Question Asked: 10/10/2018
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
Answered by: 16 Experts
Sort by:
Photographers do not always have a second shooter. Sometimes they are more of a hindrance than a help, they can get in the way of your photographs and you can feel like you have the paparazzi chasing you if they are not subtle.
A second shooter can be handy if you want to get photos of both the bride and groom getting ready in 2 separate locations that are too far apart to be feasible.
They are certainly not necessary but can be a luxury. If you love a photographer but you can't afford to pay the extra for a second shooter....dont get one. You will get more than enough images that you will love. Quality over quantity.
That is up to you.
For a small intimate wedding a single photographer is usually fine. Once it get's bigger it can be hard for one person to cover everything and in some cases at the key moments celebrants have unexpectedly had the couple turn away from camera, with a second shooter that angle is covered.
Many couples choose to have a second shooter just for the ceremony since that is the part that is not going to wait.
Not always, no. Often it is at an extra expense and generally for full day coverage so that almost every minute of the day is captured in different perspectives. I personally don't use a second shooter as I like to be there for my couples in every possible moment I can be. I tend to shoot more intimate weddings and the need for a second shooter is really rare. You can always ask the question and see what your potential photographer has to offer.
No they don't. A second shooter is great if you have the budget. If you love the photographers work, as a test to see how awesome they are, just ask if they normally have a second shooter.
Not always, but in whole day wedding coverage, it is much better to have a second shooter to back up one another and cover every moments of the day.
It's common knowledge that second photographers are often junior assistants. So long as this is communicated up front, this cost should reflect evenly in your quote. It's also true that a second photographer is not essential. However - most brides don't want an "essentials only" wedding. So if you have extra budget, go for it!
The most cost effective way to get two experienced professionals to capture your wedding is to book your photography & videography package through the one company, requesting that both crew have significant photography & videography experience. This enables both to leveridge their skills and tag-team throughout your day, swapping equipment for each aspect - to maximise the photos & video coverage you receive.
Many weddings that I've attended (as a guest only) where there are two photographers, it appears that they are not working at full pace. I think this occurs because they appear to only be thinking within "their zone", as a photographer... And, since there's two of them - they take it a little easier. So as a rule, it is always a safer bet to book a photographer who also has significant wedding videography experience. Videography is often a tougher workload, and these people are more likely to think creatively outside the "generic photography" box for you!
Not always. Personally, if it's a small intimate wedding I shoot solo. This would be a wedding under 50 guests, a small bridal party and preferably not too much travel. Using a second shooter is a great option with mid to large weddings. It's helpful to split up getting ready shots. One shooter can photograph the bride prep where the other can get the boys at the same time. Its also helpful when there is a lot of travel. You can make sure there is a shooter ready at all locations. Also when there is limited time we can again split shooters up at the reception and make sure all guests and details are covered. Lastly having as many angles covered will ensure all special moments are not missed!
Cheers
Karina
Hi
Thank you for your enquiry.
No, photographers don’t always have a second shooter. The listing would usually state if they have a second shooter as part of their package. Alternatively another shooter can be arranged for an adidiional cost if it’s what you would require. When asked, this is what I’ve done in the past as I have a couple of photographers that I work with regularly.
i hope this helps.
If you need anythin furtehr from me, please don’t hesitate to touch base.
Cheers
Kim
You do not always need a second shooter. However for larger weddings with tighter timeframes we always chat to couples about what they might need. Often a great second shooter can capture more candid photos and different angles particularly at the ceremony but sometimes also at the location shots. A second shooter might also be helpful if couples are wanting bride getting ready AND groom getting ready portraits, (sometimes accross town) it can save hours on coverage and therefore money in that respect alone.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.
Ask a questionHi! I'm Chelsea and I can help you find suppliers for your wedding. Would you like some help today?
I offer the option of a 2nd shooter. I think if you're going to pay for a 2nd shooter you should ask the photographer how experienced they are. The 2nd shooters I use are all experienced photographers. Some photographers will charge for a 2nd shooter and then bring along someone who's main function is carrying the photographers bag or passing lenses but not actually shooting and with little or no experience. For me a 2nd shooter will get wide shots and different angles during the ceremony so that i can stay close to the front, shooting the ceremony itself. A 2nd shooter will get lots of mingling shots of guests and wide establishing shots of the different parts of the day (church, reception venue). THe 2nd shooter will get different angles of the location shoot and will usually be less visible than the main photographer allowing them to shoot more candidly and not be noticed. THe 2nd photographer can go early from the location photos to the venue to get shots of the reception room before the guests go in and get the details there if the main photographer is still busy on location with the bridal party.
However I wouldnt call a 2nd shooter essential to have, but it does give you a wider variety of shots.