Do I really need a second photographer for my wedding?

This isn’t my most asked question from inquiring brides, but it might as well be. Having a second photographer means the same moment can be captured from multiple perspectives. With two of us behind the cameras, we’re able to document important moments that might otherwise be missed if only one photographer were present. For the couple below, we were able to capture both priceless reactions during their first look. I especially love having both sides of this particular moment, because most primary photographers focus on the groom’s reaction and unintentionally miss the bride’s equally emotional response. That’s not going to happen under a team with clearly defined roles during your wedding.

The Big Picture, The Details

Having two photographers can create two entirely different moments while you’re experiencing just the one. While I’m capturing a big picture portrait, my second could be capturing the way the sunlight is hitting your flowers or the delicate placement of his hand. It provides immensely more variety in half the time, thus memorializing more of your day without keeping you from actually living it out.

A second photographer brings a second set of hands and eyes for the small details. My second has caught groomsmen not doing the proper things with their hands, a bridesmaid bouquet held incorrectly, or even fluffed a train or veil for the perfect photo.

Other ways that a second photographer can help is during a time crunch. I can be working with you and your bridesmaids while my second is working with your groom and his groomsmen. I can be doing ceremony decor while they’re tackling reception decor. It’s about efficiency and variety.

The Ceremony is King

Arguably, the most important reason to have a second photographer is the ceremony. While my focus was dedicated to the bride and her father, my second photographer was able to get the raw shot of the groom’s reaction seeing his bride walking towards him. When I am a solo photographer, I am constantly missing these priceless moments, even when I am aware and actively moving between everyone. At the end of the day, there are somethings you just don’t want to miss.

Something special that I do with my second photographer is immediately following the ceremony. As you and your brand new husband exit the ceremony, my second photographer stays locked on you. While the bridal party and the family exits, I continue to capture their exit. But my second photographer? They’re capturing those first few holy moments where you are officially husband and wife together.

The Reception Needs Them Too

The reception is a party with everything going on at once. Second photographers are able to capture everyone else’s candid moments while I’m focusing on the bride and groom. Why wouldn’t you want that picture of your grandpa jitterbugging while I was off with you cutting the cake?

During the exit, things are always chaotic at this point in the night. Guests are notoriously difficult at grabbing a sparkler or bubbles and lining up for the send-off. Not only does a second photographer capture different angles of the send off, but also helps corral your friends and family so we can get that perfect frame!

Who is your second photographer?

Rachel is my primary second photographer and is a vital part of our team at SFP! You can read more about her here. She’s also now taking the lead on her own weddings and I couldn’t be more proud.

Do you still edit the photos?

Yes, absolutely! Making sure the editing is consistent regardless of who took the photo is very important to me. My brides have chosen me based on my body of work. I hold my second photographers and myself to that standard every single day.

We’d love to chat with you!