Having a second shooter at your wedding—beneficial or just another expense? It depends. Typically, the wedding photographer you choose will have a network of trusted contacts, photographers with similar (but not identical) styles and shooting methods. These professionals are people your photographer knows and trusts to help capture your special day. Here are some reasons to consider whether you should or shouldn’t hire a second photographer for your wedding.

More Photos

Right off the bat, hiring a second shooter almost guarantees more photos. How many more? That’s a great question to ask your main photographer. For me, it depends on various factors. Is my second shooter capturing moments I’m unable to reach? Or are they shooting from different angles? The number of details, locations, and guests all play a big role. More recently, my second photographer will focus on shooting film for prime moments while I’m shooting digital.

Short Amount of Time

Maybe you’re on a time crunch for your wedding. Perhaps you’ve opted for 6-8 hours and worry there won’t be enough time. Instead of extending hours, consider adding a second shooter. With two photographers working simultaneously, you’ll get more photos and the opportunity to be in two places at once.

Different Angles

Your wedding can be told through two sets of eyes, from two different angles. No two photographers think alike or occupy the same space at the same time. Hiring a second shooter guarantees diverse perspectives of every part of your wedding.

Capturing All the Moments

Are you the first in your family to get married? Do you have a big family? While I don’t recommend hiring a photographer solely for family, having two photographers ensures all your moments are captured along with plenty of photos of your guests. For instance, if I get pulled into a conversation or asked to take a guest photo, a second shooter ensures someone is always on the lookout for important events.

Big Guest List or Lots of Details

If you have an extensive guest list (over 150 guests) or a lot of details, a second photographer ensures everything and everyone is covered. With two pairs of eyes during the wedding, nothing will be missed.

Let’s bring it in.

Deciding whether to hire a second shooter is a personal choice based on your specific needs and priorities. The added coverage, diverse perspectives, and assurance that every special moment will be captured can make this investment worthwhile. Ultimately, the goal is to create a beautiful and comprehensive wedding gallery that reflects the unique essence of your day. So, whether you choose one photographer or two, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident that your memories are in good hands. A comfortable environment equals a beautiful wedding gallery, after all.