Do You Need a Second Shooter at Your Wedding?

Picture this: Your wedding day is a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments. But can one photographer truly capture everything? In many cases, second shooter photography can be the answer to making sure every detail is beautifully captured on your wedding day.

Below, we explore how many photographers to hire for a wedding, and whether a second shooter is necessary for what you have in mind.

What’s a Second Shooter?

A second shooter is a second photographer. They work alongside the primary photographer at your wedding, capturing different angles, perspectives and moments that a primary photographer may not be able to capture alone.

Think of the primary photographer as the director, focusing on the key scenes and main characters. The second shooter acts as a cinematographer and captures supplementary shots and details that enrich the overall story. They might focus on catching reactions from guests during the ceremony, taking close-ups of the décor or establishing shots of the venue.

Their role is to provide a more complete overall picture of your wedding day, making sure no special moment goes unnoticed.

What Does a Second Shooter Do?

Between supporting the primary photographer and snapping unique shots, a second shooter plays many roles during a wedding. Some of their main jobs include:

Providing additional wedding day coverage: How many shots are too many at a wedding? Any couple would agree that capturing as many moments as possible is better than too few. When it comes to catching all the right angles, two wedding photographers are typically better than one. A second shooter can take more shots to make sure every moment gets its spotlight.
Focusing on different subjects: Having more than one photographer allows the team to cover more ground. For example, your primary photographer might focus on capturing group shots of the wedding party as your second shooter captures guest candids.
Acting as an assistant: As easy as it may look, covering a wedding alone isn’t exactly a walk in the park. A second shooter’s job involves assisting the primary photographer to make the most of your wedding day. 

Pros of a Second Wedding Photographer

A second shooter can turn your wedding album into a more personal, artful collecting by capturing the tiny nuances. Hiring two wedding photographers offers a few special benefits:

Chance to Capture Different Angles and Perspectives

The primary photographer will capture the most special moments and then some. But a second photographer helps expand your wedding album with unique angles and perspectives. For every big moment, from your vows to your first dance, you’ll know your photography team is there to capture it all.

If you’re a sucker for candid photos, a second shooter can dedicate their time to capturing candid moments of everyone enjoying the wedding.

Ability to Cover Getting-Ready Moments

Both you and your partner deserve equal camera attention while you get ready. A moment with your loved ones is one you want to remember. Having a second shooter can make it easier to capture, especially if you and your partner are getting ready in two different places. A second shooter makes sure both sides of the story are captured, creating a more complete and balanced wedding album.

Backup and Peace of Mind

Think of a second shooter as a much-needed backup to give you peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as equipment failure. With more professionals capturing your wedding, you can go into it knowing you’ll have more pictures and backup. Think of a second shooter as another layer of security for documenting your wedding’s most special moments.

Considerations When Hiring a Second Shooter

Before deciding on the number of photographers to hire at your wedding, it’s important to consider why a second shooter may not be the best fit for all weddings.

Cost

Hiring a second shooter will add to your overall photography costs. Consider how important it is to you and your partner whether you capture multiple different shots throughout the day. For many couples, the added costs are worth the flexibility and peace of mind that come with a bigger photography team.

Guest Count

If you’re having a small wedding, you may want to limit vendors and staff, too. The good news is that second shooters are typically discreet and unobtrusive — you’re only adding one more person to your team. A professional photographer will be able to capture the best moments without getting in the way of you or your guests. It’s possible to enjoy your intimate ceremony and reception while catching all the best moments.

Do You Need a Second Wedding Photographer?

The best number of photographers for a wedding comes down to your preferences. In some cases, hiring a second shooter for photography is more of a necessity.

Here are a few situations where couples may benefit even more from getting two wedding photographers: 

Large weddings: A single photographer can cover a micro wedding or one with fewer than 150 guests and still capture everyone. However, with over 150 guests, one photographer may struggle to capture every moment. As a result, a large guest count usually needs more coverage. Having a second shooter makes the primary photographer’s job easier and increases their attention to the essential details. 
Multiple locations: The best part of having multiple locations on your wedding day is that you and your partner can explore different spots for pictures. But unless your primary photographer can snap their fingers and appear, traveling between locations comes with logistical challenges. With a second shooter, you can capture more pictures in different places — all while staying on schedule.  
Unique, diverse weddings: No two weddings are the same. If yours incorporates special traditions, experiences or ceremonies, you may need a second shooter for additional coverage. A second photographer can give these unique elements the attention they deserve by capturing the details that make your celebration special. This is especially important when traditions occur simultaneously or in different locations.

Are you ready to catch every moment that matters? Reach out to us at Shutter and Sound today! Our expert team is ready to capture your wedding through stunning photographic art.