san diego wedding photographer | Rachel McFarlin Photography

You may be asking yourself, is there added value to having two photographers (a ‘second shooter’ as they are sometimes referred to) at my wedding? Can one photographer catch those important candid moments and also include all the details of the day?

Here are some examples of the ways in which a second shooter enhances wedding photography:

One photographer can be taking shots of you getting ready, while the other photographer makes sure to capture all the thought out details that you have chosen. There is usually a short period of time between when your reception space is set up, and when guests arrive enter the room. Towards the end of the cocktail hour, there will be time for a second photographer to capture your room set-up and all of the details.

Or if you want photos of the bride AND the groom getting ready before hand.

Brides portraits can be taken at the same time as the grooms photos are done, saving you time during the day.

Having two perspectives on the same scene can yield two totally different results. There is impact from close up photos, but there is also a story to be told and remembered when your loved ones are included.

Especially for the moments when you see one another for the first time that day, a second photographer can ensure that all of those emotional moments are documented.

Two different angles can allow ‘posed’ shots to quickly become fun and unique.

There are times when one photographer cannot be in two places at once, but important things are happening none-the-less.

If you want to take family portraits or sunset shots while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour and the reception, you have both angles covered.

There are moments that are best captured by two different angles and/or lenses; both close up and from a wide-angle offer very important perspectives that tell the entire story, not just part of it. Having two photographers means more camera equipment to do the job, so you get a greater variety of photo points of view.

Start with your budget, and if it is a possibility to add a second photographer on, these are things to consider : if you want photos of both the bride and groom getting ready, will you have a large wedding party or guest count, if there will be movement in locations (from where you get ready, to the ceremony, to the reception), if you would like the photo taking portion of your timeline to be as quick as possible to avoid waiting around or being rushed, do you enjoy candid photos? Two photographers can be a guarantee that you will get full coverage of all of the important moments in an efficient manner.

Do I need two photographers (AKA a second shooter) for my wedding?