Two Wedding Photographers or One?

It’s one of the most prevalent questions you’ll have while researching wedding photographers:  Should I have two photographers or just one? When hiring a wedding photographer, make sure to ask if they’ll be bringing along a second shooter.  This is somewhat of a necessary luxury for several reasons.

Do You Need Two Wedding Photographers? | Insurance Policy

First and foremost, there are a bunch of important moments during your day that you want to ensure are captured on film: the first look, walking down the aisle, the kiss, the first dance, etc. Having two photographers shooting these moments is a great insurance policy.  We all know the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”  If you only have one photographer, all it takes is a low battery or a full memory for the moment to be completely missed.  Experienced photographers take every precaution to make sure these things don’t happen, but having more than one person shooting is the best way to guarantee you’ll get every unique moment on film.

Two photographers provide more angles and more photos.

Secondly, two photographers means two different angles. Two different points of view.  This not only refers to the direction from which each photographer is shooting, but also to the style of each individual photographer and the focal length each is using. For example, when Moira and I shoot a wedding ceremony, she typically uses a telephoto lens to capture tight shots of the couple, the rings and other details while I use a wider-angle lens to create mid-range shots and images of the overall scene. Here’s an example from one of our weddings at Aspen Meadows Resort.

Also, before the ceremony, Moira likes to hang back with the bridal party/family to capture all of the intimate anticipation photos, while I get in position to shoot the processional. If you’re working alone, you pretty much have to choose one or the other.

Do You Need Two Photographers? | Two places at once

Thirdly, having two photographers is the best way to capture all the “getting ready” photos. Traditionally-speaking, you’ll be getting ready in a separate location from your person-to-be and science dictates that one photographer can’t be two places at the same time.

Also, most brides-to-be want photos while they’re getting into their wedding dress and might not feel comfortable with a male photographer being in the room when they do so.

Do You Need Two Wedding Photographers? | Logistics and Workflow

Last, but certainly not least, the second shooter almost always doubles as a photo assistant.  Inevitably, when it comes time to do formal photos, Grandpa will be halfway to the bar and the best man will have seemingly vanished into thin air.  Not to worry! While your primary photographer is setting up lighting, the second shooter will be able to help round everyone up for family photos.

And in addition to cat herding, Moira is also a proficient makeup artist…

pocket square folder…

dress fluffer…

and cake technician!

She’s also proficient at helping brides climb fences!

Conclusion

When you have a second shooter, they basically become your de facto wedding coordinator and help to fix all of the little problems that will inevitably crop up throughout your wedding day. Two photographers can divide and conquer, taking care of logistical hurdles while simultaneously capturing all the important moments that you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives.

For these reasons and more, we highly recommend booking a photographer who works with a second shooter. You’ll thank yourself later. I promise.