Should We Have A Second Photographer At Our Wedding?
If you’re a bride or groom just beginning their research into wedding day photography, you’ve probably heard the term “second shooter” once or twice! Having photographed weddings with and without a second shooter, I can definitely say that there are huge benefits to having one on your big day! As a matter of fact, the question I receive most from potential couples is, “do I really need an additional photographer on my wedding day?” Let’s start by answering that very question!
Here, There & Everywhere
From the very first moments of the day, having two photographers comes in handy. Most brides want at least a few photos of them getting into their dress, putting on their jewelry, etc. I love taking these shots, but if I’m with the bride, it means that the groom is on his own! If they also want photos of the groom getting ready, I have to rush with to finish the girls and then head over to the groom’s location. It makes things rushed, shortens my time with each of you, and lengthens the overall timeline of the day. Not a good way to start a wedding day!
The benefit of having a second photographer is that they are able to be with the groom and his guys while I’m with the bride! This eliminates the hurry and makes your timeline more efficient! This also gives me time to capture detail shots at both locations and time for candid photos, which brings me to my next point…
More Variety
Two lenses frees us up to capture more of those beautiful in-between moments that are always filled with pure, natural emotion. This is especially important if you have a larger guest list. We want to document as many joyous smiles and happy tears as we can! With a second photographer present, you will receive more photos, or you will receive a broader range of photos than with just one photographer. If I have a second photographer with me on wedding days, I’m able to make sure we capture even more moments and shots throughout the day.
Different Perspectives
Different perspectives goes right along with that same idea! A second shooter can capture different perspectives from me. As much as I would love to be able to be in two places at once, I simply can only be in one place at one time. I love having a second shooter to capture completely different angles from me on a wedding day. If your guests at your wedding is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day to you, with a second shooter, you can get way more photos of them! Think about it in just this one example – While I am taking family portraits, the second shooter can be taking photos of guests at cocktail hour! Another example – if you have a beautiful back of your dress (I love!) then it is so fun to get a lot of photos from all angles!
Let’s be real, during the ceremony, you also want to get photos of you walking down the aisle AND your grooms’ reaction! This is also true for a first look. With a second shooter, we can effectively get photos of the both of you and both of your reactions.
Built In Assistant
Having a second shooter means you also have a built in assistant. They can do everything from help call out and organize the family formals. To, running and grabbing the bouquet that you left in the getting ready room! Not only will they be able to help run around and make things easier for you, they will also do this for your main photographer. Which, in turn, will reduce their stress on the day, and allow your photographer to reduce your stress! Win, win win!
Makes Your Big Day Efficient
Part of my job as a wedding photographer is also to help make your day go efficiently and reduce the amount of things that could go wrong. I know that family photos often stress couples out, because it’s one of the parts of the day that maaaybe isn’t as romantic. As your wedding photographer, I know how to get through those efficiently and effectively without missing any shots.
BUT, with a second photographer there to help me, I can get through it even faster. I help my couples come up with a shot list for family/bridal party photos with names and groupings that they absolutely want shots of, so that I don’t miss out on any important photos. Having a second photographer next to me to yell out names, organize people, gather family members who we can’t find, and cross off names as we go, helps us get through these parts of the day SO much faster.
With another set of eyes and another brain accompanying me, I’m able to help the couple have the most carefree + efficient day possible.
In Case of Emergency
It’s personally never happened to me before but WHAT IF something were to happen to your photographer on the day of the wedding? Crazy accidents happen and while it’s extremely unlikely, if there isn’t a second shooter there is no backup option. A second shooter is a security net in the off chance something happens to the lead photographer. What a comfort!!!
Want to chat about booking me for your wedding? Reach out here and let’s chat!