Do we need a second shooter?
Do we need a second shooter? What do they do!?
So… What Is a Second Shooter?
Simply put, a second shooter is another professional photographer who works alongside your main photographer (me!) on the day. Think of them as my partner-in-crime, someone who has their eyes on all the moments happening that I physically can’t capture because, unfortunately, I haven’t mastered cloning myself yet.
While I’m focusing on you two walking back up the aisle as a newly married couple, they might be snapping that little tear rolling down your mum’s cheek or the hilarious fist pump your best mate just did. Basically, you get more coverage, more angles, and more memories.
Why Can’t You Just Do It All Yourself?
Here’s the thing: even if I could run like Usain Bolt, I can’t be in two places at once. A classic example is the aisle moment. You want the photo of you walking in looking incredible and your partner’s face as they see you for the first time. Without a second shooter, I have to prioritise one angle. With a second, you get both. Simple.
And it’s not just the ceremony. often reception timing is tight so whilst I’m photographing groups, the second photographer will be out mingling with your guests, capturing all those little candid in-between moments, your nan laughing with your mates, your niece twirling around in her flower girl dress, your guests smashing it at giant Jenga. You’ll never have to miss out on those memories just because you weren’t there to see them.
When Is a Second Shooter Especially Useful?
Honestly, I’d say almost every wedding benefits from having one, but here are a few scenarios where they’re a total game-changer:
Bigger Guest Lists (80+ people): With more people, there’s more happening. A second photographer makes sure no one gets missed and that you’ll see your guests enjoying themselves, not just posed group photos.
Morning Prep: If you and your partner are getting ready in different locations, a second shooter means you both get prep photos. That way you don’t just see your own “getting ready” story, but theirs too.
Tight Timelines: Weddings often run to a pretty strict schedule, and while I’m taking group photos or detail shots, your second shooter can be capturing reactions, candids, and moments elsewhere.
Speeches: One of my favourite parts of having a second photographer is during speeches. While I focus on the speaker and your reactions, the second shooter can capture the rest of the room the belly laughs, the tears, the cheeky faces. It’s pure gold when you look back.
Epic Dance Floors: By the time evening rolls around, having two photographers means every single moment of the chaos (and trust me, there’s always chaos) is covered. I can be right in the thick of it, and they can be capturing the atmosphere from a wider angle.
Do You Really Need One?
If you want a wedding gallery that feels full, rich, and tells the whole story of your day then yes, a second shooter is 100% worth it. It’s not just about having more photos, it’s about having more variety. Different perspectives, different angles, different little stories you might not have even known were happening.
It’s kind of like watching your favourite film but from multiple camera angles, the story just hits harder.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You’ve poured so much love, energy, and money into making it amazing why risk missing out on moments because one photographer can’t physically be in two places at once?
Having a second shooter takes the pressure off, fills in the gaps, and guarantees you’ll have the fullest possible story of your day to look back on for years to come.
So, if you’re on the fence, I’d say go for it.
You can check out more advice posts here
