A pair shift is all about teamwork! It’s not just two photographers in the same restaurant – it’s a coordinated, collaborative shift where both photographers work together toward the same goal: more happy guests, more sales, more tips! 💰 In a pair shift you:
Support each other 💬
Share responsibilities ⚙️
Learn from each other’s strengths 📚
To keep everything fair and transparent, in pair shifts:
✅ Sales commission is split equally between both photographers
(Previous debts or deductions for each person will still be applied individually if there are any, so don't worry only you will get your debt)
✅ Tips are shared equally, no matter whose Square account they were left on
✅ If there are penalties or fees (for example, lost frames), they are also split equally between both photographers
You win together, you learn together. 🤝
Working in a pair shift is not just having someone help with tasks — it’s about synergy and doubling results. Because two photographers are working together, the sales expectations are double compared to a solo shift.
Solo shift minimum target: 4 frames sold per hour
Pair shift minimum target: 8 frames sold per hour (combined)
A pair shift must produce twice the sales, otherwise it becomes unprofitable for the company. To reach this level, both photographers must stay active, photograph twice as many groups, and follow all company photo guidelines — poses, grouping, angles, and selling techniques.
If a pair shift produces the same sales as a solo shift, it means the teamwork is not effective. Pair shifts only work when both photographers move fast, support each other, and use their combined energy to increase coverage, speed, and overall results.
To achieve the required performance, both photographers must:
Photograph twice as many groups as they normally would on a solo shift
Stay active and continuously approach guests
Follow all company guidelines, including:
Using the correct poses 🤝
Taking both group and separate photos
Keeping a fast pace (3–4 groups at a time in role-division format)
Maintaining strong customer interaction and closing skills
Remember: pair shifts are designed so you can move faster, not slower.
If your sales in a pair shift look similar to what one person usually sells alone, it means:
The teamwork is not effective
The workflow is not optimized
One or both photographers are not staying active
The pair is not using synergy to increase volume
In this situation, the pair format may no longer be offered until productivity improves.
Full Day Pair Shift at Main Event Atlanta (10 hours)
Frames Sold Total: 105
Frames Sold Per Hours (FSPH): 10.5 frames / hour
Morning Pair Shift at DB's McDonough (6 hours)
Frames Sold Total: 44
Frames Sold Per Hours (FSPH): 7 frames / hour
Full Day Pair Shift at DB's Sugarloaf Mills (10 hours)
Frames Sold Total: 137
Frames Sold Per Hours (FSPH): 13 frames / hour
Full Day Pair Shift at DB's Sugarloaf Mills (10 hours)
Frames Sold Total: 114
Frames Sold Per Hours (FSPH): 11.4 frames / hour
This format focuses on maximum speed and efficiency. Each photographer has a specific role, and you switch after some time.
Photographer 1
Moves around the restaurant and continuously takes photos
Works fast and aims to photograph 3–4 groups at a time
Hands the memory card to Photographer 2 regularly
Photographer 2
Works at the station and selling to guests
Handles printing, framing, and selling to guests
After 1–2 hours, you switch roles (or as agreed between you):
Shooter becomes seller
Seller becomes shooter
This way, both photographers get practice in photography and sales, and the shift feels fair and balanced.
In this format, you split the restaurant into two areas and each photographer works independently. You:
Divide the restaurant into Zone A and Zone B
Each photographer takes care of their own zone:
📸 Taking photos
🖨️ Printing
🖼️ Framing
💳 Selling
This format works well if both photographers are confident doing the full process on their own.
📌 Clock-In & Clock-Out
Only one clock-in and one clock-out per pair shift
At clock-in, select the option for “Multiple photographers” and enter both names
This makes sure your hours and commissions are tracked correctly 🕒
📌 Starting the Shift
Both photographers must be present to start the shift
Being on time ⏰ is very important so your partner doesn’t have to wait
If someone is late, the partner has to wait
📌 Payments & Square
Usually, one photographer uses the Square Reader for card payments
The second photographer can use Tap-to-Pay on their phone if needed
In the role division format, it’s best to use the Square Reader at the station and ask guests to insert chip cards whenever possible
📌 Breaks (if there is a shift longer than 6 hours, if it's less than 6 hours - there are no official breaks)
Only one photographer at a time can be on break
While one is on break, the other continues working
Coordinate with each other so the flow of guests is not interrupted 🍽️
Pair shifts are a powerful way to learn and grow as a photographer and salesperson:
📷 Photography Skills
See how your partner poses guests, chooses angles, and uses camera settings
Share tips in real time — “Try this flash angle”, “Use this approach”, “This pose sells better”
Switching roles gives you practice in both shooting and reviewing/printing photos, making you more well-rounded
💰 Sales Skills
Watch how your partner:
Talks to guests
Handles objections
Explains prices and frames
Closes the sale
You can borrow successful phrases, learn new approaches, and improve your confidence
The more you work in pair shifts, the faster you’ll:
Adapt 👣
Improve your efficiency ⚡
Grow as a professional photographer & salesperson 🚀
Use pair shifts not just to share the workload, but to share knowledge and grow together!