DO you REALLY
need a SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER?
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
This is a common question that you might ask yourself as you are planning your wedding photography. And the honest answer is: it depends. Not every wedding needs a second photographer — but in some cases, it can make a meaningful difference in how complete your story feels.
choosing with intention
When you might not a Second Photographer.
If you're planning an intimate wedding (fewer than 100 guests), and both of you are getting ready in the same hotel, venue or nearby location, then one photographer is often enough — as long as we build time to capture both of your moments. We don't need hours for prep coverage, just enough to get meaningful things, the final touches, the laughter, the emotion, and the quiet in-between.
And if you're okay with simple coverage of your guests, then a single photographer is likely more than capable of telling the full story.
Want a photo of your partner's reaction as you walk down the aisle, while also capturing your entrance from behind or wide? A second shooter makes that possible.
Multiple angles for key moments
GUEST COVERAGE IS A PRIORITY:
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A second shooter ensures that while I'm with you, someone else is with your partner. This is especially important if he has a larger wedding party or if we want candid moments with his family or friends to balance out your coverage.
If you want plenty of candid moments of your guests enjoying cocktail hour or interacting throughout the day — especialy when we're also deciding time to portraits — a second photographer can help fill in those gaps.
YOU WANT MORE MOMENTS FROM BOTH SIDES:
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If one of you is getting ready in a different location across town, it might not be possible to cover both preps well without a second person or without extending the timeline.
Separate getting ready locations:
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When Two is Better
SUPPORTING YOUR STORY
The same principles apply. A single videographer can do a lot, especially for smaller weddings, but if you want coverage of both sides during prep, or dynamic angles during the ceremony or dances, then a second photograph may be worh considering. I have a friend who regretted not having a second video team to cover her husband's prep or moments with his family. That side of the story was sorely missed.
Final Thoughts
What about Videography?
You don't need a second photographer to have beautiful coverage. But if balance, angles, time-constraints, and complete storytelling are important to you - and your day has a lot of moving parts - it's something worth considering. And if your decision is to have just one photographer, we will plan for it: more time, more intention, and a gentle structure that gives space for everything to be captured.
