My answer would be no. You do not need a second photographer at your wedding. As a bride, you are influenced by magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, online news articles etc, that you need two photographs at your wedding. But why do they make such claims? Think it through logically and wonder why you’re being told that you need more than one photographer at your wedding.
I am going to be honest, and frank about this topic as I’ve been in business for a while as a professional photographer. My objective in this blog is to share my knowledge with you so that you can understand what this is all about and decide if you need a second photographer at your wedding rather than be told you must have one.
A second shooter may not be a professional
A true fact, when photographers hire a second shooter, you often know nothing about that person. You have no idea if they’re a professional or if they’re an “employed” wife or husband for the weekend. When hiring a single shooter wedding photographer, you can do your research and understand their work, communication, and philosophies (candid or posed). Don’t be fooled by an additional photographer. Although an extra photographer may capture “more” images, there’s no guarantee that these images will be of the quality for which you hired your main photographer.
Associate photographers
This is when a primary photographer takes on photographers under their brand and often charges less than the principal photographer. I see this more and more, but make sure that the photographer whose style you love is the person who is going to be turning up on your big day.
Is the second photographer a professional?
How do you know the second photographer is a professional? You won’t, as the primary photographer will tell you my second photographer is a professional, and you take it as that. You trust them.
It’s easier to communicate with a single wedding photographer
I find that when working alone with my couples, I’m able to bond and communicate with them. No back and forth is required between photographer one and photographer two. Instead, as a single wedding photographer, I can focus on you and your day. I’m 100% focused instead of spending time directing the alternative photographer who is often still trying to gain experience.
Different angles and point of views
What does this mean? It means when you have multiple photographers, photographing at a different angle. Indeed, I cannot be in two places at once, but as a working professional, I know where to be for the one-shot that will mean everything to you when you hang it up on your wall as Wall Art. Do you want hundreds of meaningless photographs, or do you want high-quality photographs that mean the world to you? Do not get caught up in different angles but more about the quality of the work.
Getting Ready photographs
How can one photographer be in two places at once? Easy, I just stagger the grooms getting ready photographs to the brides getting ready photos. If both bride and groom are in the one hotel, I’d start in the bride’s room, photographs the details, head to the men for 45 mins and then head back to the ladies for when the dress is going on. If it’s two different locations, I will head to the men first, and then head to the ladies. Sure, the men will be ready 30 mins earlier than required but is this a real issue given a bride and groom will be receiving consistent photographs for them both.
A professional wedding photographer can shoot alone
You might still be thinking, “But how can I trust my photographer to do it alone?” Talk to them! Your photographer is a professional for a reason. The chances are that they’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and have learned how to, for example, be in the right place at the right time to take photos of the bride walking down the aisle and still get images from the reactions of the family. Look through their galleries and ask if they’re a single shooter. Are the images there that you would want for your wedding? If so, this photographer can be trusted to shoot your wedding alone too.
Remember that with a professional photographer comes image consistency, knowledge for success on your wedding day, and of course, providing the highest quality photos. A professional knows what images are important for your day and knows where to be at the right time. Angles, creativity, knowledge, and experience play a huge roll in the success of your wedding photographer, whether they’re alone or have two assistants.