Do I need a second wedding photographer?

Wedding photography comes in all shapes and sizes, with different coverage times and package inclusions. Choosing your photographer as one of your most trusted wedding vendors can be a really tricky process to navigate. And of course, there are no ‘standards’ across the industry, which can make it all the more difficult comparing photographers. Some packages include a second wedding photographer, some don’t.

So, do I need a second photographer at my wedding?

I’ve come across this questions a lot recently and so I wrote this little post to share my thoughts on this topic, from my point of view, based on my own experience photographing a large number of weddings.

In this article, it is my aim to provide you with a little more information to help guide your decision making process regarding the necessity of a second photographer at your wedding.

But let me give you the short answer: I believe that 95% of the time, it isn’t necessary, and most weddings I cover, don’t require a second shooter.

Let me explain 🙂

Your timeline often progesses in such a way that allows a single shooter like me, to cover all aspects of your amazing day. From the boys lounging around with a few beers, or suiting up in their jackets, to the bridal prep at the girl’s house, with final touches to hair and make up, pretty detail shots and some awesome portraits.

After these initial moments, I head off to the venue to meet and photograph the boys standing around waiting for the bride (often nervously) greeting guests and shaking hands.

Then comes the big moment of your arrival, where I photograph you getting out of your car, walking down the aisle, and greeting your partner under the arbour or at the altar.

From here, your day rolls on in a similar fashion, with me, quietly and efficiently moving around, photographing all of the special moments of your day. Capturing (and often sharing in) the laughs, tears and shared moments.

So why do people often recommend a second wedding photographer? Let’s look at five of the main reasons people tell you that a second photographer can be a worthwhile investment.

#1 – I’ll get more images

This is a bit of a yes and no, type situation. At a wedding, I shoot a LOT of images. I usually give my lovely clients around 30% of what I shoot, which often means approximately 600+ quality, original images! That’s a huge amount of culling and editing that happens after the day. Adding a second photographer means that a tighter edit is required, otherwise you could be overloaded with images. This is not good thing and it can actually be very tough for clients to sort through all of the images and then identify what the best images are. It’s the photographers job choose and deliver the best images of the day.

Not only that, but there is a very real possibility that by delivering more images of a lesser quality, it will detract from your overall visual story. Quantity does not always equal quality.

Ask yourself – How many images do you actually need to tell your story, or to fill an album, or to hang on the wall?

#2 – Who is looking at how my dress is falling and if it’s sitting correctly?

This really is a team effort. I’m always on the look out for how to make you guys look your absolute best. Here though, your bridesmaids are key. These are the people that know you the best. They know how you should look, and how you want to be represented. Let’s all work together!

#3 – Two photographers means less chance of missing ‘the shot’

There are high quality, award winning photographers that I know, that could never photograph a wedding. Yes, it’s true! All because of the huge amount of pressure during the day – after all, you only get one chance to make it great. And there are other very talented photographers that I know of, that would never photograph a wedding solo!  It’s also true that a lot of wedding photographers work together for their own comfort and piece of mind – so that it’s easier for them during the day.

I have a huge amount of photographic experience – honestly it’s true. I have photographed weddings and news assignments internationally, nationally and for many varied publications. Working at ‘The West Australian Newspaper’ I lost count of the international assignments I was sent on. The main reason that I was trusted for these assignments was for the simple reason that I could be counted on to deliver.

At your wedding I’m always working hard for you. I’m calm under pressure and know where to be during the important parts of your day. Head over to my weddings page to look at variety and types of images I typically deliver.

#4 – What about backup?

At every wedding I carry two professional cameras and a host of quality lenses. I have redundancy covered. And this year, I’m thinking of adding a third camera to the mix.

#5 – A Second photographer is another angle of the day?

As I carry two cameras on me at all times, one with a wide lens, the other with a long lens, I’m basically shooting two angles (wide and tight) most of the day. Not every photographer I know does this, some put down their camera to change lenses.

With a photography duo, there is often a lead photographer, and a second shooter. As a result, there needs to be a lot of communication between photographers on what to shoot and when, so that they don’t double up, or just as importantly, get in each other’s way. There is nothing worse than having another photographer standing in the background of your amazing photograph!

Have you ever used a second photographer?

I sure have. Recently, the lovely Jess from Three Little Kings helped me out at a big wedding. Jess worked with me to cover some group shots and to capture the guests mingling while I was away with the bridal party. On this occasion, the tight schedule didn’t allow me to do this solo.

So here are my final thoughts.

At most of my weddings, I have never felt the need for a second photographer.  I feel very comfortable working solo and capturing a huge variety of quality images for my clients.

I work efficiently, and quietly, providing gentle direction where necessary to get the best out of the day.

Also consider this; would a second person moving about with a camera actually distract the guests and detract from the day?

Finally; hire the photographer who’s work you love. It’s definitely better to have one photographer taking great pictures than two photographers taking OK pictures.