The Ultimate Wedding Guide: 
Part 3

wedding planning

SO... WHY DO I NEED A SECOND SHOOTER ANYWAY?

​If you’re not in the wedding industry, what you may be asking yourself is, “What is a second shooter?” Well, a second shooter is your main photographer’s assistant, but better. They are typically also a professional photographer who will act as your photographer’s right hand man/woman to cover any detail shots or extra angles that your photographer can’t get (because, even though we’re pretty amazing at our jobs, we can’t quite be in two places at once.).
 
So, now that that is out of the way, you may also be wondering why you’d need a second shooter + why it might be the best investment you make on your wedding day. In response to that, here are my top five reasons to hire a second shooter:

1
There are so many moments during your day that are once-in-a-lifetime. Any pro photographer knows this and does everything they can to capture those moments for you, from the kiss to the first look to the first dance, but why risk it? And why put unnecessary pressure on your photographer, when they could be using their skills to get beautiful shots elsewhere and from different angles? Hiring a second person could save time, energy, and stress on the photographer’s part and result in a much better experience for everyone.

2
Having more than one photographer gives you the opportunity to have different ideas for couples photos, family photos, wedding party photos, etc. This can provide you with much more variety in your final gallery, which is the main souvenir you’ll have to remember such a big day.

3
Logistically, having a second shooter can easily move the family photos along more quickly, simply because there are more hands on deck.

4
Not to mention details shots! Those dreamy photos of your ring, invitations, flowers, etc, don’t just take themselves. All the pieces you spent the most time hand-picking, those deserve to be recognized in your final gallery, and a second shooter is exactly who will do this for you while the main photographer is taking all those special portraits.

5
Having an assistant for your main photographer gives them so much more flexibility to be creative, whether that’s with veils, dresses, etc, which will in the end make your final gallery that much more breathtaking.
 
All in all, that second set of hands is so valuable. So, if you’re even considering having a second shooter, be sure to mention it to your photographer. Most packages come with second shooters at a small fee, and as you can see, it’s so worth the investment!