More isn’t always better and this holds true for the number of photographers you need at your wedding. If you’re wondering whether or not you need a second photographer, commonly called a second shooter, at your wedding, I’m hear to give you the answer! You may not like it…
Second Shooter vs Assistant
First of all, what’s a second shooter and how does it differ from a photographer’s assistant. There tends to be quite some confusion between the two.
An second shooter’s focus is to capture angles and details that the lead photographer of a wedding would typically be shooting. For example, while you’re walking down the aisle the lead photographer would likely be taking photos of you while the second shooter might be capturing your parents tearing up.
An assistant, on the other hand, is there to help out the lead photographer. This would include carrying bags, setting up and adjusting lighting, keeping the group on schedule, and helping to create shots like holding your veil up for.
So when you see that an assistant is included in a particular package it’s safer to assume that they will not be directly involved in photographing your wedding day.
Do You Need a Second Shooter?
Some couples come up with the conclusion themselves, but I believe it’s the photographer’s job to tell you whether or not you would need one. The need for a second photographer would depend on the type and quantity of images you’d like to have from your wedding and the ability of the photographer. Therefore, even if you know exactly how many images you want and what those images are, the need for a second shooter is highly dependent on what each individual photographer you’re considering can deliver on their own.
When You Definitely Need 2 Photographers
Here are some situations that would require two photographers:
- If your itinerary requires a photographer to be in two places at once then you definitely need a second one because…well…it would be physically impossible. Unless of course you know how to bend space and time please let me know!
- If you want more photos than the lead photographer is capable of capturing by himself/herself then you’ll need another. For example, if you’d like guests during cocktail hour photographed, but also want photos of the venue details/setup untouched then unless the photographer can run back and forth quickly, they’re going to end up missing something.
- If you have an event that requires photos to be shot from multiple angles at the exact same time then you’ll also need two.
Essentially, you can only stretch out a photographer so much. As stressful as it is for the couple the day of the wedding, it is equally, if not more stressful for the photographer who only have one chance to capture every single moment presented in front of him or her that day. Only a photographer, based on a discussion about your needs, can tell you whether or not you need a second shooter.
My Recommendation
I believe a second shooter is rarely needed for most small to medium weddings especially since most guests will be carrying decent camera phones, point-and-shoots, and even mirrorless/DSLR cameras. Hiring a professional photographer to capture minute details isn’t quite worth your money. Instead, they should be focused on you and the people who are most special to you. Shoes, cuff links, flowers, etc. can all be rephotographed if truly necessary, however the feelings the two of you have on your wedding day can’t be reenacted or recaptured.
So unless your schedule dictates otherwise, I suggest you take it easy and just allow the one photographer to focus on the most important images of the day – the two of you and your loving family and friends!
Jonathan How is the photographer behind Made by Ten and calls Milton his home. He specializes in creating beautiful, creative portraits of real women. He uses photography (and this blog) to help them build confidence and love for themselves and creates artistic images for their homes and offices. You can see him driving around the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada from portrait to fashion shoot and back again.