The weather and lighting
There’s no doubt about it – the weather can be unpredictable! It also has a major effect on the available light and therefore the best location to take your photos (under a shady tree, inside, outside etc).
If the light is very bright (harsh sunshine) or it’s clouding over, or even starts raining so that we have to rush indoors, then a second photographer will be able to help quickly with any additional lighting or shading that I decide to use to get the most flattering photos of you. Having them around will also save time and give you more time to spend with your guests!
Speeches and toasts
It’s so important when your speeches are taking place that I capture the ‘speech givers’ in full flow, you and the top table’s reactions, laughter and emotions. All of those amazing moments that you won’t necessarily see but will look back on after your wedding and in the years to come as your relive these special moments.
It’s also important to capture the reactions and emotions of your other guests in the room and while I can do that in-between watching the top table, it’s a huge benefit to have a second photographer to focus on the room as a whole.
Different locations for your ceremony and reception?
Is your ceremony taking place at a different venue than the rest of your day, for example, in a church?
This is a busy time for your photographer who’ll probably be taking photos of you leaving the church, and will then be trying to reach your next venue before you do so that they can take photos of you arriving there!
A second photographer can be either helping me pack up my gear and getting it into the car ready for me to depart the church or can travel on ahead before you leave the church ready for your arrival at your wedding breakfast venue.
How big is your venue?
Is your wedding venue going to be large with plenty of space for your guests to spread out?
If so, working with a second photographer allows us to be in different areas of the grounds at the same time so that I can focus on getting photos of the two of you mingling with your guests while your other photographer concentrates on capturing more memories with your other guests.
The ceremony – photography limitations
Where your ceremony is held and who conducts it has a big impact on where I’m allowed to stand to take photos.
Particularly in a church, photographers are not usually permitted to move around a great deal by the person conducting the ceremony (in some cases we are only allowed to stay in one spot). Ceremonies held at the same venue as your wedding breakfast may allow more freedom of movement.
However, two photographers allows for photos from two different angles and more photos from one of the most important (if not, the most important) parts of your day. I could be at the front taking photos of the two of you, whilst my second photographer is at the back of the church/room.
Summary
Having a second photographer isn’t right for every couple and can be a decision that needs some thought.
It’s a case of weighing up the benefits against the additional investment required of having two photographers. Bear in mind though that investing in an additional photographer will be a small proportion of your overall photography pricing which is far outweighed by the benefits.
Here are my overall thoughts:
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If you’d like to have photos of your bridal prep and the groom prep, and they’re at different locations then you’ll definitely need one.
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If you’re having a very small wedding then I’d say there may not be a big benefit to you.
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Consider the value to you of having more photos from your special day that tell your story in more detail.
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Couple’s favourite photos from their day usually involve the reactions and emotions captured of their families and friends – more of these are likely to be captured with two photographers.
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Having group photos? Another photographer can help to make these happen more quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the rest of your day.
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Consider how tight your timeframes for photography are on your day and if ideally your photographer needs to be in two places at once! Another photographer can certainly ease the time-pressure.
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Large venues and grounds mean that your guests are likely to be more spread out. A second photographer can help capture more memories and candid moments than a single photographer.
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If you’re getting married at a church, and driving on to a different location for your reception, having a second photographer means that your primary photographer can capture photos of you leaving your ceremony location, while the second photographer leaves earlier so that they can take photos of you arriving at your reception venue.
Free cheat sheet – second wedding photographer
Here’s your free cheat sheet – click on the image to download your copy.
What happens next?
Contact me to chat about the pros and cons of a second photographer.
Based on your venue and the type of photos you’d like to get from your photographer, I’ll be able to advise you if it’s worthwhile having one.