🌟 What Is a Pair Shift?

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 📚

💰 Commissions, Tips & Penalties

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. 🤝

📈 Sales Expectations in Pair Shifts 

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.

📸 How to Reach These Numbers

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 Sales Are the Same as a Solo Shift…

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.

2️⃣  Zone Division Format

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.

⚠️ Important Rules & Expectations

📌 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 = Experience Exchange & Skill Growth 🤝

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!