venue team, who ensured everything ran smoothly and helped create a relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved.

What stood out most across both weddings was the spirit of collaboration. When photographers, videographers, DJs, venue staff, and other suppliers work together seamlessly, it creates a better experience not only for the couple but for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to Annie for inviting me along for the adventure. It was great fun stepping back into the role of second shooter, working with such a talented team, and helping capture two wonderful wedding celebrations. I look forward to working together again in the near future.