Not sure if you need a second photographer at your wedding?
Having a second photographer is never a bad idea. My second photographers and I always make sure we cover different angles, use different lenses, and focus on different people for the same moments so you get fuller coverage of your day. I'm going to break it down for you here so you can see what kinds of photos you'll be getting from having a second photographer.
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Getting ready
Having a second photographer means you can get coverage of you both getting ready at different locations, since I can't be in two places at once! For ladies, I usually spend about 1.5-2hours with you getting ready, and for the gentlemen it's just 1 hour.
First lOok
As your main shooter, I will be focusing on capturing the reaction of the person doing the first look. Whether that's your fiancé, your dad, your bridal party, etc. My second will be focusing on you, but with a second photographer we'll be able to capture both of your reactions at the same time.
Ceremony
During the ceremony, I will always be at the front capturing everyone walking down the aisle, which also allows me to get the reaction of the awaiting fiancé. During this time, I like to have my second photographer at the back (to get a nice back-of-the-dress shot walking down the aisle), or if the location allows for it, from somewhere up high like the image below.
If the ceremony is short, it is extremely helpful to have a second so I’m not rushing to take all the pictures in 10 minutes. This helps me get different angles and different moments captured of the most important part of your day (including reactions of your families & guests)! We always make sure that if we're shooting from the same angle, that we're using different focal lengths too (a close up vs. wide shot) so that you get a nice variety of shots as well.
COCKTAIL HOUR
We usually split up during cocktail hour. My second will get all the food, drinks, signature drinks menu, décor, candids and group shots of guests while I take detail shots of the reception room which include table setting, seating chart, cake, full room shot, favors, etc. If I don’t have a second photographer, I can try to capture both, but depending on your schedule, I might miss cocktail hour moments as I will prioritize photographing your reception details.
Reception
Other than the obvious fact that you’ll have more angles & more photos, having two photographers gives us a better chance to capture any dips and spins that otherwise one photographer might not get from the correct angle (they happen so quickly we don’t always have enough time to change positions and capture it… even more so if guests are standing around the dance floor). It also allows us a moment to get a more creative shot, like taking a picture through tall candle holders on the tables.
THE BOTTOM LINE
No one regrets booking a second photographer and having more photos:) You'll have a fuller coverage of your day, with more angles, more time, and more candids of your families and guests.
