Why You Need a Second Photographer at Your Wedding

I had the honor to second shoot alongside of Jessica Ross Photography on this gorgeous wedding at One Preston Events in Gunter, Texas. I had a blast with this couple and their friends and family. In fact, I am not going to lie…this wedding had the most epic mother and son dance I have ever seen. However, the point of today’s post is WHY YOU NEED A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER AT YOUR WEDDING.

Reasons why you need a second photographer :

NUMBER ONE:

Your lead photographer can not be in more than one place at a time. I know sometimes you like to think your photographer has super powers, however, I am afraid being in two places at the same time is not possible.

For this wedding, while Jessica was photographing the bride and bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done, I walked around, grabbed photos of the venue, the dresses and the reception area. While Jessica was gathering family for family formals…I grabbed the couple who were just standing at the side of the church and took some just married portraits.

Another nice aspect of having a second photographer is when doing a first look–one of the photographers is with the bride and one with the groom. While waiting for Emma’s first look, I was able to grab a few shots of her reading a letter Mason had written to her. It was a really touching moment and had there only been one photographer that moment would not have been captured.

NUMBER TWO:

Your second photographer is able to focus on the smaller details of the day that the lead may not have time to get if they are trying to get all the big moments. Yes, Getting in your dress, First looks, family formals….they are super important…but you might also like to have pictures of signs, your signature cocktails and little accents that you incorporated into your wedding design.

NUMBER THREE:

You will get alternate angles of important events. In moments like first looks, I try to have one photographer get pictures of Dad or the Groom and the other get pictures of the brides reaction. Same moment but very different pictures.

Another way I like to give couple variety in their galleries is getting details of the bride or groom during other portraits. Bridesmaids pictures? I’ll snap a few close ups of their bouquets or their candid reactions as they laugh with each other.

NUMBER FOUR:

You will get a TON more images in your wedding gallery. I think that is reason enough to hire a second photographer!!!

I also ask the second photographers I work with to use different lenses and angles when shooting. Having two photographers is the best way to ensure that we’re providing complete coverage of the couple’s wedding day!

NUMBER FIVE:

I can’t tell you how much having a second photographer at my own weddings makes me feel more calm throughout the day. It’s like having someone whose got your back, is there supporting you and helping you to create your absolute best work! Many times, a second photographer is not only helping capture the day, they are also an extra set of hands for the lead photographer. Whether it is grabbing a bottle of water, holding a reflector or lens, calling out family formal groupings…. I cannot tell you how much pressure that takes off me- especially because a wedding day is already exhausting!

NUMBER SIX:

In a worst case scenario, your second photographer can serve as a lead in case an emergency came up and the lead is not able to be there or had to leave early due to sickness. You might consider a second photographer as sort of insurance policy.

So to sum up, hiring a second photographer is pretty important in my humble opinion. Sure, I can tackle a wedding solo, however, I believe having a second make the day less stressful for me and for my couples. For this reason, I include a second photographer in all of my wedding coverage options.

Please enjoy some of my favorite second shooter images from this One Preston Events wedding with Jessica Ross Photography. Jessica, Thanks for having me along!