Back today to talk about breaking down the “shoulds” that tend to come along with wedding planning, answering the question: Do I need two photographers for my wedding?
Do I need two photographers for my wedding?
Somewhere along the way, this became a thing that everyone has been convinced is standard. But as with most things with wedding planning, there’s actually no one right way to do things! And if you know me, I’m always here for breaking down the “shoulds” and having the wedding that is most aligned for you and your vision.
If this is your first visit to the blog, welcome! I’m Jen, a documentary style photographer based in Colorado (and serving destination weddings) specializing in photographing intimate, intentional, experiential wedding weekends. I’ve been photographing weddings full time for over 17 years, and along the way have discovered that my purpose is supporting you to be PRESENT in your wedding day, so you can really soak in the brilliance of the love and joy that exist in this world. And to create photos that capture how that feels–an anchor to look back on as the hard days of life roll through. Your love and joy matter, and they are worth documenting!
First off, what does having a second photographer (also known as a “second shooter”) mean? This is when you hire one main photographer, who is typically your main point of contact, the lead of the team, and who sets the photo vision for the day, and they have another photographer with them on your wedding day as a second set of eyes. A solid team will work seamlessly together to create an incredible experience for both you and your guests.
Second photographers are rarely hired separately by the couple (in fact, the vast majority of professional photographers will have a clause in their contract restricting other photographers being hired for the day), but instead are either included in the collection with your photographer or are an add on option.
Let’s start here!
When SHOULD you consider having two photographers for your wedding?
- You’re having a larger event (this will vary by photographer comfort level, but my recommendation is 100+ guests)
- You have a larger wedding party (5+ attendants on each side)
- You’re choosing not to do a first look and are doing all portraits after the ceremony/during cocktail hour (and having cocktail hour fully documented is a priority)
- Your wedding ceremony and reception are in different locations (bonus yes if getting ready is in an additional spot as well)
- You have a very extensive set of decor that is a priority to have photographed, along with a tight timeline (depending on the event, this may even be a cue to consider having a 3rd photographer on the team)
- Having a ton of getting ready photos of both you and your partner is a high priority for you
Images in the above block: Schermerhorn Symphony Center Wedding designed and planned by EBJ & Company photographed by Jen Creed Creative (with a trusted second photographer)
If just one or two of these apply to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean a second photographer is an absolute need. But it would be worth having a conversation with your trusted main photographer! If multiple of these apply to you, then I would highly recommend considering a second photographer on the team. You’ll want to discuss with your photographer how they choose a second and make sure they have a trusted team (and aren’t just pulling someone random in to hold a camera last minute!).
When should you consider just having one photographer?
First, let me share a story. For a large portion of my career, my husband I actually photographed every wedding together full time. I loved it (turns out, we’re a great team across the board haha). But as I’ve become more passionate about intimate, in depth wedding days, the more I have fallen in love with being a solo photographer on a wedding day. It allows me to blend into the background, to allow the day unfold more naturally without that “paparazzi” feel about the day that can sometimes make the day feel like a big production. It helps you feel more relaxed and more like yourselves. It helps your guests feel more at ease and like they can be in the moment. I still have a trusted list of second photographers when the event calls for it (including my husband!), but these intimate events have stolen my heart and become some of my favorite work I have created for couples.
When to have just one photographer for your wedding:
- You’re having a smaller event (will vary by photographer, but approximately under 100 guests is my recommendation)
- You want to avoid the day feeling like a big production/photoshoot
- You’re gathering an intentional group of your closest people and want to enjoy the experience of the weekend with them
- You have no wedding party or a smaller wedding party (4 or fewer attendants on each side)
- The key locations on a wedding day are in the same location or are in close proximity
- You want some of the anticipation documented of the getting ready process, but it’s not the biggest priority of the day
- Your main priority is being present and taking in the day with your love and your favorite people
Images above from an intimate Michigan wedding photographed by Jen Creed Creative (solo)
In short, there’s no one right or wrong way to do anything about a wedding (except the legal part!😂). As always, consider first how you want to feel on your wedding day, what is a priority to you, and run everything by that! So do you need to photographers for your wedding? That’s up to you and the details of your day!
I’d love to hear from you! What questions do you have? If you’re still searching for your photographer and would like to see if we would be a good fit for each other, please reach out. I can’t wait to hear more about your vision for your day and get you all the info you need!
xoxo,
Jen
