It is getting more and more common for couples hiring 2 photographers to capture their day. But what is the difference between paying a second shooter or hiring husband and wife team?
Second shooter
The second shooter is hired by your main photographer, mostly for part of the day only. Some photographers have seasoned shooters they work with for most of their weddings, some hire different people, based on the availability.
PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
You know BOTH of your photographers from the beginning, from initial consult, engagement session, etc. Knowing your photographers helps to set expectations for the day. We work together all the time and know each other’s working process well, which makes the day run smoothly.
do i need 2 photographers for my wedding?
Here is a few things to consider while hiring your wedding photographer.
getting ready
Not all couples are getting ready at the same hotel, or in close proximity from each other. Hiring two photographers gives you the advantage of getting both parties’ preparations captured. If you are getting ready at the same place, there is still a lot of reasons to consider why 2 photographers are better than one.
- First look with your parents – having both of us with you at a different place at the same time makes it easier to plan and organize the day and all big moments without missing on any.
- Photos of your details – with two photographers, the time needed to photograph all details, from your shoes, dress, groom’s attire, ceremony decor and you getting ready will require less time and allows us to focus on each of you individually.
- Wedding party photos – individual photos of groomsmen and bridesmaids can e done at same time – shorter time for photos, more time for party!
different perspective & candids
4 eyes, 4 legs.
Do you want your husband’s reaction when you walk down the aisle, your parents while you are reading your vows or your great auntie holding the tears? The anticipation before walking down the aisle when groom is waiting at altar. You do not have to choose one, you can get them all. Your wedding photographer will do the best to capture every important moment, but the wedding day is a whirlwind and so much is happening at once and sometimes it is a split of seconds for these moments and more eyes/cameras, more moments captured.
Sometimes the venue requires to stand still, especially if you are getting married in a church, where some(or any) movement restrictions might apply. Hiring two photographers covering more of the area is definitely an advantage.
More angles and creative shots. With two of us, you can get your classic wedding album photos for grandma, and something more creative for fun. 🙂
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2 Comments
I would expect this to not go well. My photographer, and every photographer I looked into, had a clause that stated they must be the sole pro photographer for the event. To hire a separate photographer would have been a breach of contract. What happens if thats the case in your example and the photographer who is supposed to be leaving gets held up and is still there when photographer two shows up. Then you have the chance of breaching both those contracts.
Hi Tamiflu, that’s a great question. When you are booking a photographer and it is not already a team, consider being open with your vendor since the beginning. Do you want two photographers for the day? Maybe even just partial coverage? Talk to the primary photographer, because many times they do have partners in industry that they worked with before or they can recommend the right people. In those cases they will either alter the contract clause or add amendment which allows another photographer. The clause you mentioned is there, so the photographer can provide the best service for you as a client without unexpected interventions.