Do I need a second photographer?

Sometimes couples think it’s important to hire a second photographer. Some photographers offer a second as standard while others charge extra for one. In my case, I charge an additional fee.

The question you need to ask yourself is what a second camera person would do that the primary photographer could not do.

Many brides think they need a second to cover the groom getting ready while the primary covers the bride’s room. This is especially true when the bride and groom are getting ready at different locations.

Second photographer provides alternative angles

Having two photographers can be nice. It can provide photos from a different angle than the primary photographer shoots.

I’ll never forget one wedding I was hired to cover as a photographer. The couple had two photographers there. Both stuck together the entire time and each took photos of the same subject. How ridiculous! The purpose of the second one is to capture something different than the first one is shooting.

If you hire a second, be specific as to what you want that person to cover.

In the case of Lori Black Photography, I shoot 99.9 percent of my weddings as the only photographer. It is pretty rare that clients ask for a second. I personally feel I’m able to cover the entire event without another photographer.

Once I was asked to cover the bride and groom prep and both were in different locations. The solution was easy. I spent time taking photos in the bride’s room, then left temporarily to get photos in the groom’s room. Then I went back to the bride’s room. It worked just fine.

Providing more photos

One result of having a second photographer is that you will get more photos. Ask yourself how important that is. Is it OK to get 800 photos or do you really need more. Is it worth it to spend several hundred more dollars to get 600 additional photos?

This article is part of a blog series on the topic of frequently asked questions. See other articles on hiring the right photographer, how many hours do you need, and do you need a photo album.