This question comes up a lot with my couples during the wedding planning process: what’s a second photographer and do I need one at my wedding?

While I automatically include second photographers in certain packages, every photographer is different. Whether or not you have one present for your wedding is absolutely up to you.

What is a second photographer (or: second shooter)?

A second photographer (you’ll often see them referred to as “second shooter”, but I’m moving away from violent terms like that) is a photographer who works alongside the photographer you booked with (aka “the lead”) to take photos during your wedding day. The lead personally books the second, who is technically an independent contractor for the lead.

Seconds work independently from, and alongside, the lead. Couples often get ready in separate spaces on their wedding day, so the second photographer would document one marrier during the getting ready portion while the lead focuses on the other. The second also documents the same key moments as the lead, but captures different angles. An example I like to use for this is the first kiss – the lead could stand in the aisle and directly capture the moment straight on, while the second could document that same moment from behind the couple, to get a wider shot of the entire scene.

Seconds often work the same hours as the lead, but it’s not uncommon for them to work a shorter day. I typically have my seconds start their day at the same time as me, but I’ll send them off once the dance floor opens during the reception.

This couple got ready at the same time at separate locations. I photographed Beth getting ready at a hotel while my second, Karla, documented Tom getting ready at a friend’s house several miles away

How Does Guest Count Factor In?

It’s generally recommended that a second photographer is present for celebrations with 100 guests, while they’re highly recommended for a guest count of over 150. The more guests that are present, the more events that are happening simultaneously. Having a second means there are more eyes and ensures we can document more guests and candid moments than if the lead were working alone. However, it is possible for a lead to photograph an event of that size solo, as long as the schedule for the day is structured accordingly and the locations aren’t spread out.

With that said, a second photographer should be present at celebrations where prioritized events are happening simultaneously. This means if you and your partner are getting ready at separate locations and if formal portraits are happening during cocktail hour. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want coverage of those portions of the day, but if you do your lead will need that help. You’ll also want a second photographer if you want photos of your ceremony site or decor (florals, centerpieces, etc) that don’t include guests, since there often isn’t a lot of time to capture those pieces before guests start filing in.

Who are the Second Photographers That I Hire?

I only hire second photographers who run their own wedding photography businesses and have extensive experience with weddings of all sizes. They are people I trust completely to treat people well and to take control if needed. Many have more experience, and their work I admire.

It’s also important to me to only hire second photographers who identify as women, non-binary, queer, or photographers of color. The wedding and photography industries are severely lacking representation from those communities, despite the fact that there are so many talented photographers with those identities. I’m proud to pay those creators equitable and competitive wages.

There are so many reasons why I love having a second:

1. Support for the Lead

I love bouncing ideas off of others, and seconds are great for that creative collaboration during a wedding. This is especially true if you’re a verbal processor like me!

There’s also a huge weight off of my shoulders knowing that I have a trusted professional in my corner who can I can rely on to document while I’m otherwise occupied. This helps me feel more comfortable taking restroom and water breaks throughout the day because I know my second is there to cover the action.

Having an extra set of hands is also helpful for the lead in more scenarios than you’d think. We might need to move furniture (then put it all back), carry and hang the couples’ outfits (which sometimes require a lot of hands), or need assistance with lighting. Sure, we can always ask a member of the wedding party or another guest to step in, but only as a last resort. My philosophy is to let guests stay focused on the day and the couple – not assist me.

2. More Moments = More Photos

I love going through my second’s photos after a wedding and seeing what was going on in one room while I was photographing the events taking place in another. Getting to see the sweet interactions among guests is always a treat for me, and for my couples, who also can’t be present with every guest the entire day.

Having a second photographer also means receiving more photos. While the set number of additional photos received will vary wildly per photographer and per wedding, having an extra team member could result in as much as twice as many photos.

My second, Ashley, snagged this shot of the bride’s grandmother and father while I was focused on this sweet first look between the bride and her brother. I had no idea her family were watching and I love this moment.

3. Security

My anxiety is reeeeally showing through with this one, but it’s absolutely worth mentioning – I love the sense of security that seconds provide. In the unlikely event that your lead photographer gets seriously hurt on the way to the wedding and can’t make it, the second photographer will be there to step up and fill in for the lead.

Or what if ALL of my cameras and backups magically break right before the first kiss?? (I have stress dreams about this more often than I’d like to admit). My second will have me covered.

4. Organization and Efficiency

If you decide to have a first look, the second can help get the couple in place discreetly. Usually the second will assist one marrier to an agreed-upon spot. Once they’re in position the lead will follow with the other marrier. When both parties are in the same room we let the moment unfold naturally, of course! But it can take a bit of coordination and communication to get that set up.

And if you decide to take family portraits, the second plays a large role in making this portion runs smoothly. Most photographers, myself included, require a list with the names of folks included in those photos. While the lead is arranging each group and taking those photos, the second will assist by calling out the names of the people needed, and gathering the people to be photographed next.

In this scenario, the summer heat was in full force. My second, Gabby, and I decided to photograph both sides of the wedding party at the same time so we could get folks back into the cool a/c. Gabby documented Caroline and her pals while I photographed Sam and his crew. Then we joined up for the full group photos.

5. New Perspective

I have some couples who want photos of them walking down the aisle from both angles. These photos aren’t possible for one person to achieve since they’re taken at the same time from opposite angles.

My second, Alyssa, made this happen and I’m so happy with how it turned out!

Same with these first kiss photos. I could not have achieved that shot from behind the couple while photographing the main straight-on angle. But I love the photo and the context it provides. My second, Abi, did a great job here!

The Drawbacks of Having a Second Photographer at Your Wedding

Here are some reasons you might not want to add a second:

1. Additional Cost

Depending on your photographer’s process and package options, hiring a second might cost you hundreds of dollars extra. You’ll also want to consider their vendor meal as an additional cost. If you have a strict budget in mind, this could be a cost that you’d feel more comfortable spending elsewhere.

2. Comfort Level

The anxiety of having a large team around you is real. If you or your guests are uncomfortable around cameras, then having an additional team member present could add to that discomfort. This is especially noticeable if your wedding activities are taking place in a small space.

Conclusion!

No matter what your photographer offers in their packages, your needs and comfort are the main priority here. So consider the options and make the decision that feels best for your celebration. When you book with me, a second photographer is automatically included in 9 and 11 hour packages. But you always have the option to add one eight weeks before the wedding, even if you have less coverage.

You can learn more about my photography services for weddings and elopements in the Twin Cities. Or if you’re ready to chat about your own plans, get in touch!