As a luxury wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless special moments on behalf of my couples. One question that often arises is whether a second shooter is necessary. In this blog post, I’ll outline the scenarios where a second shooter is an excellent idea, and when it’s not necessary.
When a Second Shooter is a Good Idea:
Large Guest List:
If you’re expecting a large number of guests 120+, having a second shooter can ensure that we capture shots of everyone who’s there to celebrate with you.
Getting Ready at the Same Time or Far Apart:
If you and your partner are getting ready at the same location, OR those locations are far apart, a second shooter can help us cover both areas without missing any moments.
Limited Venue Time:
If you have a limited amount of time available for your wedding (eg an early cut off time, limited reception time, or some venues can even have multiple weddings happening in the same day – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon), a second shooter can help us maximize the coverage and ensure that we don’t miss any key moments while factoring in the venues timeframe.
Consider Your Venue Space:
Is your venue space quite small for areas like your ceremony and reception? Are the spaces in the reception quite tight? If so, from a wedding photographers standpoint it can be difficult to move quickly to get from one location to the next to capture multiple things happening at once. I’ve known a few venues throughout my career as a wedding photographer to look spacious and when you put 120+ people in it, long tables, with lots of people moving around, sitting down, pulling their chairs out, etc, it can be tricky. Not impossible, tricky. For moments like speeches its very important for me if I’m solo to be able to get around quickly, so if the venue is tight this is where it will be beneficial to have a second so I can make sure I can focus on whats happening rather than how do I move from x to x without disturbing all of your guests in the process.
Cocktail Hour:
If you want to have photos of your guests during cocktail hour, which is typically the time when we take couple portraits and bridal party photos, a second shooter can be invaluable to capture them mingling and laughing.
Styling and Details:
If you’re investing a significant amount in your florals, a stylist or just you’re details in general and want to capture stunning photos of the ceremony and reception styling before your guests arrive, a second shooter can help us do just that.
Large Bridal Party:
If you have a large bridal party (over 3 each side), having a second shooter helps to ensure that we capture all the important moments without having to cut down time or rush through. So it means I can keep all my attention on you guys for your bridal party portraits, while I have my second shooter focusing on another moment at the same time eg styling for reception or cocktail hour.
Capturing Multiple Moments:
If you want to capture two moments at once – for example, the back of your dress as you walk down the aisle from above showcasing the elegance of your dress and veil from a birds eye view, while also capturing your partner’s reaction face level – a second shooter can be the perfect solution to this.
When a Second Shooter Isn’t Necessary:
Unless you’re expecting 120+ guests, I would recommend that my couples don’t need a second shooter, as most things can be adjusted to with more a buffer room with timings. I’m more than confident in my ability to capture every moment without needing additional assistance.
Why You Should Leave It to Me:
I understand the importance of capturing every moment on your special day. We will discuss on the initial call your priorities and over email. So I can determine if a second shooter is right for you. Additionally, I’ll take care of organising a second shooter for you if you would like one, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. With my expertise and attention to detail, you can rest assured that you’ll receive nothing but the best of the best for your second shooter and experience on the day.
In conclusion, while a second shooter may not be necessary for every wedding, it can be an excellent addition to your wedding photography package if any of the above scenarios apply to your special day. Trust me to take care of everything, and let’s work together to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer and are considering a second shooter, (or even if you’re not) I would love to hear from you. Contact me today and let’s start making your wedding dreams come to life.
