Why you should consider a second photographer on your wedding day.
Wedding days are full on. From getting ready early in the morning through to partying late into the evening, there are many little things that can move your wedding day into or out of plan. If things go over time such as your ceremony starting late because it needs to be moved due to weather or something unexpected happens, it can make capturing everything you are after on your wedding day almost impossible for a single photographer.
I have put together a list of reasons as to why I think considering a second photographer on your wedding day is worth the extra investment based on situations I have run into over the last few years of capturing weddings:
Preparation - Reduce the Rush
In my eight hour packages I offer my couples the chance to have their prep time captured. This is a great start to your wedding gallery as it sets the scene for the ceremony. I capture details such as shoes, rings, flowers and extra additions, suits and dresses and people getting ready together. On many occasions couples that I have worked with get ready at locations that are a significant distance away from each other. In order to fit each person's prep time into their booked package we may need to rush to ensure we make it to both people. This is where a second shooter can be worth their weight in gold. With two shooters one can go to each of the couples prep locations and capture everything at a relaxed pace, with no need to travel between two people. This is going to slow down your shoot, reduce rush, produce more photos from each prep session and allow your photographer more creative time to produce stunning photographs during this part of your day. Once prep is done, both photographers can meet back up at the ceremony location.
Details - You’ve spent time and money on them
Many weddings that I capture have different locations for both the ceremony and reception. This means you have spent time, energy and money developing a lovely setup at both locations. Many couples would like these setups captured prior to their guests arriving and moving items around such as plates, menus, flowers, napkins, cutlery and centerpieces. Generally after your ceremony I am going to roll straight into group and family photos, followed by your bridal party and couple photos. In the meantime your guests are heading to your venue and most of the time may be let in to find their places, grab a drink and rest their legs. Once this happens it can be difficult for a photographer to capture your whole design setup and means I may have to only focus on details. With a second photographer, they can head straight to the ceremony location after they are finished with prep and capture the setup prior to your guests arrival, they will focus on things such as your arbor, flowers, chair setup and signage. The same can be done after the ceremony. Once this is complete and I begin the group and family photos, the second photographer can head to the reception location and begin capturing details prior to the arrival of your guests.
Second angles - The big moment!
The biggest moment on your wedding day is generally your first kiss as you are announced newly weds. On a standard wedding I capture this in the middle of the aisle with a front on shot with a side profile of each person. A second photographer can capture the first kiss from a secondary angle with a different composition to add more depth to your wedding gallery. This can also be done during your recessional and group photo.
Cocktail hour - Capture the moments when you aren’t there
During the bridal party and couple portrait session we are going to be off creating major and moments designed to last a lifetime. Your guests will be waiting for you generally at the reception area during a period of time referred to as cocktail hour. They will be mingling, meeting new people, interacting with things you may have organised for them such as musicians, lawn games, food platters and drink carts. Unfortunately a photographer can only be in place at a time so with only one team member there is no one at your cocktail hour to capture these things. A second photographer can be capturing social and candid photos of your family and friends during this time so you can check out what was going on whilst you were away for your photo session.
More photos - Absolutely!
Having two photographers is also going to guarantee you get more content as part of your wedding package. A second shooter is going to allow the team to capture more photos during preparation, ceremony, detailed photos of the ceremony and reception, cocktail hour and more. Overall, having a second shooter will cover alternative angles to the main shooter and capture content that otherwise wouldn’t be possible with a single person photographing your wedding.
If you are interested in considering another photographer for your wedding day I have a trusted team of wedding photographers that I work with regularly that can be involved in capturing your day based on availability. Please ensure you make this known to me so I can provide you with a price and how we can work it into your timeline for optimum use of your wedding package.
