If you’ve inquired with us about booking a wedding or have seen our price guide, then you’ll notice that we offer options for a second shooter. We understand that finding, booking and paying for one shooter is enough work. But before you brush off the idea of multiple photographers as unnecessary, know there are some very valid reasons for having more than one to capture your day. Sometimes it’s hard knowing all on your own whether one is necessary or not, so we’ve put together some quick information about why we personally recommend that a second shooter is always a good idea to add on.

Firstly, what is a second shooter? A second shooter is the hiring of an additional person to assist your primary photographer or videographer. Their roles will differ based on each main photographers needs; however, you can typically expect them to take photos alongside the main photographer (normally from differing angles), assist the main photographer with details, schedules, and coordination, as well as, shoot simultaneously on their own when the main photographer is in one place and the second shooter is in another. Second shooters offer value to you as the Bride as well as to the main photographer or videographer.

Here are a few ways that second shooters add value and why we always recommend that you consider having one at your wedding.

Your photographer/videographer can’t be in two places at once.

If you’ve seen our Wedding Day Timeline guide or read our blog post about how much time you should set aside for each wedding day event then you’ll understand that having a second shooter can make things go so much smoother, make sure that no one is ever waiting around, and allows you and your groom to both be involved in pictures at the same time (even if you’re not doing a First Look).

For example, your photographer can photograph different details of your venue while you and your bridesmaids are getting ready, and if he/she has a second shooter, the second photographer can take candid photos of you and your girls having your hair and makeup done. Booking a second shooter can actually give you more freedom in your timeline because it means that two people can be doing different things at the same time.

You will end up with photos and videos from different perspectives.

All of the moments from your wedding are worth capturing, but with things happening simultaneously, you will need two photographers so no moments are missed. The second shooter’s role is just as important as the main photographer’s. There’s something so special about being able to capture multiple emotional moments throughout. This can be especially relevant in terms of the ceremony. You’ll want your walk down the aisle and your groom’s reaction to it, your vows and your parents’ reactions. You get the point—so much happens simultaneously at weddings and they’re all worth remembering, from getting ready to the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

Your photographer or videographer will be able to correspond with their second shooter and decide who captures what and from which perspectives. For example, your main photographer will be able to focus solely on capturing that perfect pictures and video of your groom crying as you walk down the aisle without having to worry about capturing your reaction as well. The second shooter can be taking amazing pictures or capturing the video of the moment that you walk down the aisle without worrying about missing the tears that are streaming down your groom’s face. We can think of a million times during your wedding where it is important to be capturing different perspectives and different angles without missing anything.

You will be able to receive more pictures and videos.

This one is pretty self explanatory. By the end of your wedding night, you will have double the photos! While looking through your wedding album or watching your wedding videos, you will love to be able to see the day from each other’s eyes. As one photographer follows around the bride, the other can be following with the groom. You’ll be able to see the day from angles you never witnessed yourself, as well as, remember the special moments that you both took part in.

Your photographer/videographer will be able to give you more attention.

Another reason that a second shooter is always recommend is because they can offer as an assistant to the main photographer. A lot is happening on your wedding day, and a lot of it is guided by your photographer, so why not have another assistant helping push the show along. A second shooter’s job is to also assist the main photographer with things like schedule management, family photo guidance, lighting control, etc. For example, this means that your main photographer can focus on taking your family photos without having to worry about lining up the next group to get their photos done. While we take pictures of you, your new husband, your mom and dad, the second shooter can be working to organize your grandma, aunts and uncles, and cousins for the next family grouping.

Having a second shooter means alleviating stress on your main photographer or videographer and giving them the time to pay more attention to you. In any regard, two people are better than one, two cameras are better than one, so we highly recommend you consider how a second shooter can add value and positively impact your wedding day.