Why Have Additional Photographers at your Wedding

The most important choice in wedding planning is your spouse. Only slightly less important, is your wedding photographer. But should you have additional wedding photographers too?All of my wedding packages include the option for additional photographers – a main photographer, and a "second shooter". A second shooter is an additional photographer who is there to cover the wedding as well. You may  want additional wedding photographers for many reasons.

1. The laws of physics say it is impossible to everywhere at one time. If you want photos of the bride and groom both getting ready, I simply can’t be in both locations at once. By having an additional photographer, we can cover more events at one time. If you like candid photographs, you absolutely want additional photographers. They will be able to get all of the little moments that happen behind the scenes. If you only have one photographer and I am with the bride while the groom gets ready, then we have to have the groom mock up and fake these moments to look candid. "Forced candids" are never quite the same.

2. During the wedding, the main photographer focuses on getting all the traditional photographs that sometimes we miss the candid moments during your ceremony. A second photographer watches out for these moments. By having a second photographer, it ensures that you get more candid photographs.

3. You will also get more creative photographs for the same reason. Additional photographers know the main photographer is working through the traditional details and photographs. This frees them to be able to be more creative. They can catch different angles and give you a fresh perspective.

4. With additional photographers being there, we always have a backup on scene in the event the main photographer gets sick or injured. The additional photographer will be able to take over for them without skipping a beat.

5. It is also good to have multiple cameras at the event. In case of emergency – for example, a camera gets broken or a card gets corrupted – you will still have photos and they won’t all be lost or damaged. You must ask your photographer about this. I personally always bring at least two cameras, and each of my cameras writes simultaneously to multiple cards. Redundancy is my friend.

6. If time becomes limited, having an additional photographer ensures nothing gets forgotten or missed. For example, one photographs the reception details while the other is in cocktail hour photographing all of those candid moments and details.

7. One word of caution: talk with your primary photographer about having additional photographers present. Many photographers - myself included - write terms into their contracts specifying they are the only photographer allowed at the event. This ensures that any additional photographers present would be on my team and working cooperatively. It is also a quality control: I know anyone I bring meets my standards.Ready to book your photography package? Let's talk today and make your dream come true!
   
   Learn more about all my wedding photography services at http://www.mdkauffmann.com

FAQ’s

1. What is a “second shooter” in wedding photography?
   A second shooter is an additional photographer who helps cover your wedding day alongside the main photographer, capturing extra moments, angles, and events happening at the same time.

2. When is a second photographer most helpful?
   When you want coverage in two places at once (like both partners getting ready in different locations), or when the timeline is tight and you need simultaneous coverage of details and candid moments.

3. Do additional photographers help you get more candid photos?
   Yes. While the main photographer is focused on the must-have traditional images, a second photographer can watch for the small, unplanned moments during the ceremony and throughout the day that might otherwise be missed.

4. Is there a safety/backup benefit to having multiple photographers and cameras?
   Yes. A second photographer provides on-site backup if the main photographer gets sick or injured, and multiple cameras/cards reduce risk if gear fails. The post also notes the importance of redundancy (multiple cameras and simultaneous writing to multiple cards).

5. Can we bring our own photographer or have other photographers shoot too?
   Many photographers include contract terms that they are the only photographer allowed at the event, so any additional photographers are on their team. This helps with cooperation, consistency, and quality control.