Pro Tip Tuesday: #5 Number of Photographers

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, ‘the more, the merrier’. But I’d bet that you never thought of that expression regarding the number of photographers. That is, until you started wedding planning! Along with the various other photography options, one thing you may be considering is photographers who offer a second shooter. If you’re not familiar with the term, a second shooter is an additional photographer who works alongside the primary photographer.

Some photographers don’t offer second shooters, as they find they work better on their own. There are others who will hire a second shooter, if requested by a couple, but don’t usually utilize one. Or there are other photographers who standardly work with second shooters. You will likely be able to find companies who offer these varieties, or potentially even more options!

A second photographer can be an additional expense, however, there are benefits to having a second. The primary photographer’s focus is capturing the key moments of your wedding day. A second shooter can offer a complementary angle and slightly different perspective on the story of your wedding day. They are also able to capture those ‘in between’ candid moments as the main photographer works. Sometimes the timeline of a wedding day can be tight. A second photographer allows coverage of another location, such as photos of both the bride and the groom getting ready before the ceremony. While the bride is getting ready at one location with the main photographer, the second can be with the groom capturing the 15 minutes it takes him to get ready… : )

Having a second photographer may not be for everyone. Should you decide that it isn’t for you, that’s ok! If your wedding is a small, intimate affair, an additional photographer may not be required. For some, the thought of having one photographer is overwhelming, let alone two! You need to find what you’re comfortable with, and what makes most sense for your wedding and the budget!

Take some time to discuss with your fiancé. Is a second shooter important to you for your wedding? If this is something that you’re interested in, ask your potential photographers if they offer this. Just in case you didn’t have enough to consider, this is another option for you to discuss!