Second shooter · Whatcom County, WA
Documentary-minded second shooting for wedding photographers.
Based in Whatcom County, available across Washington, and happiest as part of the team.
Hire someone who actually likes being the second photographer.
I want photographers to know this up front: second shooting is not my backup plan. I'm not trying to use your weddings to build a competing studio. I like the role. I like showing up, making strong images, and helping the day go well without needing to be the person in charge.
This is the work I want to do
I've shot weddings since 2017, and I've learned that I'm happier as part of a team than trying to run the whole show. That matters because I'm not half-looking for my own leads while I'm working with you.
Focused on the day
I'm there to photograph what's happening, fill in the gaps, and make your coverage stronger. Getting ready, guests, reactions, alternate angles, reception moments, whatever helps you tell the full story.
Not competing with you
Your clients are your clients. Your gallery is your gallery. I’m there to work under your direction and hopefully become someone you feel good reaching out to again.
I’m there to fill in the parts you can’t be in two places for.
Sometimes the most helpful thing is for me to cover something happening somewhere else. Other times it’s more useful for me to stay close, grab a different angle, hold something, help pick the next spot, or keep an eye on the family photo list.
I’m not there to run the day. I’m there to support the lead photographer, pay attention to the timeline, notice good photo opportunities, and help create a little more mental space when there are a hundred things happening at once.
I’m not trying to turn your wedding into my lead.
I have work outside of photography that I enjoy, so I don’t need to use your weddings to build a competing business. That’s a big part of why second shooting fits me so well.
I’d rather become someone a handful of photographers trust and call again than chase every wedding inquiry myself.
A few frames from recent work.
Simple to work with before, during, and after the wedding.
Before the day
We can do a quick call, grab coffee, or just talk through email. I’ll look at the timeline, ask what you want covered, and make sure I understand how you like second shooters to work.
On the day
I show up ready, follow your lead, and pay attention to what’s actually helpful. Sometimes that’s shooting. Sometimes it’s carrying something, finding a family member, or staying out of the way.
After the day
I’ll use your cards or whatever workflow you prefer. I won’t post, tag, or share anything unless you’re comfortable with it.
The relationship
I’d rather work with a few photographers repeatedly than constantly chase new work. The goal is to build real working relationships with people who trust me with their couples.
The short version, for the people I'd love to work with.
I'm Steven. I live in Whatcom County with my wife Delci and our two-year-old, Niko. I've been shooting weddings since 2017, and these days I focus exclusively on second shooting for other photographers.
The honest reason is pretty simple: I like making photos, and I like being part of a team. I’m not trying to run my own wedding studio anymore. I’d rather show up for the day, make useful images, and support the photographer who already has the relationship with the couple.
That’s good for the photographers I work with. I’m not pitching your couples for next year. I’m not trying to build an Instagram audience off your wedding. I’m there to work under your direction and respect your business.
- Based
- Whatcom County, WA, north of Bellingham
- Service area
- Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties. Travel welcome.
- Experience
- Shooting weddings since 2017. Comfortable with elopements, micro-weddings, and 200-guest receptions.
- Style
- Documentary-leaning, natural, and flexible to the way you shoot.
A few things photographers usually ask.
Are you trying to grow your own wedding business?
No, and that’s the point. I shoot weddings because I love it, but I’m not pitching your couples, building a competing studio, or chasing referrals. I want to be someone you can bring into a wedding day without wondering if I have a hidden agenda.
How do we figure out if we're a fit?
The best next step is a conversation. Coffee, a phone call, or a quick email back-and-forth, whatever is easiest for you. Every photographer works differently, and I’d rather understand how you run a day than send a generic packet.
How do you handle files?
Most of the time I shoot on the lead photographer’s cards. If you prefer something else, I’m flexible, but I’m not trying to make you adopt a separate workflow just to work with me.
Will you post or share the photos?
I don’t really use social media, so I won’t be posting anything there. The only place I’d ever want to share photos is on this website, and only with your permission. The point would be to help me connect with more photographers who need a second shooter.
Do you travel?
Yes. I’m based north of Bellingham and regularly travel through Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and King counties. Mount Baker, Artist Point, the North Cascades, the San Juans, the coast, and farther out are all worth talking about.
How do we talk about cost?
Every photographer handles second shooters differently, so I’d rather talk about it than post a rate on the website. If you already have a standard rate, that’s usually the easiest place to start.
Let’s talk and see if working together makes sense.
If you’re a wedding photographer in Northwest Washington and you might need a second shooter, I’d be glad to connect. Coffee, email, phone call, whatever is easiest.