If you’ve started planning your wedding and are talking to wedding photographers you’ve probably come across the phrase second shooter, second photographer, or two wedding photographers. And you’ve probably started wondering if you need two wedding photographers.
There are definitely pros and cons to both. And there are a couple of main things to think about if you are unsure of whether you another photographer. First, I would read this blog post and then have a conversation with your photographer. Every wedding has different needs and your photographer knows a lot about the vision of your day. They can help give you a lot more insight as to whether or not you need one. But, before you dive into that conversation with them here’s is some food for thought about if you need two wedding photographers.
How big is your wedding?
If you’re having a big wedding like 150+ guest you may want two wedding photographers. This is to make sure you have pictures of ALL your guests. Which could be hard with just one wedding photographer. Wedding photographers with a lot of experience have no problem photographing weddings with a high number of guests but it really depends on what you’re looking for.
At the very least most photographers do need an assistant to help keep them organized and on track especially if your photographer uses film. If you 100% want to make sure all of the guests are photographed then have two photographers.
What moments do you value being photographed?
Depending on your timeline you may not want but need two photographers. For example, if the bride and groom are getting ready at the same time at two different locations. We can work all sorts of magic but we cannot be in two places at once. This is definitely a case where two photographers are needed.
Some other important moments to your day might be more coverage of your ceremony or speeches. It depends on a couple of different things though like where these events fall on your timeline, what the venue lay-out is like, and again the number of guests. A smaller wedding means more mobility for the photographer – fewer people to move around, less moving parts you get the gist. So, therefore it’s easier for one photographer to get multiple different angles. Whereas at larger weddings one photographer may not be able to capture as much because they can’t cover as much ground.
Different Angles
One of the biggest benefits of having two wedding photographers is having them being able to capture different angles of the wedding. Most notably is the ceremony. Typically, with two photographers one can capture as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk up the aisle and the other photographer will be more upfront capturing them as they enter and walk down the aisle. Obviously, your ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day having it captured multiple different ways is definitely appealing to lots of couples.
The ceremony is definitely one of the most important and primary examples of this but, speech, first dances, and family formals can also fit into this category.
Budget
I love including another photographer in two of my most popular wedding packages. And if your wedding doesn’t need one that that second photographer becomes a wedding day content creator. It’s the perfect way to make sure your wedding day is captured in its entirety and not one moment is missed.
Often times if your photography package doesn’t include a second photographer usually one can be added. You should expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 more for another photographer. And that’s because it not only covers the cost of having a second photographer for the day but also the extra hours of editing the main photographer will be spending combing through the additional images and editing them.
Meet Your Florida Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Torez a Miami wedding photographer. I have over 5 years of wedding photography experience with 50+ weddings under my belt.
My passion lies in telling your love story from beginning to end. All that matters is that your day is a true reflection of you as a couple. As someone who can’t imagine my wedding day without my family, I completely understand wanting your closest people present.
I don’t discriminate – from here to SF I photograph couples all around the U.S. Whether they want a cozy elopement or their dream wedding with everyone they know, love, and treasure present. I’ll help plan and capture your day with the precision and emotion it deserves.
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