Why You Should Have A Second Shooter at Your Wedding

A second shooter is like giving me an extra pair of eyes and hands for the day (weird image, I know, but bear with me), essentially allowing me to be in two places at once. They’re a secondary photographer who I know and trust, and who’s way of working and photographic style resonates with my-own. This way, there won’t be any nasty surprises or tell-tale signs as to who took what photos. This will also allow me to deliver more photos, and who wouldn’t want more memories to look back on at the end of the day?

Bridal Prep

While I’m in with the gals, capturing the bridesmaids popping champagne while the bride gets dolled up, my second shooter can be in with the lads. That way we can get both of you getting all dapper, ready for your big day. This is particularly handy if you’re getting ready in different locations. And if your groom is a bit camera shy, they can capture the ceremony venue being set up and the behind the scenes of the day.

Ceremony Shots

The big moment. Why we’re all here – the ceremony. While I’m up at the front of the ceremony area, catching your facial expressions as you say your vows, my second shooter will be at the back getting some wider, more dramatic shots of you and your guests in your venue.

Group Shots

Ah yes, everyone’s least favourite part. A second shooter will help speed up the process of rounding up all of the drunk uncles with the help of a close family member – ultimately allowing you and your guests to get to mingling and drinking.

Couple Portraits

When it comes to taking the couple portraits, a second shooter can be useful in a couple of ways. They can act as an extra pair of hands during the portrait session. Or they can stay back at the cocktail reception and capture the party as it begins to unfold.

Speeches

Speeches are where you really want to capture the emotion and laughter that gets brought out. While I’m focused on the best man giving his speech, my second shooter can get a shot of the mother of the bride cringing. This is the perfect time to capture the true emotion of the day. Having a second shooter will mean we can capture even more of your loved ones laughing and crying together.

Reception

This is when the party is really starting to kick off. And as much as I’d like to be, I can’t be in two places as once. Especially if your reception is in a large venue. So this is when you’ll really see the benefit of having a second shooter around. This way, we can spread out and capture as many drunk reception antics as possible. While I’m photographing a dance between the bride and her father, my second shooter can catch one of the groomsmen knee-sliding across the dance floor. And who doesn’t want more of that?

When you don’t need a second shooter

So while there’s a lot of benefits to having a second shooter, they aren’t always necessary. If you’re having an intimate wedding with just a few guests, it’d be overkill. If the plan is to elope, or the whole day is happening in just one location, me and my cameras will be more than enough for the day.

Your wedding photography is the only thing that will be there after the big day. I can’t recommend highly enough the importance of budgeting for the right level of coverage. But only book a second shooter if it’s right for you and your big day.

If you’re still on the hunt for your main photographer for your alternative wedding, take a look at my work here and feel free to get in touch. I’m also happy to take on work as a second shooter, so if you’re an alternative wedding photographer and you like my work, get in touch here!