If you read any wedding magazine or blog, they always advise you to get a 2nd wedding photographer. Essentially, you’ll have the principal photographer and a second shooter. A second shooter is an additional photographer who will also cover the wedding. Here is the logic behind why you should choose to have a second shooter on your wedding day. I’ll add a follow-up post discussing why I think this is all a crock! But knowledge is power.. so read on. 🙂

Remember, I think this entire article is a misleading and crock of crap. Of course, if you want to book me and a 2nd shooter, I’ll be happy to oblige… but you should read my follow-up article about this subject. To check out “The Truth about 2nd Shooters,” click here.

1. It is impossible to be everywhere at one time. I can’t be in both locations simultaneously if you want photos of the bride and groom getting ready. By having a second shooter, we can cover more events at one time. If you like candid shots, you want a second shooter. They will be able to get all of the little moments that are happening behind the scenes. If you only have one photographer and they are with the bride while the groom is getting ready, then you will have to have the groom mock-up and fake these moments to look candid while missing the real thing. You don’t want “forced candids.”

4. During the wedding, the main photographer is so focused on getting all the traditional shots that sometimes we miss the candid moments during your ceremony. A second shooter is looking out for these moments. Having a second shooter ensures that you get more candid shots.
5. You’ll also get more creative shots for the same reason. Second shooters aren’t worried about getting traditional shots because the main photographer is doing that. This frees them to be more creative. They can catch different angles and give you a fresh perspective.
6. I’ll always have a backup with a second shooter if the main photographer gets sick or injured. The second shooter can take over for them without skipping a beat.
7. It is also good to have two different cameras shooting the event. In an emergency – for example, a camera is broken, or a card gets corrupted – you will still have photos, and they won’t all be lost or damaged.
8. Having a second shooter will ensure we don’t miss anything if we are limited on time. One of us can shoot the reception details while the other is at cocktail hour, capturing all of those candid moments and details.