Knowing whether or not to hire a second photographer can be really confusing for a couple. There’s a lot to learn about wedding planning with what seems like so little time. Because of this many couples ask about second shooters during their consultations. They don’t think they need it but they see more than one photographer at their friend’s wedding or notice a lot of other photographers who offer the service and sometimes even push it. Should you hire a second photographer or should you stick with just your primary photographer? Here are some thoughts to help you make a more educated decision.
A talented main photographer is more than capable of capturing your day on their own. They can photograph both the bride getting ready and the groom getting ready if you allow time for them to attend each. A professional photographer also has plenty of back up gear so the more photographers, more gear thinking is unnecessary. They are capable of handling family photos as the sole photographer (with help from a family member that knows the crowd) and moves quickly between capturing the big moments and the quite candids. Here’s an idea: Why don’t you take the additional money that you may have spent on a second and invest it into an even more amazing primary photographer? Nonetheless, a second shooter can be great in fitting your needs. For example, keeping your timeline shorter and helping your main photographer run the day as smoothly as possible. Just keep in mind that they are not necessary. Here are a few pros and cons:
PROS of hiring a second photographer
Having a second photographer and the main photographer shoot separate getting readys mean less coverage time needed than if the main had to shoot both. It’s great when the primary photographer and the second photographer can be in different places at once. Things get done quicker and more efficiently. It’s also a positive sign if the primary photographer allows their second to be in different locations on their own. If not, it’s a sure sign that the second hired is too inexperienced to be on their own.
If something does go wrong with the main’s gear it will take them a few moments to replace it. A second shooter can ensure no moments are missed in this situation. Also, having a second means extra gear on deck. Many main photographers hire a second with the brand of gear they use in mind. If the photographers both use Nikon it means all the gear they bring can be used between them no problem. For example, If a Nikon shooter’s flash dies they can’t simply pop a Canon flash onto their camera.
Two sets of eyes on your day mean more angles and happenings captured. Second shooters have the opportunity to capture more candids while the primary shooter is busy capturing family photos, bride and groom portraits, etc. There will be points in the day that you as a couple aren’t able to be present for. Having those moments captured for you discover later is a real treat.
An extra hand to help complete family photos as quickly as possible. When a second photographer is on hand they almost 100% are given the task of the human megaphone. While the main photographer photographs the family photos they herd and call the names of the next family members needed. This definitely helps out in moving the family photos along.
CONS of hiring a second photographer
Having two photographers can mean too many cooks in the kitchen if you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding. This can take away from the unobtrusiveness we try so hard to achieve. There are only so many times you can photograph a crowd before they start to feel a little annoyed. They want to be in the moment and enjoy but when they know the camera’s on them it’s hard for anyone to ignore.
A nervous, self-conscious couple will feel extra overwhelmed with the addition of an another photographer to follow them around all day. It’s another camera to be aware that is on you. People who don’t enjoy being the centre of attention will not enjoy this. Especially at an intimate wedding where there aren’t many people to begin with. Hiring a second shooter can make an already overwhelming and possibly stressful day that much more overwhelming.
A second shooter can accidentally get in the way of the main during a big moment without realizing it. This shouldn’t happen with an experienced photographer but it’s possible. If a wide shot is taken of the scene that the second photographer is also photographing they’re going to be in that image. If you do hire a second, it’s important to stress to the primary photographer you are hiring that you want the second to work opposite of them always and to have good communication skills between each other. Your photographers need to be able to communicate from across the room.
A good second shooter costs at least a few hundred dollars if not more. Not hiring a second photographer will keep your budget lower. This is great for the more budget conscious couples but try not to forgo the second shooter if you feel it is a needed aspect of your wedding day. Also, don’t have overly wishful thinking that the second photographer your primary is bringing along for free will yield any amazing images. If they’re free or cheap there’s a reason for it. They are either an intern, co-op student or a very new photographer looking for experience. There’s no harm in having a student present if your primary can keep them under control. Just know not to expect greatness and definitely don’t hire a cheap second as you will be disappointed.
Hiring a second photographer does not mean double photos. Yes, more images will be captured during your day but that doesn’t mean they will make the cut. Your primary photographer’s images tell the story of your day and catch the big moments. A good second shooter will photograph what the main is not. Nobody needs double of every shot. A second photographer’s image builds on the quiet in between moments of your day. Like what your cute little ring bearer was up to during your bride and groom photos.
I hope that these pros and cons have helped you in moving towards a decision about hiring a second photographer. There are definitely pros to having a second photographer present. You just have to sit with your partner and discuss what is right for you and your wedding day. There should be no reason to doubt the skill of your primary photographer at working alone. If you plan your timeline and family photos together correctly there shouldn’t be any room for stress. Remember, if you decide towards hiring a second shooter they will cost at least a few hundred dollars for the day. If they are free or cheap that’s a red flag that could leave you disappointed if ignored.
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