Why I choose to have a second shooter in my base Wedding Package.
If you have been researching wedding photographers, you will likely have read about having a second shooter, or a second photographer, at your wedding alongside your primary photographer. When I first started photographing weddings, I didn’t shoot with anyone, and I didn’t have anyone shoot with me. Then I had someone come along for a few weddings, and it completely changed my mind. This post will cover why I now include a second shooter for my full day wedding packages.
The ability to capture so many more cherished moments for my clients is what ultimately sold me on the idea of including a second shooter in my wedding packages. However, there are several other reasons why having two photographers is better than one.
One.
It is impossible to everywhere at one time. If you want photos of the bride and groom both getting ready, we can’t be in both locations at once. By having a second shooter, we can cover more events at one time. If you like candid shots, you absolutely want a second shooter. They will be able to get all of the little moments that are happening behind the scenes. If you only have one photographer and he or she is with the bride while the groom is getting ready, then you will have to have the groom mock up and fake these moments to look candid, while missing the real thing. You don’t want “forced candids.” This also applies for things like bathroom breaks, or needing to replace batteries or memory cards. There’s always one of us available so we don’t miss a thing!
Two.
Capture that “first look”! I love this intimate moment between my clients, and I want both of your reactions photographed. That moment is so very precious, and two photographers is the hands-down best way to go for a “first look”. Even if you don’t opt for an actual “first look,” that moment when the groom first sees the bride walking down the isle is much easier to capture with two photographers – one focuses on the bride, and the other on the groom!
Three.
Having two photographers is less intrusive. Some locations and set-ups for ceremonies can limit a photographers’ movements when we are trying our best to be “flies on the wall.” By having two photographers present, we are able to capture so many more angles and candid moments amongst guests and the wedding party without moving around too much.
Four.
Second Shooters are free to be creative. They aren’t generally worried about getting the traditional shots because that is what the main photographer is doing. This frees them to be able to be more creative and also capture moments from different angles to give a different perspective.
Five.
It’s like insurance. With a second shooter being there, we always have a backup on scene in the event the main photographer gets sick or injured. Any second shooter I hire will be fully capable of taking over for me without skipping a beat!
Six.
Extra backup equipment. I already have two cameras with me at every wedding, just in case my primary camera malfunctions. I am also always recording every image to two memory cards at the same time in case one gets damaged or lost. With a second shooter, all of my backup doubles, as they will also have their own backups and extra memory cards!
Seven.
Time crunches happen. If we are limited on time, having a second shooter will ensure that I don’t miss any major (or minor!) moments during the day. They also help even if they aren’t shooting at the moment by keeping me aware of the time, the requested photo list, and any other minor detail I may forget or get distracted from.
Trust the advice.
Overall, I couldn’t agree more with all the advice out there to ask for a second shooter at your wedding. That, of course, doesn’t mean that a single photographer cannot capture your wedding beautifully and completely. With my wedding base package, a second shooter is included in the cost, so there’s no risk, but there is plenty of benefit. In the end, trust your instincts. I know I can cover a wedding alone, but there are so many reasons to go ahead with that second shooter!
Are you looking for a photographer?
Did you just get engaged? Getting married soon? I’d love to meet with you to plan your personalized engagement session or talk about your wedding plans! Contact me today to schedule a consultation!
Take a look at these blog posts featuring some of the weddings in this post!
https://www.cathysmithphotography.com/wedding-photography-yorktown-va-kayla-luke-yorktown-beach/