Should I have a second photographer for my wedding?

I really wanted to come on here and talk about this in detail, because I feel like its really not something a lot of people know much about. Second Photographers (second shooters) for weddings. So Im gonna break it down and give my two cents

A second shooter is a photographer hired by the photographer you hire for your wedding. Most photographers have packages that include a second photographer for a slightly higher price. This is because your photographer will pay another trusted photographer to come and take photos at your wedding with them, and then take their unedited (raw) photos, and edit them in their own style.

This works out because by having a second photographer you can get more angles and extra coverage, but then your full gallery will be cohesive because only the photographer you hired for your wedding will be editing it all.

So, who should do this?!

If wedding photos are your MOST important thing about your wedding, you should definitely go in and get the package with the second shooter.

If you’re having a large wedding, like 100+ people, id also suggest getting the second shooter.

If you are struggling with having time for all the details, getting ready photos of both partners, and that sort of stuff, get the second shooter.

If candids (and I mean true, fly on the wall type of candids) are what you want most, get the second shooter.

Its impossible for your photographer to be in more than one place by themself, but by having another photographer you get more coverage. One photographer can stay with one partner and the other photographer can stay with the other partner during getting ready, which cuts down on the rush of the morning, but also allows more natural moments to unfold and be captured. This is the same during Coctail Hour. A lot of the family photos and bridal party photos are taken during this time, but with a second shooter you will actually have photos from Coctail Hour in your gallery, whereas if you have one, they might not be able to get any from this time.

As for the candid part, those moments only happen in real time, so if a photographer isn’t there for that, there is no way to replicate it naturally. So more photographers, more candid moments captured.

The last thing to consider is that while of course no one ever wants to think something bad might happen, some malfunctions do happen. Having a second photographer is also a way to have that extra insurance JUST IN CASE.

I know this was a long winded post, but I hope it helps you to understand your options and make the best choice for you and your wedding!