Benefits of Having a Second Photographer On Your Wedding Day
There are many benefits to booking your wedding package with a second photographer (second shooter) included. Having a wider verity of images from your wedding day, especially when things are happening at the same time, will ensure better coverage and more memories captured. I have a few second photographers ready to work with me and my couple, who are experienced and trustworthy. Booking a package like that is of course highly personal and your photographer will advise you best on what to do. Here are some examples of wedding scenarios you might consider having two photographers for:
church ceremony
1h + driving distance at any point of the day (for the ceremony, to the venue, to the photo location)
a large number of wedding guests 150+
lots of formal family photos to take
events happening at the same time at different locations, for example, bridal and groom prep
destination wedding
Here are some images from a summer wedding where I worked with a second shooter and a videographer. We worked together to create a smooth flow of the day and make sure all events happening at the same time, are covered.
Bridal party getting ready at two different locations.
The usual rule of thumb is that the bride gets all the attention during the prep - the hair and makeup, shoes, details, bridesmaids and so on! But sometimes there are two brides or two grooms. How does one photographer split their attention if they aren’t getting ready in the same place? If you’re both coming from a big family, chances are your in law’s will want images with their son/daughter and siblings, getting ready for the big day. Having two photographers in the morning is an easy way to prevent potentially hurt feelings. Both parties get beautiful images from an exciting time in the morning, both sets of parents get to feel special and looked after.
Religious Ceremony
Church ceremonies are beautiful and engaging, but it's important to be aware of the limitations it can bring to your images. Some officials just don’t like photographers or can request that photographer takes shots from a certain place during certain times only. They are concerned that the noise of the camera would detract from the solemnity of the occasion. Images like the ring exchange or first kiss might be compromised. It’s good to have two photographers working both from the altar and the balcony to ensure we don’t have to move around to get the photo.
Family Photos, Bridal Party Photos & Lots of Guests
The main photographer can focus on family and bridal party photos, the second shooter is covering the reception, the details and candid photos of your guests enjoying their time. Having an assistant is especially helpful if you have a large wedding, family or bridal party. It’s much easier to organise shots, call people in for the photos, fix dresses and flowers for that immaculate shot. The second shooter can often focus on getting all the buzz photographed, while the main one captures official ‘‘smile and look in the camera’’ ones.
Reception Shots and Driving
Second shooters can be a great investment if you have to drive anywhere during the day. They will leave the ceremony 10 min early and arrive at the venue ahead of everyone, making sure tables, signs, flowers and decorations at the venue are photographed. The second shooter can capture first guests arriving at the venue and enjoying a drink. If anything runs late post-ceremony or during the reception, you can be sure everything is still captured.
A Backup Plan
If anything should happen to your main photographer on the day or shortly before you can be sure to have backup support from the second shooter. This is especially important for destination weddings. Anything can happen abroad and it’s harder to quickly find a replacement if you don’t have a planner. When I’m travelling abroad for a wedding I never go alone, even if the couple booked a package without the second shooter. I’m always travelling with a videographer, my partner or a friend who could step in case anything happens.
Creativity during couple’s portraits
Having a second photographer allows for more creativity during the couple’s portraits. The safe shots can be taken by the assistant and I can look for creative angles or vice versa. It’s all about getting those extra angles and benefits from being in two places at once.
All Moments Captured
Take a look at the images below. My assistant and I were covering the dancefloor from 2 different perspectives. The first image is my second shooters, you can see me in the left corner photographing the first dance with a focus on guests reactions. The second image was taken by me and you can see my second shooter focusing on the couple. That gives such flexibility with images captured, there’s so much to choose from to make sure you get the best angles!
Ultimately the decision is yours and your photographer will advise you what’s best. Having lots of images from the day can be amazing to look at, but at the same time, it can be overwhelming. It’s your wedding and your plans and I’ll do my best to cater to that. You’re the boss! ;)
