Second Shooter and Associate Wedding Photography Service
Are you in search of a reliable second shooter for your wedding? Look no further! With over a decade of experience specializing in weddings since 2012, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Having captured more than 200 weddings, both as a lead and second shooter, I’m equipped and excited to help bring your vision to life, delivering stunning photos that will elevate and complete your wedding gallery.
Whether you need someone to capture creative, alternative angles or focus on the classic, “must-have” shots while you explore new ideas, I’m ready to take on the task and ensure everything runs smoothly.
My skills and style:
Over 200 weddings photographed since 2012
I provide sharp and focused images
I am trained and skilled in traditional and flow-posing
I have off-camera flash and use it at almost every wedding
I can do dramatic or balanced lighting - your preference
I have experience with putting together flat lays
I am equipped to take macro detail and ring shots
I love playing around with creative framing
Frequently asked questions
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Main camera body: Canon R6
Backup cameras: Canon 5D Mark III (2 of these)
Canon 16mm f2.8
Canon 28-70mm f2 L
Canon 70-200mm f4
Canon 100mm f2.8 macro
Canon 50mm f1.4
Sigma 85mm f1.4
Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art
I also have a Pentax 645 medium format film camera, as well as two Canon 35mm EOS-3 film cameras. I am happy to provide some film images if you provide film and handle developing costs.
I photograph almost everything on my R6 and the 28-70 stays on probably 80% of the day as it is an incredible lens that replaces multiple prime lenses.
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On most wedding days, I utilize natural light as much as possible, until it becomes too dark to do so. I generally do not use flash for church ceremonies, although occasionally I will use on-camera flash during the processional, if it is absolutely necessary.
In outdoor settings, I prefer to utilize open shade and sunlight bouncing from lighter surfaces such as light-colored buildings and sidewalks.
I use on-camera diffused flash, if necessary, but prefer working with the environment as much as possible and use angles that make the most of the lighting provided.
For dark settings and indoor receptions, I typically use 2 or 3 off-camera strobe flashes.
I can do more dramatic “spotlighting” on subjects, but generally try to keep things more evenly lit as I find it is what most prefer. Please discuss your style preferences with me and I’ll work to stay close to your style. -
When I am second shooting, I typically have a quiet and professional presence, to blend in and not cause any confusion as to who the main photographer is.
I love chit chatting though and being that shoulder to lean on for you. That said, I am not the type to try to become besties with your couple and their guests, as I believe it to be a conflict of interest between my business and yours.
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$75 per hour (May-October)
$50-$75 per hour (November-April)2-hour minimum for Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, and Grand Rapids areas.
6-hour minimum for distances greater than 1 hour from Muskegon, Michigan.
A small travel fee may apply for weddings more than 2 hours away (Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Detroit, South Bend, etc.)
Have a set budget that you’re working within that does not align? Please reach out with what you have budgeted and I can see if I’m able to make it work. I’m well-aware that a photographer who charges $10,000 for a wedding should easily be able to pay my rate, but the situation can be different for an average wedding. I promise I do not get offended if you really want to work with me but want to discuss a different rate, as long as it is reasonable.
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This is just more about me because I know it’s important for many that we align on values.
I am super respectful of Catholic weddings as I came from a very devout Catholic upbringing and was even a song leader. I know exactly when everything will happen, and how to not piss-off church ladies and priests.
All of that said - I’ve completely deconstructed and am no longer religious. I LOVE same-sex weddings, non-traditional ceremonies, and pretty much all of the weddings that getting a bit weird and wild.
I’m very liberal. Do with that information what you will.
You can vent away and get sweary with me. I keep it real.
Unless asked to wear something different, I usually wear a black or neutral colored classic dress, or an all-black outfit (usually dress pants and a nicer blouse).
I have a day job during the week, which I love, so I am not trying to use your wedding to pad my portfolio or make connections with your vendor contacts. I’m there to elevate the wedding gallery and get the shots you’re not able to get.
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Although I’ve shot for many more photographers over the past decade, I’ve done multiple weddings for the following photographers who can provide insight into my shooting style across a range of situations.
“I've been working with Crystal since 2015 and she is the real deal. Crystal is my number one to be a second photographer for me. She's amazing with guests, always has ideas for poses and is just so wonderful to be around. If you're looking for a photographer in the West/Northern Michigan area, contact her! She's been in the business a long time and really knows her stuff. I'm always in awe of her dramatic portraits, and her attention to detail. Crystal is the real deal for a classic, bright, documentary wedding photographer.” - Sydney Marie Photography
“Crystal is professional and classy in both her photography and personality. The images she creates are magazine-worthy and multiple family members and guests have commented on just how impressed they were. Moreover, she's a calming presence on the wedding day and quietly documents the most important moments in a way that feels natural and authentic.” - Justin Hankins Photography
“We worked a destination wedding together and Crystal was awesome to work with! The venue didn't have the best lighting, but she was able to create magic for our client! “- Gina Marie Weddings and Events