7 Reasons why a Second Photographer may be beneficial to your Wedding
7 Reasons why a Second Photographer may be beneficial to your Wedding
Often wondered what a Second Photographer on your Wedding Day actually does?
Some Wedding Photographers include a second photographer in their Wedding packages, whereas others will include one as an added extra. One of the most popular questions I am often asked by my couples is, ‘Do I need a second photographer at my wedding?’ And my answer to that would be ‘Possibly!’
How did the Photographer take that shot from there but then also take the same image from a totally different angle… how did they manage to capture so many images of guests during the Reception… how did they manage to capture the Bride and the Groom Prep photos at separate locations? Surely the Photographer isn’t a Fairy who just pops about from one venue to another? Well my friends, chances are there was a Second photographer involved so read on to find out if you think one may be beneficial to you too!
What is a Second Photographer?
A ‘Second Shooter’, ‘Second Photographer’ (or ‘SS’, as some people refer to them as); is someone who works alongside the Main Photographer on your Wedding day to capture extra images at different angles and ensure nothing is missed during key moments. They are booked by the main photographer to come along and help, and we work together in tandem. At the end of the day, I will collect all the images taken from the Second Photographer and edit them with my own photos so there is a consistent edit running through the whole gallery showcasing all those amazing memories captured together.
Second Photographer | Second Shooter | SS
More photos are captured from different angles
Having two photographers allows for extra coverage from different angles which would otherwise be difficult to capture. For example, during the ceremony one photographer will stand at the front and the Second Photographer at the back allowing for both Photographers to capture the Bride entering and walking down the aisle, and also the Grooms reaction when he turns around to see his Bride for the first time.
2. Bride & Groom Prep is captured at the same time
Most Wedding mornings mean the Bride & Groom are getting ready separately with their Bridesmaids or Groomsmen. Whilst I like to think I’m pretty magical at running around at a wedding & being in the right places, I still haven’t quite figured out how to photograph the Bride & Groom getting ready at the same time. With two photographers present, I am able to stick with the Girls getting ready, and the Second Photographer with the Boys… this way you’re able to see how you both spent your mornings getting ready!
3. Additional images of guests enjoying the Reception
During the Reception you may notice me capturing the Formal Group Shots, or I have disappeared with the Bride & Groom for some photos of them together. To some Wedding Guests this period of time you have enjoying Cocktails & Canapés may seem quite long but to a Wedding Photographer we usually find ourselves trying to cram everything in as time can be quite tight for us. With a Second Photographer there we can relieve this pressure by having them capture the guests candidly enjoying the games, drinks and general chit chat & laughter whilst I can then focus on the other things going on at the same time.
4. A backup for your Designated Helper
Sometimes you just can’t predict things, and whilst I like to be as prepared as I can for your wedding day (I’ll ask my Couple to assign a Designated Helper to gather all the Family for the Formal Group shots), I have sometimes been left alone doing this task as understandably your Designated Helper wants to mingle, drink and enjoy themselves too. At this point if things are falling behind time-wise I can call on my Second Photographer to help pick up where we’ve left off and gather guests for me so I can then focus on capturing the Groups and we can keep things on track.
5. Assisting with General Duties
There are on occasions where I may need an extra hand, whether it is carrying equipment, setting up lights and testing them, or fetching camera kit etc. By having someone with me I can rely on them to give me that helping hand during these times.
6. Backup Photography Equipment
Whilst I already carry around 2 camera bodies, countless lenses, memory cards, flashguns and other equipment, there is always (like everything in the world), a risk of something going wrong and failing. With a Second Photographer present they will have their own photography equipment they’ll be using so automatically a perfect backup should the inevitable happen!
7. More likely to capture at least all of your guests
If you have a wedding party of 90+ guests then I highly recommend a Second Photographer if it is important to you to capture as many of your guests as you can in one way or another. With a second photographer you will gain a lot more candid shots of your guests.
So there you have it – my top 7 reasons to have a second photographer at your wedding. If you’d like to enquire with me about booking your wedding photography I’d love to hear from you!