The question I get asked the most as a photographer over the years is “Do I need a second photographer?”
The short answer? No, you don’t need one. Your lead photographer, that you’ve hired or are thinking of hiring, should be able to document your day fully themselves. I’ve been photographing weddings and elopements solo for years, so I know when to be where in order to get the shots you’ll want and need. With that said, there are a few reasons you should ask about a second photographer. For bigger and more traditional weddings especially. Some photographers know that in order to provide the best for their couples, they’ll need a second or an assistant and will include that in your packages. Below I’ll highlight the key points I talk to my couples about when they are deciding what package to go with and whether a second photographer would be a smart choice or overkill.
Getting ready
If you and your partner are getting ready in two totally separate locations and at the same time, I highly suggest adding on a second photographer. It is impossible for one person to be in two places at once. In order to get that true documentary and relaxed feel, your photographer will need ample time to get the detail shots, the moments, and capturing the overall atmosphere of the day. If you only have one photographer that has to drive to a separate location I would recommend planning out the times of putting outfits on and finishing touches with travel time in mind. Some important moments may be missed, but if you have a second photographer that can stay with one partner, then more moments will be documented!
Guest count
Unless your guest count is over 100 people, I fully believe that you do not need a second photographer. Specifically for elopements and smaller weddings (under 50 people), one is plenty. With good timeline planning and attention to detail, one photographer can capture so much of the day, easily. A second with smaller weddings can honestly get in the way of the main shots. You don’t want to see the same photo over and over again, your gallery should have a beautiful flow of events throughout the day.
With a higher guest count, however, and one with more moving parts and events, I would suggest a second photographer. As mentioned above, they can help alleviate stress in the morning while getting ready. During the ceremony is the second most important time that I recommend an additional photographer. With the higher guest count, there are more people to focus on.
Your lead photographer knows the important shots, sharing vows, your partner as they wait for you down the aisle, a parent or grandparent wiping away the happy tears. What about your bridesmaid or grooms person laughing at an inside joke, or the shy niece/nephew hiding in their parents hair? In my questionnaires I ask about who else besides you that I should focus on, but in a short 15 minute ceremony, it is tough to get more than the required shots and some great creative ones at your ceremony. A second allows you to have more angles and moments captured that one photographer may miss or not prioritize.
Your priorities
By now you’ve started to formulate your own opinions on what you need for your day. Or, you could have a million thoughts and need to talk it out! I would suggest to rank the following items in order from top priority to not as important.
-staying in budget
-getting ready photos of both partners
-variety and number of photos
If they are all important, I would talk to your photographer about adding a few hours. If none are important, then you could go with a ready made package, depending on what is offered. Having these ranked when talking to your photographer during your initial inquiry will help them help you decide on a package that fits your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and stick to your needs! They right photographer will help you achieve them all and keep you stress free during the whole process.
Cost
With everything above as well as your budget in mind, is a second photographer practical for you? Say you do not want getting ready photos, but you’re having over 100 guests attend your ceremony, and getting a variety of photos is important to you. As your photographer, I would suggest adding a second on for a few hours of your day instead of the whole day! When you book me, I am super flexible with creating a custom package to fit your needs and your budget. Talk to your photographer about your needs and they will let you know what they think is best.
Is a second photographer already included?
If you’ve already inquired with some photographers and they’ve sent their pricing over, take a look at what is included in the packages. Personally, In my traditional wedding packages, I include a second photographer for my top package, because I know that it is more likely to have more moving parts that I may not be able to photograph well by myself. Couples that book my 10 hour package normally get ready in different places, have a higher guest count, and want more photographs to look back on from different angles. After reading all of the other reasons why you may need a second photographer, take a close look into the packages available to you before just adding one for a few hours, it may be more efficient to book the higher package!
Are there any other stressors that come up when thinking about whether you need a second photographer or not? I am always willing to discuss with my couples about what suits their needs! Reach out below to schedule a consult call to alleviate your stress!
