A question that I hear all the time (because it’s always relevant!) is: What are the benefits of having a second photographer at our wedding day? How do we know if we need one?
Personally I think there are 3 tell-tale signs that can guide your decision, read on:
For guest counts that are larger than about 150/175 people, I always highly recommend that my couples add-on a second photographer as part of their collection (it’s an option that I offer, where I source the second photographer so it’s no additional work or searching for you!). The reason I recommend it for larger guest counts is that it allows myself and my second to get many more photos of all your guests than if there is only one of us working! Many more candid moments, laughs, and group photos are possible with two of us.
If you have a larger number of bridesmaids + groomsmen, those portraits can be very streamlined by having two photographers. We’re both professionals and very experienced with weddings, so bridal parties are easy for two of us to handle! If you opt for one photographer, I can absolutely make that work too, but I’ll need to dedicate more time to getting those photos of you with all your bridal party members. With two photographers, you make the most of that time (and let’s face it, get you on to cocktail hour WAY faster).
If your timeline is condensed, and especially if your ceremony is short + sweet — you’ll receive so many more photos if we are able to capture the day with two sets of eyes (and run around with two sets of feet). With a tight timeline, often our portrait time with the bride + groom (and also with bridal party) is shorter than normal, so having two photographer is essential to give you candid moments AND some more traditional photos instead of having to choose one or the other. If there’s ever a day to splurge and get more photos, it’s your wedding day.
Truth: if you want photos from the back of the aisle with your gorgeous dress trailing behind you — you can only get that with a second photographer. During a ceremony, as a lead photographer, I’m capturing the angle from the front of the bride walking down the aisle AND the groom’s face/reaction as the bride approaches. Those two angles are all that I physically have the opportunity to document at once, so anything additional (like a shot from the back of the bride walking to her groom) requires a second photographer. But the great news is with 2 photographers, that IS possible! Want two angles of the ring exchange? Add a second photographer. Parents’ reactions to the vows? Second photographer. You get the idea!
So not only do you get more total photos from your day, but as you can tell you get a larger variety and added perspectives if you decide to add-on a second photographer. There’s a reason it’s my most popular add-on! Besides, I know your guests want to get the party started at the cocktail hour with you, so let’s help you join them sooner. You’ll be glad you did!
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