As you're planning your wedding, maybe you've heard the term "second shooter"...but what is this? and do you even need one?
A second shooter is essentially what it sounds like; a second photographer hired by the lead photographer to help photograph your wedding. They work as a team to make sure all parts of your day are captured, but your lead photographer will edit all the photos so your gallery is seamless in style! So do you need one? Check out the tips below and see if your wedding could benefit from having a second shooter!
Create a More Seamless Timeline
When you have a second shooter you can make the time in your timeline worth double! It's like having your photographer in two places at once! Here are some ideas where this may be extra helpful:
- The second shooter can be covering cocktail hour/reception while the lead takes the newlyweds out for some golden hour couples photos at sunset!
- Getting ready shots. This can be especially helpful if you're getting ready at different locations or in different buildings and you want shots of both the bride and groom. As a solo photographer, I can get both sets of getting ready photos but extra time is taken during the timeline moving from one space to another, changing settings, creating uncluttered spaces for photos, etc. Having a photographer designated to the bride and another for the groom allows it to take up less time in your timeline while still getting all the shots
- Bridesmaid & groomsmen shots can happen simultaneously with the lead and second shooter each taking one group for photos, and then we all come together to get the full wedding party shots
- One photographer can be getting detail shots while the other is snapping candids of guests as they arrive.
And on and on and on. The options are endless! But no matter how you plan it, having a second shooter can give you more coverage in less hours
Get Different Perspectives & Angles
Before your wedding day, I will always go over details and shot lists that are important to you to have captured on your wedding day. And while we'll get all of those shots and details, as humans we all have our own unique, beautiful way of seeing things. And while you hired your photographer for their perspective and style, having a second shooter gives you the opportunity to have an additional perspective at your wedding.
Capturing More Candid Moments
As photographers, we work to capture everything that is happening at your event. All the planned details as well as the unplanned candid moments. When we see your little nephew laughing his heart out, or grandpa Joe crushing the dance floor, we capture it! Having a second shooter gives a second pair of eyes on your wedding day to capture these raw, authentic, unplanned moments.
Help Speed Up Group Photos
What is everyone's favorite part of a wedding?
Not group photos, that's for sure. The common complaint anyone hears at a wedding is about the time it takes for group photos. I always go through a shot list with you prior to the wedding to make sure that we are getting all combinations of family and friends that you are wanting, and while I organize the list to be as smooth and seamless as possible, if you have a large family or a lot of different combos of people, it can take time.
A second shooter can help speed up the process by acting as an assistant. They know the shot list and can be gathering the next group while the lead photographer is photographing the prior group. This keeps everyone moving in and out as efficiently as possible, and leads to more time for couples photos, happier guests, and more rest time for you between events!
So now you know some of the benefits of hiring a second shooter. If you think your wedding could use a second shooter, let me know! We can add a second shooter service to any wedding package!