Why do you need two photographers at a wedding?
I’m back, answering all of those questions that cross your mind when you start looking for a wedding photographer but were too afraid to ask!
This time I am specifically looking at the question:
Why do we need two photographers at our wedding?
Perhaps it is something you have come across as an optional extra on some photographers websites (mine included). Or perhaps you are considering hiring a photography team that provides two photographers as standard. Either way, lets look a little deeper at some of the reasons you might want to have a second photographer at your wedding.
I don’t think we need two photographers
If you don’t feel like you need two photographers then great! There really is no need to have an extra shooter - most wedding photographers are experienced in shooting weddings alone and so you should never feel pressured to hire a second photographer if you feel you don’t need it.
Photo taken by my excellent second shooter Matt from the back of the room whilst I was trapped at the front of the room behind a very beautiful urn of flowers!
Ok, But What are the benefits?
Alright, let’s take a more specific look at why having a second photographer can be a good idea.
Coverage of both sets of preparations in the morning
Depending on where you and your partner choose to get ready during the morning of your wedding, you are more than likely going to be in different places. Having two photographers means that you have a photographer dedicated to capturing each side of the preparations so nothing is missed.
Lots of travel
If your celebration includes quite a lot of travel throughout the day then by having two photographers they can stagger when they leave/arrive to ensure that their coverage overlaps. For example, one photographer can be at the Church photographing guests arriving whilst the second photographer arrives with the Bride after covering her preparations ensuring all aspects of the day are photographed.
Two angles on the ceremony
Some venues, and churches in particular, don’t always lend themselves to free movement during the ceremony. At times I have found myself stuck in a corner behind a flower arrangement or barricaded behind a church pew with no way to escape without disrupting the ceremony. Having a second photographer allows some additional freedom so that if one photographer needs to be positioned somewhere where they are unable to freely move around the venue, the second photographer can capture additional images from the back of the room.
Candid photo coverage whilst formal photos are being taken
Whilst you are busy having your formal family photographs taken, a second photographer can busy themselves capturing candid photos of your guests enjoying themselves. This can be particularly useful if you either have a long list of photos to capture or if your drinks reception isn’t very long.
Lots of guests
If you are having a particularly large wedding, for example 100+ guests, then a second photographer is always a good option to ensure that you have two pairs of eyes looking out for those all important photo opportunities. Typically with two photographers you will end up with extra images and you increase your chances of each and every guest being photographed at some point during the celebrations.
Extra creativity and additional ideas
Finally, it should never be underestimated that by having two photographers at your wedding you will benefit from extra ideas and creativity. I personally enjoy having a second shooter with me at a wedding because it allows me to spend additional time getting creative - it feels a bit like having a safety net as I know my second shooter is busy capturing additional photos that I would otherwise have to find time to capture myself.
A photograph I captured whilst I was second shooting for another photographer. I was able to get some candid photos of the couple whilst he concentrated on setting up equipment for some more dynamic, arty shots.
What it boils down to is, no, you don’t need a second photographer but you may decide that you want a second photographer depending on how your celebration will unfold. Chat to your photographer to discuss your options and ask their advice. I personally offer second photographers for either 4 hours - to cover additional morning preparations, provide a second angle on the ceremony and grab candid photos during the drinks reception - or all day - for those large weddings with lots of guests and/or lots of travel.
If you would like to chat about this in more detail then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.