Second Shooters Worth the Money?

sarahlee2012 · January 2012

Hey ladies - We are in the process of choosing a photographer and several who we're considering offer a second shooter/photographer for about $500 or so additional. If you've done this, was it worth the money?

We're considering Jenna Sefkow, Render Photography, and Megan Quist at this point.

Thanks fo your advice!

ktwagner21 · January 2012

I have Jenna booked for my wedding! She did our E-pics took which came out amazing. I love her work, and pricing is awesome. I also love that she is very professional. GL on your search!

mand0114 · January 2012

Almost all the ones I looked at had the 2nd shooter included -- did you find any like that? I definitely think it's worth it. good luck!

jennipea382 · January 2012

Personally if I had the money for it I'd do it. I think 2 photographers is great so moments aren't missed at all. Plus the two photographers may have different styles, so different types of photos could be fun.

I'm also really into photography so it's something I'm seriously considering (though it's really not in my budget). However, if you get a good photographer, nothing will be missed and there should be a variety of photos anyways.

So my conclusion is that if you have the money for it, go for it, but it's definitely not necessary!

trixie549 · January 2012

My photographer actually prefers shooting by herself because she's very type-A and likes to make sure every shot is her own. She also pointed out that many times, the second shooter you get with wedding package add-ons is a novice photographer who is still developing their talent, so the photos aren't guaranteed to be great. Of course, you can always get a second shooter who is really talented and takes some great pics, but it's a good pont to consider.

However, I can definitely see a second shooter being beneficial at a really large wedding where it would be nice to have some different perspectives, or be able to split up duties (i.e. covering the reception).

mzamanda1 · January 2012

I am using Brit with Render Photography. I am going to get the 2nd shooter because it gives a different perspective. So if you are getting more "posed" pictures by one photog than the other can catch the more candid moments. Plus, I think Brit is pretty reasonable for the second shooter.

SoonToBeStoll · January 2012

I'm using Elisabeth Ann who offers a second shooter in the package price (very reasonable I might add). The second photographer is typically her sister-in-law unless she has prior engagements she uses one other person. I liked that because they know how to work together and have been doing so for some time.
I wanted a second photographer so there could be different angles taken in the church. Our photographer mentioned she stays in the back of the church and the second shooter is up front off to the side.
I believe it is all a personal preference. Remember your photos (and memories of course) are all you are going to have to remember your special day years down the road! Good luck on your decision!

khornbach · January 2012

We had a single photographer for the day, and he did not miss a minute, he got literally every moment we wanted. I would recommend taking that $500 and hiring a more expensive photographer. One thing looking back that I wish I had now was a videogrpaher at least for the ceremony, so you could also funnel the money that way.

If I can put in a plug for my amazing photog, his name is Don Pitlik and his photos were incredible, everyone LOVED our album and pictures and he was wonderful to work with. http://www.d-charles.com/3/Asset.asp?AssetID=19550&AKey=Y2PRXC5P

kidlets2 · January 2012

I'm having a friend who does photography as a hobby do mine but wanted to add I've seen Britt from Render's work. She covered a friend of mine's engagements pics & a few sessions of their baby. Her pics are very nice and comes highly recommended from my friend.

graysquirrel · January 2012

Our photographer usually worked with a second shooter and suggested one to us, but we didn't want to spend the money. In the end I think that we made a good choice. Our photographer did a fantastic job on her own and so many friends and family members took pictures during the wedding and reception that we didn't miss the second set of pro pics. Unless you feel that your photographer cannot handle it or really really want that many more photos, I would keep the $500.

wittyschaffy · January 2012

Our photographer had 2 assistants which was fantastic. It was great to have one with the guys getting ready, one with the girls getting ready etc. Plus, while one of them was taking posed portaits, the others were catching the randomly crazy silly stuff that was happening or up close detail shots and the like. It was really great to have the variety that multiple photogs working together can produce.

SSaltzman87 · January 2012

My overall feeling is that if you have a good, experienced photographer- it's not absolutely necessary to have a second shooter. Your friends and family will take their own pictures as well and those combined with your photographer's should be sufficient.

I'm going with Render and I have no doubt that Britt will get the photos we want.

leggwilliams · January 2012

Totally 100% recommend Render, Britt is so amazing! And I totally think the second shooter is worth it, I loved all the different angles and perspectives we were able to get, plus the fact that she spent the whole morning with me and her husband (our second shooter) got to spend the whole morning with the boys. It was fun to get to see everything I missed in the morning!

Send me a PM if you'd like to see our picture gallery.

newlyseliski · January 2012

We had Ben Berndt photograph our wedding and he had a fantastic second shooter. He only charged an extra $300 for a second shooter even though a lot of the photographers he has shooting second typically cost a lot more... I think having the second shooter helps the main photographer really focus on the couple and wedding party whereas the second shooter can take care of other details and catch more spontaneous moments happening elsewhere and provide a different perspective and style. However, if you aren't having a huge wedding and your timeline is pretty generous, I don't think a second shooter is really necessary.

whtorchids123 · December 2012

Hopefully you didnt chose Megan Quist .... our wedding was the second weekend of Aug, 2012 and we are still waiting for our pictures that was to be done by Nov 10th. Megan did not even let us know of the delay untill we inquired about it in Mid November . We are still waiting for them and beyound disapointed and her excuse is that they are so busy. if you as a business are so busy you should know not to take on so many projects so your customer can get what they agreed for!

Second Shooters Worth the Money?

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