Two Photographers?

janjan550

So how important do you think it is to have two photographers?  We are narrowed down to two choices on photography, and the more expensive one we only get one photog and they get there two hours before the ceremony and stay until the end.  The other is less expensive, two photographers, and she will get there like 6 hours before the ceremony to get all the events of the day.  We like the pics from both alot, but probably like the expensive one a little more.  I am just worried that with one photog we will miss some important shots.  For example, one person can't get my reaction and FH's reaction at one time when we first see each other, or get the close up pics and the wide angle pics at one time.  Do you think that matters?  What about getting there two hours before the ceremony?  Is that enough time?

FutureMrsL.R.Allen

I had two photographers that got there 4 hours before the ceremony (and if they were there earlier that would have been good too), and they stayed until 10pm (after that it was just dancing).  It worked out really well because one photog was with me and one was with DH while we were getting ready.  Personally, I think it is better to have 2 photogs, but more than that, I in no way think 2 hours before the ceremony is enough time.  You will want pictures of you getting ready, you will want plenty of time to take pics with your bridesmaids and family, and you will want to be done with all photos at least half an hour before the ceremony so you can hide from your guests, relax and touch up your make-up.

lcarp203

We are having 2 photographers as well.  This was not a deal breaker for me, but it was a major plus!  We also get the photographer the whole day.  For us what it boiled down to was that this was my second most important vendor... right behind the venue and ahead of my dress.  So, I wanted too many pictures than not enough.  I wanted details of the entire day.  So, 2 photographers for entire day was important.  If it does not rank high on your list, then you may be ok with 1 shooter or a shorter time frame. 

As for getting there 2 hours before- it would depend on how many "getting ready pictures" you want.  Your photographer would be able to give you a good estimation if they would be able to get the photos you want in that time frame.

NillaWafer10

I would say go with 2 photographers.  You will have so many more pictures with two, and there is a better chance you will get those shots you really want.  They will also be there longer, so you can get lots of getting ready photos. It's definitely the best value.

Can we know the two you are choosing between?  It's always easier to give my opnion when I see their pictures.

janjan550

One is Danielle Daigle (http://www.danielledaigle.com/).  She will do two photographers and longer coverage.  The other is Brides for Brides (http://www.bridesforbrides.com/), they are more expensive, but more experienced with the venue, only one photog and they get there two hours before the ceremony starts.  They have lots of great reviews, where Danielle has fewer but they are still all positive.  Brides for Brides is more established in the business it seems, but Danielle's pics are still great, so I would be comfortable using either I think. 

acnahm

I personally knew I wanted 2 photogs.  We want to get a lot of stuff done before the ceremony, but we don't want to see each other before.  So we're going to do getting ready, bridesmaids/bride, groomsman/groom, my family, his family and any others we can do without seeing each other.  We wouldn't be able to do this without two photogs and a longer amount of time for coverage.  I think you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with!

Marissa0717

We were going to do 2 originally, but I photog adviced against it due to our wedding size (80ppl) and venue size. She said she would bring someone with her, but it would likely be overkill since we aren't too big. My friend who is a photog is following us ladies around while we get ready though! I will probably send our 'real' photog to be with the men and to get venue shots before the place fills up. So I guess I will have 2 for a little bit

NillaWafer10

After looking at both of their pictures, I still stick with my original post of going with the one with two photogs.  Brides fro Brides pics don't seem worth the sacrifice of extra money, less time, and one less photog.  Just my opinion.

mgumms

We're only having one. She said that she's shot with another person and they were constantly getting in each other's shots. I definitely think one photographer is enough for most people. It's fun to have getting ready pics, but are those what you'll want prints of? Is that what you're going to show your kids? If so, then go with the person who will get there earlier. I probably will care more about the pictures of us together than anything else, so one photographer is good enough for me. It depends on what you think you'll want to keep. Go with your gut! It's your wedding and you're the one who gets to make the decisions.

Celles

I agree with Nilla. 

Having two photographers is a bonus for me, not a necessity, but the extra coverage is nice -- especially if you decide to do a "First Look" before the ceremony, or are hoping for some nice justapositions (such as shots of your groom's face while you walk down the aisle, or pictures of both halves of the bridal party getting ready).  I also think the peace of mind you'll have from the extra coverage and extra hours is worth a lot, too!  You definitely don't want to be fretting about what the photographer is missing, either because there's just one and she can't be in two places at once, or because she came later in the day than you would have liked.

applemarie

I agree, it depends on what you find important.  If the before...getting ready,prepping is...then go for th extra coverage. 
In my case, its not I have even asked for her to not arrive until like 30min before.  Not to be rude, but I don't want to spend 2 hours of my final moments with a photographer...I've been a MOH before and have seen how annoying it could be. 
But keep in mind, these are professionals.  They have done weddings before and have made other peoples day just as magical whether it be with 2 or 1 photographer! They know their stuff!!!

sms274

2 photographers was a must for me. If there is only a slight preference in work I would say go for the less expensive, don't they offer more in general? More hours, two photographers... or did I read that wrong?

janjan550

SMS - you read it right, the more coverage and add'l photog is actually less expensive. The other one just has a lot of experience with the venue and seems more established in the business. 

I think I will end up going with the two photogs.  When I go on vacation I take tons of pictures.  I like to document even the little things because it helps me remember the whole trip better.  So, I know I will want all of the events and little moments captured.  I'm sure what will actually hang on the wall will be pics either one of them could have captured, but I think I want the whole day captured.  I love pictures, so I think the additional coverage is the right choice for me. We always watch slideshows of our previous vacations, so I think we will really enjoy having them all.  Plus, I really don't want a bunch of staged pictures, which might be part of how you get all the pictures in a shorter period.