Why you don’t need two wedding photographers
While many photographers may argue the contrary, I strongly believe that having two photographers at your wedding is unnecessary. Although having an additional pair of eyes may have its benefits, not many photographers acknowledge the potential drawbacks of hiring a second photographer, portraying it as a purely advantageous move.
In this regard, I would like to explain why I think that having a second photographer present may not be as beneficial as it is made out to be. My aim is to help you make an informed decision about whether the additional expense is worth it and whether it is even necessary.
Without further delay, let me debunk a few myths and outline my reasons for not hiring two wedding photographers.
One
Consistency in style will be lacking in your wedding photos due to varying artistic viewpoints. When searching for a wedding photographer, it’s important to find someone whose style resonates with you and produces images that align with your desired memories of the day. You are choosing someone who can create a specific look and ambiance. If you decide to hire a second photographer, their style will differ from the main photographer. As a result, your wedding story and album may lack consistency in terms of artistic style.
Two
Unless your wedding has over 300 guests and spans multiple days, or the bride and groom get ready in different locations at the same time, there’s little need for a second wedding photographer. During the planning phase, I typically ask couples to identify the most important people to be photographed, so I can prioritise capturing candid shots of them. Most couples usually want group shots, which guarantees that I capture the most significant family members and friends.
During the reception, the newlyweds often make their way around the venue, chatting with guests, and this provides an ideal opportunity to capture candid shots of everyone attending. Furthermore, the dance floor presents an opportunity to capture guests having a blast, even those who typically avoid the camera. Therefore, if you have a good pre-wedding planning session with your photographer, there’s no reason why they won’t capture a solid photo of each person you care about most.
Three
The idea that having two photographers means more photos is a common misconception. Sure, you’ll end up with more snaps, but does that mean your wedding story will be better? Not necessarily. It’s like watching a great movie and wishing it was longer by 20 minutes. Do you really need five different shots of each of your college buddies from different angles? I mean, you’re only going to use one of them in your album, right? And having too many photos can actually take away from the overall viewing experience.
If your gallery includes snooze-worthy pics, it’s a major buzzkill. Let’s be honest, you don’t need a thousand photos. What’s the point of having a bunch of ’em, collecting digital dust on your hard drive, never to be seen again? You want the best of the best, and rightly so! Your wedding photographer’s job is to curate their work, delivering only the most exceptional shots. Every picture should make you go, “Wow, I wanna see that one again!” The real pros know that quality beats quantity any day of the week.
Four
If you’re considering videography in addition to photography for your wedding, it’s important to note that having both a photography duo and a videographer (and their potential assistants) can be overkill and intrusive. While videography adds the element of capturing motion and sound to complement the photography, it’s best to strike a balance and not overwhelm your wedding day with too many cameras. With a skilled wedding photographer, you won’t even notice their presence for most of the day. It’s important to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for your wedding day, rather than turning it into a prolonged photoshoot.
Five
It surprises me how many photographers claim to offer two wedding photographers for just a little extra. That’s pretty misleading, don’t you think? The truth is, most second photographers are actually aspiring wedding photographers looking for some experience, and to build their portfolio. They’re not necessarily fully-fledged wedding photographers, and they’re definitely not going to be confirmed a year in advance. I mean, why would a pro photographer commit to being a second shooter when they could be booking their own clients and earning a lot more money?
That’s not to say that second shooters aren’t competent photographers – they definitely are! But when you add a second shooter, you’re taking a risk because you don’t know exactly who’s going to show up on your wedding day. Your main photographer might not even be able to tell you who they’ll be shooting alongside until just before the big day. So, sure, you might get two photographers for just a little extra – but you’re also taking a chance on the quality of their work and their level of experience. It’s something to consider before you make your final decision.
