For the first 2 years of my business I shot with an assistant. My husband. As much as I knew he loved weddings (insert sarcasm here) he loved me more. So he agreed to be my assistant for the day. He carried around my gear, helped me man my list of shots, told people where to go, and was a huge help. After we had our first child, and my business continued to grow, we knew it was time to move on to the next phase. He needed to be home with our daughter and I went on the hunt for another assistant/ second shooter!
My dreams came true when my sister volunteered to step into the role. With a love for photography, she was a perfect fit. Plus I got to hang out with my little sister who now worked full time. For the next 3 years, we toured throughout Minneapolis and Wisconsin on our weekends. But over time, after working a 40 hour week, my sister needed her weekends and I was on the hunt again.
I have to say the process was not an easy one. I had some assistants that were wonderful people, but just did not fit my style. Then Elena and I were introduced at a very random party for a mutual friend. We got to chatting and a few weeks later she was in my living room with her 6 month old son and portfolio. With a background in photography and a being at a similar stage in life, we clicked. We tested out the waters with a few weddings, and now 5 years later we are still working together.
There are so many benefits to me and to the client in having a long term second shooter. Not only is Elena my second shooter, she also shoots her own weddings. She is also a good friend and she knows me. All I have to do is look in one direction and she is there shooting at another angle and seeing with another pair of eyes. There is little direction that I need to give her because she knows the drill. When I am standing on one side of the ceremony, she is in the other. Also, Elena knows tabletop photography. She is amazing at it! She will do many of the details at the reception, while I am off photographing the Bride, Groom, and wedding party. She is my other pair of eyes on the day of a wedding. 
A few photo angles that Elena and I took together (mine on Left, Elena’s on right).
It really is wonderful. I am so thankful for Elena, her friendship as well as her gift.
Great post, Karen! I love the photos from our wedding that your assistants took too. They added such a unique perspective to the day!
Yay! It’s fun to see the side-by-sides! Rocking the gear too ya’ll!