Do I need one, or two wedding photographers?
TLDR: It’s complicated. A second photographer can help capture more moments, but often at the expense of more photofaff. And depending on what you want from your day and your photos only you can balance that equation.
Whether you need a second photographer for your wedding is a question I’m often asked, so I thought I’d address it in more depth here. Do you need two photographers at your wedding to capture more moments?
Even amongst wedding photographers, the value of a second photographer is hotly contested. I have friends who always use a second photographer – I have others who feel very strongly that you never need two wedding photographers and that a second actually detracts from the experience of the day.
I think the answer is a lot more nuanced and needs to take the following into account.
Two photographers can capture both sets of wedding preparations
It’s often easier to get good coverage of both partners preparations, especially if the couple are getting ready in different locations. Even if they’re in the same location, getting coverage of both usually involves timing and logistics and often things don’t run quite to plan in that way.
So yes, it is a great way of getting good prep coverage.
Do you need loads more photos?
I don’t know about you – I find having 500 photos from the day overwhelming as it is – and a second photographer will only produce more. Do you need all those extra photos? Or is the sheer mass actually going to dilute the experience of viewing them? I’d actually argue that less photos is often a good thing (from a quality over quantity perspective)
Two wedding photographers can capture different angles and views on things
Especially in the ceremony, a photographer is usually restricted in their movements and having a second photographer placed strategically elsewhere can usually deliver a more diverse set of images from the ceremony.
But on the other hand – having two photographers in the ceremony can also mean they’re often in each others shot, or trying very hard not to be.
Can you have too many wedding photographers?
Certainly with smaller weddings, it can start to feel like there’s too much photography going on – especially if you’ve also hired a videographer or content creator as well. You can feel like you have a media entourage everywhere you go.
Some people might like this – but for me, it would be far too much.
But I’ve got loads of guests
Yes, if you’ve got 100, 150, 200 guests you may want to invest in that extra coverage. Although be mindful of the too many photographers section above.
Who is the second photographer?
I think the value of two photographers can also differ depending on what that means – and who you’re hiring. Are you hiring a beginner photographer who’s cutting their teeth, or is this a peer of the photographer you’re already working with – who just happens to be free that day (this is how I tend to hire a second photographer).
(I also second shoot for other photographers, it’s fun and good money without all the other stresses of running a business)
So, one or two wedding photographers. Which is better?
A second photographer is worth considering
– If you’ve loads of guests – (say 120+?)
– If you have preparations happening at different locations
– If there’s a lot going on
– If you have loads of groups shots and portraits planned for the day – in which case a photographer can capture the feel of the event whilst the formal photography happens
But sometimes it can feel like overkill, especially if you’ve a more relaxed event and just want to chill with family and friends. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice that each couple needs to make for themselves.
About me
I’m Simon, a Derbyshire wedding photographer with a relaxed, documentary style. Please stick around and view some photos and read more about my philosophy on all things weddings and photography.