When I was growing up, wedding photography accounted for the merest glimpse of your wedding day.
After the ceremony, everyone would congregate outside the church or registry office whereupon your photographer would take a handful of photos of you, your spouse, and your closest family.
And that was it. That was your wedding photography.
Of course, the weddings themselves were still filled with beautiful moments and lots of emotions, you just didn’t have any photos to help you remember them.
Today’s documentary-style photography has changed all that. As wedding photographers, it’s now our job to try to capture all of the special moments that make up your day and not just a few pics in-between proceedings.
That said, with so much going on at a wedding, it’s not always possible for one photographer to capture every special moment on their own.
One way you can improve the odds is by having a second photographer.
In this week’s blog, I’m exploring some of the pros and cons of having a second shooter on your special day, taking into account factors such as wedding coverage, creativity, cost and personal comfort.
Pros: Elevating your wedding story with a second photographer
Expanding your wedding coverage
Probably the most obvious benefit of having a second photographer is that you get more wedding coverage but alongside that reality, you also get a more holistic view of your day because you get to experience your wedding through the eyes of your guests as well.
For example, if I’m focused on capturing moments between my couple, my second photographer can discreetly capture the candid reactions of guests.
Having a second photographer can also mean you don’t have to prioritise parts of your day for photography such as, bridal prep, groom prep or guest arrival.
With two photographers, you can have it all, whereas one photographer can only cover all of the prep if both parties are getting ready at the same venue.
Coverage of guest arrival is probably going to be lighter as well with just one photographer.
Another reason for having a second photographer is to ensure you get enough coverage of your wedding; this is only really relevant if you’re having a very large wedding and inviting 150 or more guests.
I have photographed weddings on my own with more than 150 guests and it’s definitely possible to get good coverage with one photographer but you will need to allocate more time to things like the drinks’ reception – just to make it possible logistically.
Alternative perspectives of a second photographer
Some people think that all wedding photographers are the same but that’s just not true. I’m not talking about technical skills when I say this – although that can be a huge differentiator – I’m talking about the fact that we all have a different creative eye.
What that can mean for your wedding album is more variety through different viewpoints and compositions.
From wide-angle shots capturing the grandeur of the venue to intimate close-ups of heartfelt moments, a second photographer can add depth and variety to your collection of images.
Of course, if both photographers turn up with the same lenses and shoot from the same position, you won’t have a lot of variety, but it’s the job of the lead photographer to make sure that doesn’t happen.
So, if you are thinking of having a second photographer at your wedding, leave it to your lead photographer to find the person and make the arrangements.
A more efficient photography experience
With another skilled photographer, you’re not just getting more comprehensive coverage, you’re also getting a smoother photography experience overall.
The second photographer can assist with equipment and lighting setups allowing the lead photographer to concentrate on capturing the moment.
If you’re having group photos, a second photographer can be invaluable. For example, while I’m photographing one group, the second photographer can be organising family members for the next photo; they can also be capturing candid moments in between poses.
Okay, so I am gilding the lily here a bit. I shoot most of my weddings on my own and I can definitely manage all of these aspects alone, I just need to be very well organised and plan ahead.
Some additional backup assurance
Aside from capturing images, a second photographer does provide an element of backup on the day for technical hiccups and unforeseen events.
In reality, as lead photographer, you’re carrying the day so you have to get it right whether there’s another tog with you or not. For that reason, you’ll always have multiple cameras, dual image recording, spare lenses and extra lighting, even when you’re shooting alone.
For me personally, what I really value about working with a second photographer is the extra creativity and opportunity for experimentation it gives me. It’s also good to have a bit of company in the period when the wedding party is eating and you’re not taking photos.
Cons: Important considerations for having a second photographer
A second photographer will cost you more
One significant consideration is the added expense of hiring a second photographer. You’ve probably already discovered that your wedding budget needs to be carefully managed or it can start to get away from you; opting for an additional photographer could easily push it over the edge.
And don’t forget – it’s also customary to provide a meal for each photographer at a full-day wedding so that’s an extra cost on top.
Another photographer may feel intrusive
Most of the couples I speak to tell me they don’t enjoy being photographed so you can imagine how they’d feel about having two photographers!
As professionals, we’ll always do our best to be discreet and unobtrusive but that’s just not going to cut the mustard for everyone; some couples will find having a second photographer too intrusive or distracting, particularly during intimate moments.
Do you want a thousand photos from your wedding?
When I’m shooting a full-day wedding, I normally deliver 400-500 photos. An experienced second shooter could double that figure.
It doesn’t happen often but I have had a few couples that have said they don’t want too many photos.
And whilst, having 800 or 1000 wedding photos might not sound like a problem, if you can only choose 60 for an album, it’s certainly going to add some time to the selection process.
Making an informed decision about hiring a second photographer
Deciding whether to book a second photographer really comes down to weighing up all of these factors against what’s important to you and what you can afford.
The added cost and potential for discomfort may give pause for thought to some couples, whilst others will see the enhanced coverage and creative opportunities as essential investments in preserving their wedding day memories.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on what aligns best with your vision for your wedding and your photographic preferences.
Whether you opt for a single photographer or a team of photographers, their goal will be the same – to capture the story of your wedding day in images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
If you’re planning a wedding and thinking about booking a second photographer, you can use this link to check out my pricing and get in touch today to check my availability.