Do you need two wedding photographers?

Adding a second photographer to your wedding day can be a game-changer

You might have asked yourself the question 'how many wedding photographers should I have?'. Hiring a second photographer to capture your wedding can truly elevate your wedding photography coverage and make it a complete game changer. When you have two dedicated professionals capturing your special day, you gain a huge benefit - your moments will be photographed from varied angles simultaneously. There will be more moments captured, and there's backup in case any photos are lost. Furthermore, wedding photographers work much more efficiently when they can split up tasks. Having a second shooter frees them up to focus solely on candid moments instead of juggling family portraits. It also gives you more flexibility in your photography timeline. With two sets of experienced eyes on the details, your wedding photos are bound to impress and bring your big day to life.

DISCLAIMER: I regularly collaborate with several second wedding photographers who captured all the photos in this blog post.

Top reasons why you need a second photographer:

1. Both morning preparations covered

If the bride and groom are getting ready in separate places, the second photographer can be present at one location while the lead photographer covers the other, ensuring that both perspectives are captured simultaneously.

2. Guests arrival for the ceremony:

The arrival of guests for the wedding ceremony is an important and exciting moment that sets the tone for the entire event. Having a second photographer present can greatly enhance the documentation of this significant part of your special day.

They can capture the reactions of family members and friends as they greet and interact with each other, capturing the genuine emotions and connections between loved ones. These candid shots add depth and richness to your wedding album, showcasing the love and support that surrounds you on your special day as they await the ceremony to start. 

3. Different angles throughout the day:

Hiring a second wedding photographer allows for capturing the same moments from different angles, increasing the chance to get key shot composition throughout your wedding day - specially during crucial moments like ceremony, speeches and first dance. It also ensures the couple gets a wider variety of perspectives throughout the day. For instance, during ceremony, the second photographer along with the lead can capture both reactions of the couple as the bride walks down the aisle. They also are a creativity booster since they also bring their unique vision adding creativity to your final gallery.

4. A more comprehensive coverage in large venues:

A photographer cannot be in two places at once and an ample venue usually means larger guests count. Having a second shooter means simultaneous coverage of different areas allowing the couple to maximise their coverage. If there are separate entrances or arrival points for guests, the second photographer can be stationed at one location while the lead photographer captures the arrivals at another which translates into more moments captured.

5. With a second shooter there are no interruptions:

This helps ensure seamless coverage without interruptions during the day. For example, this allows the main photographer to focus fully on important formal photos like group shots and couple portraits while the second photographer is able to continue capturing candid moments among guests during events like the cocktail hour reception. Rather than one photographer having to break away from family photos to then rush over and document the cocktail reception, the job is split between the two photographers. With dual coverage, there are no gaps where moments may be missed as responsibilities are divided. Both photographers can dedicate their full attention to distinct parts of the wedding day celebrations simultaneously, achieving comprehensive photo documentation of the entire event from multiple angles.

6. More party moments:

A second photographer can help capture more party shots alongside the main photographer. Each can capture different perspectives and if you want sunset photos the second shooter can carry on capturing all the fun on the dance floor while the couple and the main photographer whisky away for a quick sunset shots.

7. Lead photographer backup

If something happens to the main photographer, you can rest assured that your wedding day will still be documented. The second photographer can seamlessly step in and continue capturing all the significant moments, ensuring that no precious memory is missed or lost.

8. Another photographer means more images:

Having two photographers means more images, providing comprehensive and diverse documentation of your dream wedding.

What are cons of having a second photographer at your wedding?

While there are undoubtedly numerous benefits to having two photographers on your wedding day, it's important to consider the potential additional cost associated with this decision. Hiring a second photographer does come with an extra expense, as you are essentially doubling the photography coverage for your event. However, it's essential to weigh this cost against the value and advantages that a second photographer can bring.

When determining the budget for your wedding photography, it's crucial to prioritise what aspects are most important to you. In my opinion it is worth it. While cost is undoubtedly a factor to consider, remember that your wedding photos will be cherished memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime. Investing in professional photography ensures that you have high-quality images capturing the essence of your special day.

So, is it worth adding a second photographer for your wedding? 

Having two photographers provides enhanced coverage and perspective. They can capture different angles, candid moments, and simultaneous events, resulting in a more comprehensive and diverse collection of images. This expanded coverage allows you to relive not only the key moments but also the small details and emotions that make your wedding day unique.

Furthermore, a second photographer offers valuable support to the lead photographer. They can assist with organising group shots, managing lighting conditions, and ensuring a smooth flow of photography throughout the day. This assistance helps the lead photographer to focus on capturing the most significant moments and their artistic creativity.

Ultimately, when planning your wedding the decision to have two photographers depends on your priorities, preferences, and budget. While it may require a higher investment, the advantage of having comprehensive coverage, diverse perspectives, and valuable support can make the additional cost worthwhile. Remember, your wedding photos are a lifelong keepsake, and investing in professional photography ensures that you have beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.

HOW DOES IT WORK WITH BOOKING A SECOND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

I will happily source one if you want to include a second photographer to help capture your special day. I have a pool of full-time professional wedding photographers that I trust with a similar style to mine. They complement my photographic style and easygoing approach, ensuring a consistent vibe throughout our work.

In case you're curious, I handle the editing and delivery of both my photos and those from the second photographer. This ensures that all the pictures carry my distinctive style, making it seamless to figure out who shot which photo.

Now, let me clarify that having two photographers doesn't automatically mean you'll be flooded with double the number of images. I'm all about quality over quantity, and any duplicates are promptly removed. I guide my second shooters to be more selective, focusing on specific areas. But don't worry; My couples, on average, end up with at least 30% more images than if you were to hire just me as a single photographer.

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