Should you add a second photographer to your wedding day coverage?
There are so many benefits to having a second photographer. That said, I do offer packages that allow my couples to save some money by not having one. But if you have flexibility in your budget, here is why I’d recommend adding a second photographer to your wedding day coverage:
It’s Insurance
I always tell my couples, a second photographer is essentially insurance on your photo coverage. Yes, professional wedding photographers have their own insurance in case things go wrong. But this is a different kind of insurance. Thankfully It’s never happened to me, but I have heard horror stories of accidents, illness, and theft happening on or right before a wedding day. Photographers getting their gear stolen, breaking a leg, getting sick with covid, etc. If those acts of god happen the day before your wedding - there isn’t so much that can be done about it. Having a second photographer ensures that should anything happen - you’d have someone else trustworthy, ready, and available to capture your wedding. (second photographers are independent contracts who shoot their own weddings too and use second shooting gigs to fill in their calendar). One time I locked my keys inside my car with my gear after a couple’s portrait session, and I had to wait 2hours for the police to come and help me break into my car - thankfully I had a capable second shooter who was able to capture reception details, intros and cake cutting while I was figuring that out…and now I will never place my keys in my trunk again!
More photos of your VIP guests
When I have a second shooter I will often focus my snaps on the couple, while assigning the second photographer to focus on capturing and looking for emotional reactions from parents, grandparents, and special guests. This is especially helpful when important moments and reactions happen at the same time (ie. First kiss & parent reactions to that first kiss, or the bride with her dad moments while I’m shooting the processional). You’re able to have captured a fuller story of the people, feelings, and moments of the day.
Getting Ready
Along those same lines, often the couple are individually getting ready at two different locations. Even if it’s on the same location - in two different rooms. It’s best to have two photographers to be able to split and take on both sides of the wedding party getting ready - since one photographer can’t be in two places at the same time.
You Get Different Angles, More Creative Images
Additionally, when they aren’t focusing on guest reactions, a second photographer is able to get more creative shots (or shoot the main ones while I experiment with something creative). If the ceremony location has a balcony, I will often send the second shooter up there to capture a gorgeous wide shot of the ceremony. Also sometimes the ceremony happens so fast, or the setup doesn’t really allow space for me to move around and I get stuck in the middle aisle. In moment’s like these it’s always a relief to have a second shooter getting angles of the couple’s face from a different spot to add more variety and interesting/emotional images to your gallery.
Save Time - Less photo time means more enjoying the moments time!
A second photographer can help me cover more of the images needed to cover the day. I will often have my second tag team the wedding party photos with me, which saves time for people being outside in the elements and standing in heels. They also provide more speed in family photo shots by reading the list of names on your family formal list and helping gather and pose people. I know how precious having more time to rest, or enjoying your guests is since most couples express feeling the day was a whirl! I’d rather you be as present as possible than it feel like an endless photoshoot.
If you’ve booked a wedding with me without a second shooter & you’d like to add one, reach out and let me know! It’s best to do this sooner than later to make sure I can find someone capable and available.
Cheers,
Audrey
