Do I Need a Second Photographer for my Wedding?

This is a question that engaged couples ask a lot, and they should. Many times, they don’t need to ask this question because photographers include a second photographer as part of their package. I don’t. A second photographer is one of my a la carte items, and it will become clear why at the end of this article. I’m here to help inform you what a second photographer does for you, and if you should opt for one, if your photographer offers one as an add on to their package.

So starting with the obvious, you will have more photos in your gallery with a second shooter. Will it be double? No, but you can expect around 30-40% more photos. Not only will you have more photos, but you’ll have different perspectives, many times even more creative angles than one photographer. One photographer generally gets you a straight, head on shot. With a second photographer, they can come in at a different angle and get unique perspectives.

A second photographer acts as an insurance policy. If the lead misses some shots, there’s a backup. Now missing shots should be a rare instance, but some moments you only get one chance to capture and there are no re-dos in a wedding day. The other form of insurance is if a photographer’s camera breaks down, and they might not have a backup on them. Again, a rare instance, but never out of the question.

Regardless how talented a photographer is, they can’t be in two places at once. There can be a lot going on in a wedding day, and if you want to ensure everything is captured, a second photographer will give more assurance. There are two classic examples of this:

1. Wedding party prep/formals – If the bridesmaids and groomsmen are getting ready in two different locations; not different rooms, but a location where you have to drive to get from one to the other, then two photographers is almost required if you want photos of both sides of the wedding party prepping. Even after both sides of the wedding party get ready, there are bridesmaid group and groomsmen group photos. One photographer can take each group simultaneously, which helps ensure the timeline goes smoothly.

2. Post-ceremony – There’s a lot going on at this time. Cocktail hour, reception hall setup, signing of the marriage certificate, and if there is no first look, family formals, wedding party photos, bride and groom portraits. This is why I highly recommend a first look. Even with a first look, having two photographers will ensure details of the reception hall and cocktail hour is covered by a photographer, while another captures signing of the marriage certificate. Now think of what that situation looks like without a first look.

The larger your wedding guest size, the more likely you’ll want a second photographer. You’ll want to see the guests in your photo albums. All of them. Havving more coverage allows them to be captured. During the ceremony and reception, while one photographer captures the bride and groom, the other can capture audience reactions.

Now all that being said, is a second photographer absolutely required? no. Many of my clients don’t opt for a second photographer, but this is how I would decide if I can forgo a second shooter: If the bridesmaids and groomsmen are getting ready in the same location, AND I have a first look, then I can get away without having a second shooter. If my wedding guest size is larger than 150, I’d recommend a second shooter regardless.

Each couple has their own budget, and adding a second shooter to your package can cost anywhere between $500-$1000 for a full day, so it’s understandable if you don’t want one. I recommend some of my clients not to get one actually, and it’s not something I’d stress about.

I allow my clients flexibility to modify their wedding package because each client’s needs are different. Instead of building in a second photographer into an 8 hour package, I offer two 8 hour packages: one that includes a second photographer, and one that does not. Many wedding photographers will disagree with me, but I think 8 hours of a single photographer coverage can be done in certain conditions. This allows clients to have access to my services at a lower price point.