One of the most common questions I get from engaged couples is “do we need a second photographer?” Here are things to consider when deciding if you need two photographers the day of your wedding!
1. The Logistics
Is everything happening at one venue? Will you be getting ready, taking photos, having your ceremony and reception all at one location? Will you be getting ready at a different location? Or will your ceremony be somewhere different from reception? Or are you getting ready at the wedding venue but your partner will be getting ready somewhere different? These are all things that impact the photography timeline. Generally, if everything is not happening at the same place, I recommend a second photographer. Reason being, those extra logistics need to be accounted for in your photo timeline and can mean less time for photos. Having a second photographer in these situations makes up for this and allows two people to be in two different places at the same time.
2. Guest List
Are you expecting 50, 150 or 500 people? Generally, for weddings with 100+ people, I recommend a second photographer. With larger weddings comes more logistics, maybe larger families, bigger venues or spaces to cover, and more reception coverage needed. All of this can make it more challenging to capture everything as one person. Yes, with plenty of hours booked, your photographer should still be able to capture all the big moments of you two but with larger weddings the extra moments of cocktail hour or photos with guests for example may not be captured without more than one person. This definitely can vary from each photographer. It’s always worth chatting with your photographer first!
3. Is it important to you?
This is the final question to ask yourself when considering if a second photographer is right for your wedding. One of the biggest values a second photographer brings is the extra coverage they provide. I personally tell all of my couples that, depending on the logistics of your day, I do feel confident in capturing everything with a full days coverage (8-10 hours). However, I can only be in one place at a time so a second photographer is great for capturing more than one angle during the important moments. For instance, during the ceremony, during first looks, or first dances. It also means you have someone else who can capture moments that I don’t see while I am capturing something else.
So is a second photographer right for your wedding? Consider these things to help make that decision and decide if that extra coverage is important to you. And, if you are unsure, talk with your photographer.
