Second Shooter worth the money?

Re: Second Shooter worth the money?

• AllyceB

  

  January 2012

  The main reason I feel I have to have the 2nd photographer is because of an shot from my brother's wedding. They had 2 so they were about to get the picture of both of them seeing each other for the first time as the doors of the church opened. It is the best picture of my brother from the whole day. They had plenty of extra candid shots as well which I love. In between the staged photos when people are being a little more 'real' in my opinion. I'd start a list of must have pictures and then ask your photographer if its possible with just one person.

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• Nicole Renee Miller member

  

  January 2012

  As long as the second photographer is good, I say do it. (You might want to ask to see some of their work). I always shoot with a secong photog (who is a professional photographer in her own right) and it makes such a difference. It's not uncommon for her to get a better shot that I do in certain situations, because the bride and groom are focused on me and she is "hiding" somewhere in the background. You also end up with a lot more photographs in the end. And no matter how good your photographer is no one can be in two places at once. Lastly, having a second person to help move along the posed group shots can really speed things up, and you can book less time overall.

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• cliffordmatheson member

  

  January 2012

  Considering your specific wedding, the layout, the time-line, etc., you might want to ask your photographer what exactly you would be getting in terms of images by adding a second shooter.  If your wedding is large, a second shooter can provide wider coverage.  A second shooter means you can have a photographer in two places at the same time.  Another reason for a second shooter is to get reaction shots. E.g. for the father daughter dance, a second shooter can get a shot of your mom wiping a tear from her eye.  If these shots are “must-have” then go with a second shooter but be sure to specify in your contract what your expectations are.  You don’t need a second shooter to come up with duplicates of what your main photographer is doing.  Good luck!  P.S.  I am a successful full-time videographer in the DC area and after hundreds of events; I feel I am qualified to offer this advice.

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