Second Shooter/Photographer: Necessary? Or Not?

Our photographer brings a second shooter with her, it's included in the price- it wasn't a priority but I'm not upset about having it!

View Quoted Comment Very cool that your photographer automatically includes a second shooter! Ours did not, though we decided to add one to the package we booked.

Our photography package includes a second shooter, but I definitely would have paid extra for one if it wasn't included. The pictures I'm most looking forward to are both of our reactions when we see each other for the first time, and I can't imagine it would be easy (if even possible) to do that with one shooter. We're also on a super tight timeline before the ceremony, so having two shooters would allow one to get the detail shots while the other gets me getting into my dress, first look with the bridesmaids, etc.

View Quoted Comment These were the same reasons that my husband and I wanted a second shooter! Our package didn't originally include one, so we paid to add a second shooter. The multiple angles were awesome when we looked through our wedding photos! And I can totally see how having two shooters will help save time.

Ours included a second shooter as well because it was actually a husband and wife team (super cute) that we hired! We knew going into the research process that we wanted a second shooter. So much happens in that one day and there are so many shots that you end up wanting that it would be hard for only one photographer to capture.

We specifically picked the package with the second shooter. Our photographer explained to us what their second person does and it was perfectly in line with what we wanted. We aren't getting a videographer (my videographer father advised against it) so the second photographer for us was important.

Our plan is to have the second photographer be with my fiancé and his groomsmen as they are getting ready at our house, while the main photographer is with me and my bridal party at my AirBnB. The second photographer is also going to be taking crowd reaction shots while we are getting married, and of our cocktail hour while we take a few more photos (we're doing a first look but we'll do more after the ceremony).

I think it's going to be really awesome having all the extra shots. I'm definitely going to have a hard time choosing photos to have printed after.

We’re sticking with one photographer. Originally I had planned on getting a second shooter, but our photographer actually suggested he shoot alone. Since our wedding is going to be so small and intimate, he was confident he could capture everything. Plus, we are having a videographer, who will likely capture things the photographer doesn’t. And when I sat down and thought about it, having two photographers and a videographer running around a wedding that is only 30 guests seemed a bit paparazzi-like lol

It really depends how set you are on catching every moment. For instance, if you want multiple photos of the same moment (i.e. him seeing you walk down the aisle, your entrance and your guests reactions) then you're definitely gonna need more than one photographer.

If your happy to let go of the idea of capturing absolutely everything then one photographer can do a great job. We are lucky to have a great photographer in the family, but he captured enough good images as a solo photographer that we will receive around 400 photos from our day. But, with this said, moments were definitely missed - he wasn't able to capture me getting ready because he had to be at the venue liasing with our celebrant about the ceremony photography and whilst we did group photos/shots of just myself and my husband nobody was able to take photos of the other guests.

I'm fine with our choice but I think if we had had a generous budget or more guests I would definitely have opted for 2.

View Quoted Comment Awesome that you booked a husband and wife team! Our videographers were also a husband and wife team, and they were amazing to work with. I agree, I wanted those extra angles that one photographer alone may not be able to capture, so we knew we wanted to book a package that included a second shooter.

View Quoted Comment Totally makes sense to spend more on photography and get those extra pictures if you aren't having a videographer! My husband and I initially weren't going to book a videographer, and we booked a second shooter for photography instead. But then we postponed due to COVID, and ended up adding a videographer anyway, so we had 2 photographers and 2 videographers.


Awesome that you'll be able to get photos of both groups getting ready! Definitely a bonus of having two photographers. I like how they divide up the shots between them, where one focuses on photos of your guests, and the other focuses on photos of you two. And I totally agree, it's tough enough choosing which ones to print, and even tougher with more amazing photos!

View Quoted Comment That makes sense! Not having a second shooter also saves money in food costs and tip.

We just had one for our wedding on Saturday and still got all the shots we wanted !

A second shooter was on my must have list but my photographer actually nixed that idea. She has an assistant but essentially told me that she would get a second shooter if I really wanted it but that it wasn't necessary and would be a waste of money. I actually think her words were "the reason you're hiring me is because I'm good at my job. Anyone who NEEDS a second shooter isn't". A little blunt but we saw many of her full albums and she's right, she doesn't need one haha.

View Quoted Comment You'll definitely get some good photos with just one photographer, but I agree that there are some moments that may get missed. Having two photographers is no guarantee that everything will be captured, but gives a better chance of getting more moments on photo! Awesome that you'll get around 400 photos!

View Quoted Comment Awesome that you were still able to get all the shots you wanted with one photographer! Not having a second shooter saves money on food and tip costs, which is always a plus. Congratulations on your recent wedding!!

View Quoted Comment Your photographer brings up a good point! They are the professionals, and they know how to capture everything without a second shooter. I hadn't thought of it like that before, that will be good to remember for future reference. I'd imagine that it would help make their lives easier if they had a second shooter, but it makes sense that they wouldn't "need" one.