That might be in LA but in other places, especially red states, procreation is an important thing and marriage a must.
Asher
I'm just coming across this statement, but had to say it's so true! Even at this point in the economy. I'm working as an associate photographer for an established wedding photographer in a smaller Texas town, and her business is booming!
I also wanted to agree with Asher that when you're second shooting, you must be able to get the kind of shots the primary wants and be very clear that's the reason you're there. That sounds so obvious but let me elaborate. The first wedding I did, the primary shooter did very little posing and let the couple wander around the really lovely venue and we captured their interactions. We got some really really beautiful natural loving moments. They are some of the best shots in my portfolio to date.
The primary I'm working with now is more known for having lots of modern, funky, posed shots up on her blog. So that's usually what we're doing in the time we have for photos - posing the couple, bridal party, etc. In a lot of cases I'm grabbing what shots I can from behind her, or off to the side, or sometimes I even put the camera down entirely and help her with posing and fluffing the dress, veil, positioning bouquets, etc. I would rather be getting the candids, but I understand that my job is to support her and make sure that her money shots come through.
As her associate I will be taking on some weddings as the primary this year on dates when she's already booked so I've been doing all I can to learn her style (We actually need to find a second shooter to back me up, and quickly!). It's a good business move for me as this means I'm actually getting paid real money for photography in 2011
I have one wedding booked through my own company later this year, and honestly, I'll run it differently, but for now I'm very clear on my "job description" as associate/second shooter.
That's a really long way of saying that you'll need to be able to convince the primary photographer that you can support them, get their money shots, and not shoot for yourself. They'll be much more comfortable that way and likely to take you on.