5 Reasons You May Want a Second Photographer on Your Wedding Day
One of the questions I get asked the most by my couples deciding on a wedding package is this — “Do I need a second photographer for my wedding day?” In short — Maybe.
What is a second photographer? A second photographer is a photographer who assists the lead photographer (the one you hired for your wedding) throughout the day with additional angles, different locations, and the logistics of the wedding day. If you have a second photographer with your wedding package, your lead photographer will handle all of the logistics with the second photographer, including finding the one that will be there on your day, setting their schedule, paying them, and more.
About half of the weddings I photograph truly need a second photographer, while about half don’t need one. At the end of the day, second photographers are a great benefit for any wedding day.
1. For getting ready photos
If you want getting ready photos of you and bae, you need a second photographer. Even if you are getting ready in the same space, it can be difficult to document all of the important moments of both of you getting ready without a second photographer. They can also get the other partner’s detail photos of their attire and accessories.
2. Get two perspective on your wedding day
Adding on a second photographer will guarantee you get a second perspective on your wedding day. While I am focused on documenting you two during the ceremony, my second can be getting extra angles from the sides, documenting your mom crying during your vows, and the reactions of your guests. While we are taking couple portraits, they can get an additional angle to give you even more variety. Also, you’ll typically get more photos back in your wedding gallery with a second photographer!
3. Get the photo
There’s one photo that people often want, and if this is your dream photo, I cannot encourage you enough to add on a second photographer. While you are walking down the aisle, you want photos of you coming down the aisle, of course, but you also want your partner’s reaction. Of course, when I shoot alone I turn to get both of you, but if having that photo is an absolute must, I definitely suggest getting a second photographer so that nothing during their reaction is missed!
4. Get the most out of your wedding photo coverage and get to the party sooner!
The second photographer can be super helpful in making sure you get the most out of your wedding photography coverage. For example, while I am getting one side of the wedding party portraits done, they can be getting the other side of the wedding party. While I am photographing your family photos, they can be getting your reception details. All of this means photos will be done sooner and you can get to your reception!
5. Serves as a backup and a second set of eyes
If something awesome happens, like your groomsmen rips his pants busting it down on the dance floor, but I happen to be changing my batteries, setting up my lighting, or something else that takes me away for a second, you can be sure that will be documented! And who doesn’t want photos of that?!
