Why Do We Need A Second Shooter?

I was in a consult with a potential couple a week ago and among the normal questions I am asked, the groom asked “Why do we need a second shooter?” I shared these helpful reasons, and thought you might find them helpful, too!

I can’t be in two places at once

When you opt to have  a second photographer, it allows me to stay with the the bride during the getting ready phase of the day, rather than running back and forth between each couple. Most couples get ready at a hotel unless your venue has a room on site, and it might not even be the same hotel/AirBNB. I keep tabs on how things are going with the second photographer, but I don’t have to keep ducking out to see how things are progressing. Having me go back and forth can also lead to the bride feeling anxious that I won’t be there when something is happening in the moment; I NEVER want to be the cause of stress!

Alternate angles during First Look (with fiancé or parent)

While I can usually handle a First Look reaction on my own, there are sometimes extra things you miss out on- like the the view, or just wanting to see each person a little better.

Alternate angles during the ceremony

Aside from getting the grooms reaction as well as the bride walking down the aisle, I like having the chance to get parent/family reactions or alternate reactions on either side during vows. Long story long- I want to go have ALL the moments covered, and not every memory is just the two of you during the ceremony, it’s also your family and friends reactions that you will most likely not see in the moment. 

It also helps to have an additional photographer if you want angles like this, without missing out on the more “traditional” shots (the bride specifically had asked me for this shot of her walking with her parents from behind).

Helper during family portraits

While no one is usually a big fan of lining up for family photos, they are so important to almost everyone. But depending on the size of your family, it can feel like a daunting task- and that’s when it’s great to have a second shooter to get the next group “on deck”, and someone to help be a second set of eyes to quickly get everyone lined up/sunglasses off/items out of pockets. 

Cocktail hour coverage

Once family portraits are over, or once the big groups are over, I send my second to cover cocktail hour. Due to timing, we usually only really have about 20-30 minutes to cover that, and it’s such a crucial time if the day- all of your people (who were probably not in family photos), all in one place, and usually the light is getting really good! This is the best time to grab both “formal” and more candid shots of everyone who attended your wedding. 

During this time, I am usually headed to the reception space to grab detail shots of all the tables and decor that you have worked so hard to plan, before people sit down and put their water bottles, jackets, purses, etc. down and get ready for dinner. 

Toasts

Again, I am working on the reaction for the person toasting and the couple, while my second is grabbing guest reactions and toasts.

Lastly, let’s be real- a second photographer helps BIG time if/when we are running behind.

It happens. The dress takes longer to put on, or a shuttle gets stuck in traffic…and we have to cut something short. It is so great to be able to cut time in half by having the second (for example), photograph the guys group shots while I do the girls, or for them to grab ceremony details while I am finishing up with the first look. There are a million reasons I can get tugged in different directions, and it feels so relieving to be able to send my second to cover something.

Yep, it takes a village…weddings have a lot of moving parts! My goal is to give you a full picture of your day, and having extra coverage ensures that those memories are captured.