Do You Need a Second Wedding Photographer?

Wedding Tips

One of the most common questions I receive from my wedding couples is “Do I need a second photographer for my wedding?”

While it might not be in the budget for everyone and is by no means a requirement, it’s definitely an option I always recommend.

Below are three reasons why having two photographers on your wedding day is a great idea!

What is a Second Wedding Photographer?

First, let’s clarify what this means. A second wedding photographer AKA a second shooter is someone who works with your main wedding photographer. They are hired on by your main wedding photographer to help them capture your day and to assist them in taking the best shots possible for you.

do you need a second wedding photographer

The Perks of a Second Wedding Photographer

1. More Variety

Having a second shooter on your wedding day allows you to add tons more images to your final gallery. This includes more coverage during your ceremony, more creative angels during the couple portraits, more points of view during your First Dance- the list goes on!

If you are dancing it up on the dance floor, but your partner is involved in a rowdy game in another room- having two photographers allows you to capture both moments at the same time, which means not only do you end up with more photos, but the day is more accurately captured for you as well.

do I need two photographers for my wedding

2. More Photos of Your Guests & Details

It’s tough to get really great shots of your guests and the various special details you may have set up on your wedding day when the main photographer is focused on capturing you and the main events.

Having a second shooter allows that photographer to join cocktail hour and capture some gorgeous portraits of your guests while the main photographer is with you shooting family portraits. They are also able to pop into the reception space and capture those details before dinner begins.

If you’d like more photos of your friends and reception details, having a second shooter is the way to go!

do I need a second shooter for my wedding

3. Extra Security

I know this is not something couples want to think about for their wedding day- but technology does at times fail. Meaning if a camera is acting up during your Father’s toast, having a second photographer there can ensure there is another back-up to capture that moment!

While photographers, such as myself, take ample steps to ensure your big day is free from hiccups, (such as always carrying backup gear for moments like these) it never hurts to have this extra security measure in place for your photos.

Need More Reasons?

Here are some other quick specific reasons why two wedding photographers are better than one.

  • Both Partner 1 & Partner 2 are able to have Getting Ready photos
  • The 2nd photographer can capture partner 2’s reaction during the First Look while the main photographer captures Partner 1’s.
  • Love the veil toss photos? The 2nd photographer is the one tossing the veil!

I hope you enjoyed those tips for if you should book a second shooter! Want to see more wedding tip posts? Click here!

Want to chat about booking me for your wedding? Reach out here and let’s chat!

Beautifully DOCUMENTED memories await.