Do you need a second photographer or videographer for your wedding day?

There are so many decisions to make when planning your wedding and photography + videography is one of the most meaningful ones. If you're here you're probably wondering if having a second shooter is necessary and worth the money. Every wedding day is different and for some having a second shooter comes with more peace of mind as well as the value of extra coverage for your final gallery. For other wedding days having a second shooter may not be needed and can actually make it feel stuffy for the media team. Here's where you decide if your wedding day is in need of a second shooter! So let's dive in.

What Is a Second Shooter?

A second shooter is an additional professional that is present on your wedding day hired to document alongside your photographer/videographer to ensure no moments are missed, additional angles are captured, and is a second creative mind working to document your day through a different perspective than the lead!

What is the role of a Second Shooter on your Wedding Day?

This is different for everyone and is typically at the discretion of the lead photographer/videographer. A second shooter’s role can be different depending on your wedding day timeline and plans. They may be assisting the lead with things like carrying details and dresses, gathering groupings of people, capturing venue and candid shots as well as capturing behind-the-scenes moments. Often times second shooters are dispersed and can be given the task of documenting one partner getting ready while the lead is with the other, document cocktail hour while couples portraits are taking place, and focus on candid guest interactions throughout the day. The lead is often focused on the moments right in front of them while a second can be focused purely on in between moments + family and guests!

How does a second shooter impact your images and film?

Having a second shooter results in a fuller, more curated detail and documentary focused wedding gallery + film. With two creatives, your coverage will typically include a wider variety of moments. Often times there are certain moments that are only possible with the addition of a second shooter -- such as when both you and your partner are getting ready in different locations + limited time frames at the getting ready area. A second shooter can also allow for more than one perspective during first looks ( they can be focused on friends and families reactions ), vows and the ceremony such as walking down the isle and first kiss -- the most popular example of this would be your lead documenting from the alter and the second documenting from an aerial or side view. We've all seen those trendy "from the sky" ceremony shots and unless you are having a long ceremony that ensures your lead can step away to that other perspective , a second shooter is almost always a must.

Will a second shooter benefit your day?

A second shooter can be beneficial for weddings with multiple locations, shorter timelines, large wedding parties, heavily curated detail sets and large guest counts. Having two creatives can allow for smoother coverage and less pressure on the timeline. The decision to add a second shooter should reflect what matters most to you and how you want your wedding story told.

While second shooters can be incredibly valuable, they aren’t always necessary for every wedding. Intimate weddings that have shorter timelines and less locations may not need additional coverage. Having multiple people on the media team with too many cameras floating around can make the day feel stuffy and less candid. The goal is to choose what makes the most sense for your wedding day plans.

Do we add a second shooter? How much do second shooters typically cost?

Pricing for a second shooter varies for each wedding day and lead photographer/videographer. On average additional photographers and videographers range from $200 - $600 for wedding day coverage. Each lead will have different people they choose to work with and trust to document your day and these additional people will typically have different experience levels and skill sets. You as the couple are not usually tasked with finding this additional creative, you’ll have the option to add this into your package with your chosen lead creative and they will do the rest! The second shooter traditionally has no communication with you as the couple and will hand the files to the lead who will handle and process all of the final products from there!

When you invest in a second shooter, you’re not just paying for more photos/videos, you’re investing in broader coverage, perspectives, and peace of mind.

Every wedding is unique! If you’re unsure whether a second shooter is right for you, I’m happy to help guide you toward the best choice for your wedding.

CAPTURING YOUR LOVE

Anywhere your love story leads, I would love to connect with you. Let’s chat about your dream coverage and explore the wedding packages that Bethany Sanny Photo and Film offers.

Hi there! Im Bethany Sanny your new celebrator of love.

My goal is to be a resource and a supporter during this process!

It is an honor & I am grateful you are here!

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