It’s one of the questions couples ask me the most when they are planning their wedding photography: do we actually need a second photographer at our wedding, or will one be enough?
In short, the honest answer is that it depends on your day.
As a rule of thumb, I suggest considering one if you are having over 100 guests and/or you’re getting ready in separate locations and it’s important to you to have both of your mornings captured. For smaller weddings of around 50 guests or under, one photographer is usually plenty.
What is a second shooter?
A second shooter is an additional photographer capturing your wedding alongside the main photographer. The photos a second shooter takes will be edited by the main photographer and incorporated into your final photo set for a more thorough coverage of your wedding day.
When is a second shooter worth it?
You’re having a larger wedding. With over 100 guests, a second photographer allows for much more thorough coverage of a wedding day, particularly when it comes to candid moments. More guests means there’s simply more ground to cover, and having two photographers means more lovely moments in your wedding gallery of you, your friends and family enjoying the day. With larger weddings, a second photographer is particularly helpful for capturing moments that unfold when the main photographer is busy organising and capturing the group shots with your family and friends.
You’re getting ready in two separate locations. A second photographer allows for you and your partner to be captured getting ready at the same time, especially if you are in two completely different locations. It gives you a unique insight into each others’ mornings and captures everyone’s anticipation and excitement before the ceremony.
You’d like two perspectives. Ceremony locations in particular can often mean a photographer is restricted to a single spot, either logistically or as a rule to limit disruption during the ceremony. Two photographers enables you to have both perspectives with minimal movement: the emotion of the ring exchange from the front of a church, and a dramatic wide shot from the back of a church which illustrates the beauty and grandeur of your venue. Second photographers also provide different angles at other points of your day too, such as extra little moments during your couple’s portraits.
One photographer captures a close up..
..whilst the second gets the wider perspective.
When is one photographer enough?
A second shooter isn’t always necessary and I’ll always let couples know when they don’t need one.
You’re having a smaller wedding. For weddings of under 50 guests, I’d usually suggest that you don’t need one. A higher photographer-to-guest ratio can make your day feel less intimate, and for a wedding of this size a photographer working alone can still capture the day thoroughly.
You’re getting ready in the same venue. As an example, if you’re each getting ready in different rooms at the same venue, one photographer can move between you to capture highlights of each of your mornings providing the timings line up!
Getting ready photos aren’t a priority for you. If you and/or your partner are not keen on having your mornings photographed, that’s absolutely fine! Having just one photographer means they can capture one of your mornings, or simply begin capturing your day as guests arrive at your venue instead.
The important moments of each of your mornings..
..captured by one photographer at the same venue.
How much does a second photographer cost?
A second photographer adds £500 to my full-day pricing (£2,200 with one photographer and £2,700 with two). I’ll always be completely transparent and honest as to whether a second photographer is suitable for your wedding day and never upsell you one just for the sake of it.
How do we decide between one or two photographers?
Whether you need a second photographer comes down to three things: your guest numbers, your venue, and how your day is structured. If your guest count is between 50-100 guests, it really comes down to personal preference.
Although I’ve laid out the factors I consider above, I’m always happy to have a proper conversation about your specific wedding plans and venue to tailor my advice to your day rather than giving you a one-size-fits-all answer. Everybody’s wedding is different and I’m always happy to advise on an individual basis as to the right choice for the two of you.
Hello, I’m Cat.
For over 15 years I’ve been capturing weddings in my unobtrusive, colourful style for couples in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and all over the UK. Having beautiful photos of your wedding isn’t enough for me - I want to make sure you are comfortable and get to enjoy your day too