Is a second photographer right for your wedding day?
I’m often asked by couples whether they should have a second photographer on their wedding day. The honest answer is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each wedding is unique and each couple’s priorities for their photography are different. So it’s better to consider a few factors in order to understand what’s important to you before deciding whether a second photographer is right for your wedding.
Here are a few things that I recommend you think about:
1. Wedding day logistics
The most obvious advantage to having a second photographer at a wedding comes down to logistics. While I can cover a lot of ground in one day (you’d be amazed at my step count!), I simply cannot be in two places at once. This is most important for a few parts of the day in particular:
- Getting ready – If you want to capture both of you getting ready but you’re in different locations, a second photographer makes this possible. Typically, one partner doesn’t get to see the other’s preparations but a second shooter means that you won’t miss out on these moments.
- Ceremony perspectives – Do you want to capture both of your reactions when you first see each other down the aisle? At the ‘I do’ moment, do you want to capture both yours and your guests’ emotions? While I’m capturing one of you waiting patiently (and nervously!) at the end of the aisle, the second photographer can be with your partner arriving at the ceremony and capturing their perspective coming down the aisle.
You get the idea! So many moments happen simultaneously at weddings and they’re all worth remembering.
2. More moments and angles
An extra set of eyes (and cameras!) naturally means we’re able to capture more amazing moments:
- More coverage during the drinks reception – During the day we will take some time away from your guests to capture your group photos. Typically, this happens during the drinks’ reception. If you have a large number of group shots, or if they involve quite a few people, this can take up a fair chunk of time – time that I’m not able to capture any candid guest moments. A second photographer can continue to capture your guests while we’re off doing your group shots.
- More portrait angles – Your second photographer can come along with us for your couples portraits to capture different angles to those I’m shooting – it adds even more beautiful variety to your final gallery!
- More moments and reactions – A second photographer means another photographer noticing the interactions, emotions and details of your day! This means that naturally we’ll be capturing more candid moments and guest reactions than if I were shooting alone.
3. The size of your guestlist
How many people are attending your wedding? If you’re having over 100 guests, it’s worth considering a second photographer, simply because it will give a fuller coverage of everyone.
4. The complexity of your timeline
Similarly, if you’ve got lots of things happening in a short space of time, or a particularly busy wedding day timeline, a second photographer helps to make sure not a moment is missed!
As an example, during your afternoon drinks reception you might like me to capture group shots, couple’s portraits, wedding breakfast room details, a room reveal and a fun champagne spray. All of this is totally possible – but it does mean compromising on capturing guest candids; I can only be in one place at once! A second photographer means that you’ll also be able to ensure thorough coverage of your guests as they enjoy this part of the day too – the best of both worlds!
So how does having a second photographer for our wedding day work? Who edits our images?
The role of second photographer is purely to be there to help me capture the day, everything else is handled by myself, both before and after your wedding. At the end of the wedding, the second photographer hands me their memory cards. I then do all of the editing and delivery to ensure consistency throughout your whole image gallery.
Who is the second photographer?
I have a few different second photographers who work alongside me, depending on who is available on a particular date.
All of the second photographers who work as part of my team are professional, experienced wedding photographers in their own right. I’ve personally vetted each of them and their work. They all work with a similar approach, style and ethos to me, and I brief them fully before the day, so you’re in very safe hands.
Should you have a second photographer on your wedding day?
In summary, there is no right or wrong thing to do. Ultimately, when deciding on whether a second photographer is right for your wedding, it comes down to what is important to you. If you’re still not sure, get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to advise.
How do we add a second photographer to our coverage?
If you’d like to add a second photographer to your wedding day coverage I recommend letting me know as soon as possible so that I can get someone booked in. Whilst I always try my best to make it happen, the earlier you can let me know, the more chance one of my wonderful second photographers will be available.
I hope this has been really helpful! Happy wedding planning!
Love Chloë
As a wedding photographer, I just adore capturing beautiful, timeless imagery that you’ll cherish forever. Visit the gallery to see more of my work.
