Do I Need A Second Wedding Photographer?

This is one of the biggest (and most important) questions asked when booking a wedding photographer. I understand why that question would be posed, and there are some totally valid pros & cons. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to have a second wedding photographer, let me be the gentle guiding force you need to make a decision.

Here, there & everywhere

This is probably obvious, but should be stated: your photographer can’t be in two places at once. Logistically, if you and your partner are getting ready in two different locations, it would be ideal to have one photographer in each location. This allows for optimal time spent getting the prep shots without having to worry about if there will be enough time to go to the second getting ready location; there’s a place for every person, and every person is in their place.

It is not just ideal for the prep portion of the day, either. Throughout your wedding day, there will be lots of moving parts. Exciting things will be going on left and right, and with two wedding photographers on the job, there will be no stone left unturned. Everything will be captured and then some.

One of my favorite ways to divide & conquer with my wedding photographer team is right before the ceremony. I’m usually up at the front, waiting for the procession to begin. While this is happening, I send my second photographer to hang out with the couple & wedding party out in the vestibule, or wherever they’re waiting before walking down the aisle. This allows for photos that showcase excitement, anticipation, even some nervousness. It’s one of the best parts of the day, IMO.

Double wedding photographers means double the angles

Having two photographers present at your wedding day means lots of different perspectives, literally and figuratively. A second set of eyes will allow for every important detail to be captured in two unique ways.

Walking out of the ceremony/church shot from outside? Check.
Walking out of the ceremony/church shot from INSIDE? Check and check.

More final photos

I trust you’ve heard the expression “less is more,” correct? Well, that doesn’t exactly apply here; more is definitely more. Twice the photographers means twice the images. Okay, maybe not exactly double the amount you’d get with a solo shooter, but pretty darn close to it. This means more memories to share for years to come, more images of loved ones, and more time feeling reassured that every special moment was captured.

Get candids and portraits at the same time

All great wedding photographers should be comfortable shooting natural candid moments as well as composed portraits, but not all great wedding photographers will be able to do it alone.

Think of the second photographer as a quiet observer. During portrait sessions when the main shooter is getting all the composed portraits, the second shooter will be capturing all of the in-between moments. Or maybe there’s an interesting interaction happening between guests/members of the bridal party off camera. Example below.

THE PORTRAIT:

THE CUTENESS BEHIND THE CAMERA, CAPTURED BY THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER:

The goal at the end of the day is to make sure every single moment has a photograph, and you’ll see that in the proofs.

More couples wish they’d spent more on wedding photography

In addition to the previous reasons, more couples wished they’d splurged on their wedding photographer.

If you’re planning your wedding, you know just how much there is to think about, especially when it comes to making sure all things run smoothly while sticking to your budget. A recent survey done by Zola reveals some top wedding budget regrets (and you are now privy to that information to ensure your budget is regret-free), and it shows that nearly 1/4 of newlyweds regret not spending more on photographers & videographers.

In conclusion, your photos are the longest lasting memento from your wedding day — why not go all out?

If you’re hesitant to hire that second shooter based on budget restrictions – I totally get it. However, if you really want that second pair of eyes there to capture every moment, consider approaching your photographer and adjusting the total hours of wedding coverage you’ll need; this will make for some wiggle room in your budget and allow you to have that second photographer there with you.

When you’re planning your wedding day timeline, you can make sure all the important photo-worthy moments get done during the timeframe you’ve hired your photographers for.