Does Your Wedding Need a Second Photographer?

Do you really need a second photographer on your wedding day?

This is an important decision and one that comes up on almost every single consultation call I have with a prospective BMP couple. There are definite benefits to adding a second photographer to your wedding collection, however, it isn't always needed. Contrary to what a lot of couples might think, it's not the size of wedding or guest count that necessitates a second photographer. Rather, consider the logistics and structure of your wedding day (as well as how much you value additional variety & perspectives in your final gallery!) when making this decision. For most couples, this decision has a significant impact on the flow of their day!

So here are some things to consider...

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER:

• We Can Be in Two Places at Once - This is probably the most obvious benefit with having two photographers on your wedding day. Two photographers means two cameras in two different places at the exact same time. This is perfect for Getting Ready suites that may be in completely different areas (or hotels. or towns!) yet you both want coverage during this time. Or if you want exciting candid shots of your guests during Cocktail Hour while still getting the posed group shots of your extended family, then this is really only doable with a second photographer. Timeline running behind and causing stress for group portraits? No worries. Two photographers means we can "divide & conquer" to get all your favorite people captured in half the time.

• You'll Receive a Bigger & Better Gallery - Another obvious benefit to having a second photographer is that with twice as many cameras rolling, you'll be getting significantly more total images in your final gallery. And because we won't be photographing your day side by side, you'll also be receiving a wider variety of what those images look like - from different perspectives and vantage points to different compositions and focal lengths. I work with my second photographers to ensure we're using different lenses from each other so that we can create maximum variety in what your final gallery will look like. Also, as the lead photographer, my priority is always capturing the essential, must-have images that will anchor your wedding gallery and tell the story of your day best. My second photographer then has a lot more freedom to capture creative angles & compositions, as well as candid moments that are happening behind the scenes. Together, these perspectives create a full, comprehensive story in your wedding gallery of your best day ever.

Imagine this: It's Golden Hour and you two are posed standing among rows of vines at your vineyard venue. I am capturing a wide, pulled back shot with lots of landscape while my second photographer creates a more zoomed in portrait focusing on how his hand is holding yours or how Grandma is watching you two from the balcony. Two completely different images made from the exact same moment.

• Better Insurance During High Stakes Moments - Think of your First Look or of walking down the aisle. These are moments when you don't want to miss an expression, reaction, or tear being wiped away. With multiple photographers with multiple cameras and in multiple spots - none of these cherished moments will be missed. Plus, if the worst were to happen - like a dead battery or camera malfunction - you can rest easy knowing there's another photographer on the ready to step in during these important moments and grab the shot.

• Better Insurance for Limited Movement - If you're getting married in a church or cathedral that has restrictions on movement during the ceremony (it happens more than you think!), then having a second photographer is definitely going to be worth your investment. Because if your venue or church requests that I limit where I move during your ceremony, then I'm going to limit where I move during your ceremony (it's all about respect, people!). So, having a second photographer stationed elsewhere in this situation allows for better & full coverage of your ceremony. Likewise, if your reception space is filled to the brim with guests and there's not enough space for me to move freely between all the tables and chairs, then having a second photographer to grab additional perspectives during toasts, dances, and other important events can be invaluable.

This many perspectives during a First Look moment is only possible with a second photographer!

WHEN A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER MAY NOT BE NEEDED:

• The All-Inclusive Venue - If your entire day is taking place at the same venue, then I can easily go between Getting Ready suites, Ceremony space, and Reception space. When everything is in one location, it's fairly easy for me to capture each moment and detail on my own, especially with the ability to go back and forth between areas to capture additional details & candids during moments of "down time."



• A Simple, Straightforward Timeline - If your wedding timeline includes a First Look moment followed by all the most important photo combinations (Couple's Portraits, Immediate Family, & Wedding Party) before the ceremony, then it's easy for your day to flow from one event to the next - especially if it's all in one location! Focusing on one part of your day at a time prevents any overlapping of moments and makes it very doable for one photographer to capture it all.

• The Minimalistic Wedding - If you're planning your wedding day with minimal details, decor, or events on the timeline, then one photographer will be completely sufficient in capturing your day.

WHO IS THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?

Your second photographer isn't going to be a random friend of mine or someone who has never operated a camera before. Absolutely not. I only hire on legitimate photographers with professional businesses of their own. Over the years, I have accumulated a list of favorite photographers that I've worked with - photographers who consistently produce beautiful and creative work, who share my values and approach to photographing a couple's wedding day, and who match my energy when it comes to hyping you up or calming those nerves. These photographers are always my starting place when one of my couples include a second photographer in their wedding collection.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Because every wedding is different, there really is no clear, one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not your wedding day requires a second photographer.

Instead of asking yourselves "Do we need two photographers?" I recommend asking "What kind of experience do we want?" or even "What kind of coverage do we want?" These questions will better direct your thinking about whether adding a second photographer is right for you. Though it is an additional cost, a second photographer can provide peace of mind about capturing every moment, more comprehensive storytelling, and ultimately more flexibility and freedom on your wedding day. If these things are important to you, then I'd say it's worth the investment!

Want to talk it out further? I'd love to help!