So this blog is to help you know not only when it’s a good idea to hire a second photographer but also when it’s a bad idea. I’m going to save you the unnecessary spending and disappointment you would get if you didn’t know this top info!
After reading this you’re gonna be so confident in what you need and you’re going to know whether your photographer is trying to help you or just upselling for the sake of taking your money.
Firstly, the good! One of the main benefits of a 2nd photographer is you’re going to have a much wider variety of images captured of your day.
Second, (for my personal workflow) having another photographer will allow me to be my most creative, enabling me to walk around freely, seeking out those awesome shots we have pinned on our Pinterests. The shots I wouldn’t usually be able to snap on my own. Meanwhile the 2nd shooter can take care of the “safe” photos while I’m doing what you more than likely hired me for, my thing.
Thirdly, You can save SO much time during the group/family shots. While I'm taking those, the 2nd can be taking portraits of the bridal party and other important guests. Which leaves me more time to get those amazing shots for the bride & groom without the stress of deadlines. Also If for whatever reason everything was running late getting back to the reception. The 2nd shooter would already be there getting all the shots we would otherwise have missed.
So, All this sounds great right? But do you REALLY need it? More than likely you have your venue booked and you have an idea of how many guests are going to be at the ceremony and then the reception.
Consider what size venue it is, If it’s a tiny barn with 40 people. You probably wouldn’t need that extra coverage. A Large church with 300+ guests might be a different story. How much have you spent on the decor? How much of it are you expecting to capture? Are there lots of vendors outside or around the reception you need to capture? You see, some photographers don’t run around and sometimes it’s impossible to do so in certain venues. So they’re usually stuck at the front, or the back the whole ceremony.
Most importantly, think to yourself what images do you desire most? Do you want a photo from the back of the ceremony of you walking down the aisle showing off the venue/decor/ back of your beautiful dress and the tears being wiped away from the groom's cheek. Yes? But you probably also want to capture everyone's faces reacting during the kiss, or mums happy tears from the front too? If yes, you may need a 2nd. You will most likely LOVE whatever pics come your way from either angle, but it’s your wedding and your photos, It’s gotta be perfect right!? So think what it is you’re wanting from your photographer and is it physically possible on their own?
Side Note: What I usually do if I’m on my own is stand at the aisle getting the shot of you coming down. Then scoot past and shoot the rest from the back of the venue and come in closer when it’s the rings/kiss etc. It’s a best of both situation with some slight compromises meaning, you would miss peoples faces reacting during these moments. So this is where you have to decide what you can and can’t live without. If you only want 1 photographer. A 2nd photographer removes these issues if they are issues at all.
Finally, The Bad.
If your photographer tries to upsell a 2nd photographer without actually solving any of your problems or problems you may not have even thought about like those above. Then it’s best to take a moment to really think and not dive in.
I’ve known people to pay tens of thousands for both photographers and videographers in a tiny venue and the results were they were all treading on each other's toes. They had a lighting crew with the poles in shots, The videographer was in 50% of the shots. And they all had completely different styles and ways of working. So don’t let them upsell for the sake of upselling. Know WHY you need/want a 2nd photographer. (same goes for a videographer, It’s best to work together with your photographer as they can recommend some fantastic people they know work well together)
I work with some amazing photographers. We all know how we like to work and the types of photos we’re aiming for. If your needs and the venue would require a 2nd I will offer it. But ONLY if you need it. A 2nd photographer comes free in my top package too so it’s completely up to you. If It’s free, why not TAKE IT haha.
I wish you the best with planning your perfect wedding and choosing a photographer (and maybe a 2nd) that captures all the moments you desired and more.
I really hope this was of some use to you. Follow me on Insta if you want to keep up to date :) and check out more wedding tips & inspo here!
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