Why Hire a Second Shooter?

First off, let's define what a second shooter is. When a second shooter is hired, they are hired as an additional photographer to accompany the primary event photographer. The second shooter covers the portions of the event that the primary photographer is unable to cover due to the human condition of not being able to be in two places at once. The second shooter also assists the primary photographer during other portions of the event- this assistance speeds up the photography process. Typically second shooters work an hourly rate and are hired by the primary photographer. Their SD cards are given to the primary photographer at the end of the event and the primary photographer culls and edits the photographs. During the initial consultation with the bride and groom, we discuss the optional shot list for their day (i.e. detail photos, bride getting ready, groom getting ready, first looks, ceremony, family portraits, family photos, reception, etc.). After choosing what they would like to include in their shot list and after discussing the rough timeline of their day, the bride and groom then decide how much second shooter coverage, if any, they would like to include in their photography package.

What does a second shooter do at a wedding?

FIRST, typically the first set of photos I take at a wedding are detail shots. I'll photograph a nice flat lay of the small details from the day (vows, wedding invitations, wedding rings, bouquet, family heirlooms, watch, belt buckle, scents, shoes), as well as a few shots of the wedding dress hanging up. A second shooter will reduce the amount of time detail shots take. They typically can be accomplished in 30 minutes rather than 40minutes.

SECOND, an additional photographer can photograph groom getting ready photos at the same time as the primary photographer photographs bride getting ready photos. In my wedding day process, solo bride photos are taken in the getting ready location directly after bride getting ready photos. With a second shooter, solo groom portraits may also be taken at the same time as solo bride portraits. Overall this results in a smoother and more timely photography process on the wedding day.

THIRD, if you choose to do nontraditional first looks before the ceremony, the second shooter can help capture different angles of that moment.

FOURTH, During bride and groom portraits, the second shooter can get close up shots, or shoot from more creative angles with a zoom lens while the primary photographer focuses on capturing the 'whole picture.'

bride and groom wedding portrait

FIFTH, ceremonies vary in time and it's difficult to know exactly how long a ceremony may last. This uncertainty means that the primary photographer should never be too far from the aisle- just in case the officiant asks for the rings to be brought out or the couple chooses to include a unity element in their ceremony (unity candles, unity shot, cord braiding, communion, planting a tree together, etc.) that the photographer needs to capture. Having a second shooter allows for a lot more creativity in the ceremony photographs. The second shooter has the freedom to go further away from the ceremony. A second shooter also allows for multiple angles of the same shot to be taken. For example, the first kiss as husband and wife can be captured up close with the second photographer's zoom lens as well as a full body shot from the primary's lens.

SIXTH, wedding party portraits are a lot more efficient with a second shooter. I typically take full wedding party portraits and then breakdowns with just the bridesmaids and the bride and then the groomsmen and the groom. A second shooter can photograph groomsmen portraits at the same time as the primary photographs bridesmaids- thus saving time.

SEVENTH, if you choose to have any photo set take place during a cocktail hour , such as family photos, the second shooter will cover cocktail hour canids while the primary photographer photographs classic family portraits.

EIGHTH, overall a second shooter means your photos will be less rushed, more creative, and have more variety. While a primary photographer focuses on ensuring all the shots on the shot list are taken, the second can shoot with relaxed creativity.

NINETH, lastly when you a hire a second shooter, you will receive more photos per hour than you would with just a solo photographer.