Should I book a second photographer for my wedding?

Published by Claire Gould on

This article is by English Wedding member and Hertfordshire wedding photographer Becky Harley Photography

So, you’ve booked your dream venue and secured your wedding date in the diary – yay! What’s next?

Things can be complicated when booking a wedding photographer – firstly there are so many about! First and foremost I think it’s really important to choose someone whose work speaks to you and transports you to a moment, and that you get on with them on a personal level.

Once you’ve found your photographer, some will have various packages and extras that you can book to create your perfect wedding photography package. Today I wanted to talk about second photographers.

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (9)

You may have heard the term ‘second photographer’ bandied about by some people, but what does it mean, and why would you want to book two photographers?

There are several reasons that booking a second photographer might be a really good idea for your wedding.

One of the most common reasons that people choose to add a second photographer to their wedding photography collections, is to ensure there’s wedding morning and preparation coverage of both of you getting married. If you’re getting ready separately, and particularly in different venues or locations, this is a really good way of getting an insight into how the morning went for your other half. What did they get up to? Were they nervous? Was their face a picture when they opened the gift you picked out for them? Did they stop for a quick bit of Dutch courage before the ceremony?

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (1)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (2)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (12)

As a photographer myself, I usually suggest that a couple considers booking a second photographer if they have a guest list numbering over 100, or even a third photographer if there are more than 200 guests. Due to the sheer number of people, having more than one lens to capture your day from different angles and viewpoints is a great way to ensure that you can be a part of as many different moments happening throughout the day as possible, and be able to relive them after the day.

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (3)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (6)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (7)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (8)

Your primary photographer (the person you booked with and who you will mainly deal with on the day) will, usually, be in charge of the real key moments of the day, photographing your ceremony from the front, the couples portraits, group photographs and top table reactions during the speeches. Second photographers are a great option, as during the times that your primary photographer is doing all these important jobs, they can be spending time with your guests and capturing the moments that might otherwise be missed. Likewise with the ceremony, they can capture images of your ceremony from the back of the room or the church, and during the speeches, reactions of guests that aren’t immediately close to your top table.

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (4)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (5)

Personally, I also love it when I have a second photographer accompanying me on the day, as it gives me someone to bounce creative ideas off, and also a helping hand when it comes to creating some awesome evening portraits – an extra pair of hands to hold or set up flashes really helps with those cool night time shots.

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (10)
Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (11)

If you think you might want to have a second photographer, ask your main photographer about it, and how much they cost. There are some photography duo’s out there who come with two photographers as standard, but if that doesn’t apply to your photographer, don’t worry! Ask them about the option and they will most likely say that it’s definitely something you can add to your collection. I have a handful of trusted photographers who I use to second for me I usually don’t book them until closer to the wedding date, as I only use other professionals as my second photographers, and people whose work I trust and who I know will do a brilliant job in a style similar to my own.

Should I book a second photographer for my wedding? Photo credit Becky Harley Photography (13)

I always say that it’s likely you’ll get more images from your day if you book a second photographer. A second pair of eyes, who is probably shooting almost as many images as your primary photographer on the day will inevitably give you more images on the day. It’s a great way to ensure your wedding day is comprehensively documented. Your primary photographer will edit the images taken on the day, so everything has the same look and feel throughout the day.

Hopefully that helps give you an idea of why having a second photographer at your wedding is a great idea!

If you’d like to get in touch with me regarding photography, please hop over to my website www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk


 


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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