Do I Need a Second Photographer? 

To start, what is a second photographer? A second photographer is a “second shooter” at your wedding. They allow for additional coverage and supplemental camera angles of big and small moments during your day. A second photographer would allow photos of the front and back of the couple walking down the aisle or additional photos from the reception cocktail hour while the primary photographer is attending the group wedding photos. 

When you have the opportunity to work with two photographers, you can expect to receive a significant increase in the total number of final images, typically around 10 to 20 percent more. This increase allows for greater variety in the shots you receive. With two photographers, different angles can be captured of the same moment, and various lenses can be employed to highlight different aspects of the occasion. Additionally, having two sets of eyes allows for simultaneous photography, ensuring that multiple important moments can be documented at once.

This dual approach also offers more flexibility, especially in situations where time may be limited. For instance, if you desire a wealth of portraits—such as an extensive collection of reception details alongside an elongated couples portrait session without a first look having two photographers can alleviate the pressure on your timeline. This way, more photos can be captured simultaneously, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring that no significant detail is overlooked.

When does a second photographer become more of a necessity than a nice to have? 

When planning your wedding, there are several factors to consider, especially when you anticipate having more than 150 guests. One important aspect is capturing special moments, such as the two of you getting ready. This can be especially meaningful if the locations are more than 15 minutes away from the ceremony site. Additionally, if you have an extended wedding party and a large family that includes over 50 people, it’s essential to account for all these individuals in your timeline.

If you’re choosing not to do a first look, you’ll want to be mindful of the time constraint as well; with less than an hour available between the ceremony and the start of the reception, careful planning is crucial to ensure that you can still capture those beautiful photos without feeling rushed.