Do you need a second photographer on your wedding day?

I often get a lot of questions from couples on whether they should include a second photographer on their wedding day. There are many factors to consider when deciding on whether a 2nd is a good idea for your day. Whether or not to include a second photographer on your wedding day is one of the many decisions to be made when deciding on the package that is right for you. Hopefully this will help you to feel prepared when you are finalizing the details for your package. My second photographers book up early for the most popular dates (Saturdays between June and November), so I find it helpful to confirm mine at the time of booking when possible.

How many guests do you plan to have?

I tell my clients that they should include a second photographer if they plan to have more than 100 guests on their wedding day. This helps to ensure that we capture every guest during the day, and all the different angles as well. Having a second photographer creates more space for me to focus my attention on the couple, while my second can focus on your friends and family.

Are you getting ready at different locations?

Most weddings start with each partner getting ready at separate locations. When this is the case, it’s easiest to divide and conquer the getting ready part of the day. Getting ready photos may not sound like a big priority for your wedding day coverage, but consider the energy and excitement during this part of the day. It’s a special time with your closest friends and family, and I often capture emotional and meaningful moments during this time. It’s also a nice chance to capture some of the special details that are part of your day. When I’m photographing the start of a wedding day without a second photographer, this time is often compressed so I can get to both partners, or feels a bit off balance when the final gallery is delivered.

Do you want many detail photos?

I already touched on this a bit, but the details of your day are important to have documented because of the careful thought you’ve been into them. Details often carry a lot of meaning to my couples. My second photographer has the bandwidth to focus on details throughout the day, while I am with my couple. It’s often a challenge to make it to the reception room before guests start moving in and putting their purses and jackets down. My second photographer can spend a few minutes capturing what the reception details look like prior to guests moving in, while I get extra time with my couple.

Do you want coverage of happy hour?

Happy hour is a great opportunity to capture the joy of your friends and family as they celebrate your marriage. When your college roommates see each other for the first, or your cousins are in one place for the first time in years… I ask my second to focus on the joy that comes from these happy hour celebrations. It’s a joyous and animated time and you can’t be everywhere at once (typically the couple is doing photos with me at the start of happy hour). It’s very fun to see your loved ones connecting and having a wonderful time at your wedding when your photo gallery is delivered.

Are you doing a first look?

Oh this is an important one. My second photographer is entrusted to get one partner in place at our predetermined spot prior to the first look. As I approach with partner number 2 we get in our places so that we can document this emotional and special moment together. Because we each carry two camera bodies, you’ll have four lenses on you during the first look. It’s very helpful to have someone to coordinate the first look with.

Do you want 360 coverage during your ceremony time?

Similar to the first look, two photographers means two angles during the ceremony. This helps to ensure that nothing gets missed. I often place myself at the top of the aisle, while my second is positioned in the back. When the first kiss happens, I like to zoom in and have my second zoom out for my reaction from the crowd. More cameras, more angles, more pictures to tell the story of your day!

Do you want an extra level of security on your wedding day?

While I’ve never had a last minute emergency come up as a wedding photographer, it’s always a possibility. My second photographers are professionals who photograph their own weddings. I work with them because if I need them to step up and cover a wedding day in my place, I trust them to do that. I have a huge community of photographers in Colorado and calling in someone to help as a second is easier than finding a primary.

Are you okay paying for another meal?

One of the things to consider is that you are adding a vendor to your wedding day by having a second photographer, and that means adding a vendor meal (it’s worth it!). Be sure that your venue or catering contact is aware that you’ll have two photographers and will need two meals.

Is there an additional cost, and if so is it within budget?

My most popular package, 8 hours, includes a second photographer. If you are having a smaller wedding and have decided to swap the second for an engagement session, please let me know so I can document that in your invoice and contract. If you are going with a six hour package that does not include a second photographer, I can always send you a quote that includes a second for some or all of the day.

Have questions or want to talk through any of these points? Please reach out so I can help you work through any concerns you have around your wedding packages.