Second Shooter 101
How to determine if your wedding needs a secondary photographer to your wedding day.
Your wedding day is one of the most important and cherished moments of your life. From the heartfelt vows to the party on the dance floor, you want to ensure every precious moment is captured with intentionality. While many couples think only one photographer is needed, there's a growing need to have a secondary photographer depending on what type of wedding you're having. Here are some things to think about when considering whether or not a secondary photographer is needed for your wedding. We’ll chat about the benefits and drawbacks of this decision to help you make an informed decision for your special day.
What is a secondary photographer (Second shooter)
A secondary photographer (second shooter) is a professional photographer who assists the primary photographer (AKA me!) during the wedding. They work alongside the main photographer to capture additional perspective, candid moments, and details throughout the wedding day. The second shooter plays a crucial role in making sure that all significant moments and details of a wedding day are intentionally captured, which ultimately enhances the wedding photo gallery with more diversity, creativity, and in-between moments - give me all the candids, please, and thank you!
How to determine if your wedding needs a secondary photographer
What to Consider:
Guest Count: These numbers may vary a little depending on who you're speaking with, but a small wedding typically includes 50 people or less, a medium wedding has a guest list of anywhere from 50-150 guests, and a large wedding has over 150 attendees. I recommend a secondary photographer to clients hosting a wedding with 80+ attendees.
Wedding Party: Does size really matter? Yes, yes it does! If your wedding party is greater than 14 people + couple = 16 people total, I recommend having a secondary photographer! Having a second photographer for this portion of the day provides the option to divide and conquer AKA complete this photo opt in half the time. When I’m working with a secondary photographer, we break up into two groups after the full group shots are completed to photograph each side intentionally. This includes group shots and individuals with the bride/groom. If time allows and from the request of the couple, we can even photograph a portrait of each bridesmaid/groomsman.
Locations and Logistics: If you have multiple locations on your wedding day, for instance; a getting ready location different from your venue (Airbnb, hotel, family member's home, etc), where you and your partner are getting ready separately, it’s helpful to have a secondary photographer to split the morning time equally, rather than photographing one after the other.
Side note: Getting ready photos are not required on a wedding day but are a popular preference and a great addition to your wedding photo gallery. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have particular preferences around getting ready photos! I’ve had couples opt for one spouse getting ready coverage rather than both or forgo it completely. Your preferences matter - just keep in mind it’s impossible to be at two places at once if you’d like both spouses to have getting-ready coverage.
For weddings with multiple venues, such as the ceremony location being at a church or wedding venue and the reception location being at a restaurant, hotel, family member's home, etc. It may be best to have a secondary photographer for the day! This will enable the photo team to be in two places at once. If you’ve hired a designer to decorate your ceremony or reception space, it’s important to have the photographer capture all the details before guests arrive.
Creates flexibility with your timeline and schedule: If your wedding day is packed with back-to-back events or if the ceremony and reception are held at separate locations, having a second photographer can be invaluable. A second photographer can cover simultaneous moments such as the couple getting ready in different locations, and give full photography coverage without rushing.
Reflect on your photography priorities: Consider the moments you want to be captured most: the first look, the exchange of vows, emotional reactions, or candid interactions. If you prioritize candid shots, a second photographer can focus on capturing spontaneous moments while the primary photographer handles formal portraits and prompted shots.
Assess Your Budget and Priorities: I may be biased but photography is one of the most important investments of your wedding day. It’s how the memories you make are remembered forever. Determine how important photography is in your overall wedding budget and where you're willing to allocate funds. If photography is a top priority and you have room in your budget, investing in a second photographer can enhance the quality and depth of your overall wedding gallery.
As your primary photographer, I have a responsibility to you to be a valuable resource for assessing whether a second photographer is necessary for your specific wedding. Please share your vision, timeline, and photography needs with me, and together, we can determine what is needed.
Pros and Cons of hiring a Secondary Photographer
Pro’s
Con’s
Process for Adding a Secondary Photographer to Your Wedding Package
As your primary photographer, I have a responsibility to you to be a valuable resource for assessing whether a second photographer is necessary for your specific wedding. We will discuss your vision, timeline, and photography needs during our connection call. These details are key for determining if a second shooter is recommended to capture your wedding day exactly as you imagine.
Following our connection call, we will move forward with the booking process. Once we determine you would like to add a secondary photographer, I will reach out to my network of local, talented photographers I’ve worked with to see who is available on your wedding date and whose style/approach aligns with the vision of your day.
I organize everything with them, from contract to payment to discussing your wedding day's details and photo needs. The secondary photographer and I will meet to review the timeline and scout the venue together to ensure we have a game plan going into your day. There are no additional action items needed for you to organize this!
SHOUTOUT TO ALL THE INCREDIBLE VENDORS
Venue: The Gather Estates Website | Instagram
Planners: Ryann Rae Events Website | Instagram
Photographer: Val Photo Co - hi, it’s me!
Hair and Makeup: Seventh Ave Beauty Website | Instagram
Florals: ALBA Bouquets Website | Instagram
Dress: Madi Lane Website | Instagram - Purchased at LUV Bridal PHX Website | Instagram