Second Photographer
The Benefits Of TWO!
Other than the additional cost, there's really no downside to hiring a second (or third) photographer to cover your wedding day. However, having two or more photographers isn't 100% necessary for every wedding, especially small elopements.
We advise you start considering additional photographers if your guest list is approaching 150 or more. We absolutely recommend a second photographer for guest lists in excess of 200, if you want solid coverage of things like Cocktail Hour.
Please remember that the Photographer's Assistant that is included in our standard wedding photography collections does not take photos.
Per our contract, if you would like to hire a second photographer, you must go through ACT ONE Photos. This ensures a seamless experience with a trusted, proven professional. When a couple hires two different photography companies, things can quickly go south (we've seen it happen live and in-person).
If you have a friend or relative who would like to take photos in a non-official capacity, we're happy to accommodate your request as long as they are not compromising the quality of our work or our ability to move quickly to stay on time. Check our article covering Unplugged Weddings for some additional info.
Below, we've listed some scenarios when you may need a second photographer.
We advise you start considering additional photographers if your guest list is approaching 150 or more. We absolutely recommend a second photographer for guest lists in excess of 200, if you want solid coverage of things like Cocktail Hour.
Please remember that the Photographer's Assistant that is included in our standard wedding photography collections does not take photos.
Per our contract, if you would like to hire a second photographer, you must go through ACT ONE Photos. This ensures a seamless experience with a trusted, proven professional. When a couple hires two different photography companies, things can quickly go south (we've seen it happen live and in-person).
If you have a friend or relative who would like to take photos in a non-official capacity, we're happy to accommodate your request as long as they are not compromising the quality of our work or our ability to move quickly to stay on time. Check our article covering Unplugged Weddings for some additional info.
Below, we've listed some scenarios when you may need a second photographer.
Consider A Second Photographer
If you expect 150+ guests to attend your wedding, a second photographer can help fill out coverage!
If you have a particularly tight schedule, you should definitely consider a second photographer, especially if:
...you want Getting Ready photos of both sides (even if you're both Getting Ready at same location)
We don't want to miss out on any spontaneous moments that may happen while you're getting ready (e.g. - surprise gifts, champagne toast, sweet/fun candid photos). If our attention is split between two different locations, we will definitely miss something.
If you want 45 minutes of coverage for girls Getting Ready photos and 30 minutes for the boys (the minimum amount of time we recommend), that amounts to 1.25 hours of coverage, not including the time it will take to walk from the girls to the guys (or vice versa).
If you have two photographers, we can get the same photos in only ~45 minutes total.
...you value Reception Detail photos
Your Reception space will likely not be set up until just before guests are let in (e.g. - candles lit, water glasses filled, salads/bread set out). Unfortunately, that timeframe often coincides with post ceremony photos like Family Portraits, Wedding Party photos, and Couple's photos. It's nice to get photos of the reception room before guests enter and put their bags/coats/water bottles everywhere.
You planned and paid for each last detail - we'd love to preserve that effort with professional photos. Though one photographer may be able to get your Reception Details if the timeline works out, two photographers can guarantee it!
...you value Cocktail Hour photos of guests
Similar to Reception Detail photos, Cocktail Hour typically falls into the same timeframe where the primary photographer will be busy with Family, Wedding Party, and Couples photos. If you want some great candid and posed photos of your guests enjoying cocktail hour (especially if you have planned activities like lawn games, etc. that you want photos of), a second photographer is strongly encouraged.
(If you do a First Look, that may save us enough time so you and your fiancé(e) may be able to join in and enjoy some of Cocktail Hour with your guests!)
...you want to speed up Wedding Party and Couple's Romantic photos
Running out of time but still want All The Photos?
A second photographer can help save time by taking one side of the party's individual photos while the primary is working with the other side all together (and vice versa).
A second photographer also can take candid-style photos during Couple's Romantics, which gives you more, unique angles while the primary is directing more traditional and creative photos.
If you have a particularly tight schedule, you should definitely consider a second photographer, especially if:
...you want Getting Ready photos of both sides (even if you're both Getting Ready at same location)
We don't want to miss out on any spontaneous moments that may happen while you're getting ready (e.g. - surprise gifts, champagne toast, sweet/fun candid photos). If our attention is split between two different locations, we will definitely miss something.
If you want 45 minutes of coverage for girls Getting Ready photos and 30 minutes for the boys (the minimum amount of time we recommend), that amounts to 1.25 hours of coverage, not including the time it will take to walk from the girls to the guys (or vice versa).
If you have two photographers, we can get the same photos in only ~45 minutes total.
...you value Reception Detail photos
Your Reception space will likely not be set up until just before guests are let in (e.g. - candles lit, water glasses filled, salads/bread set out). Unfortunately, that timeframe often coincides with post ceremony photos like Family Portraits, Wedding Party photos, and Couple's photos. It's nice to get photos of the reception room before guests enter and put their bags/coats/water bottles everywhere.
You planned and paid for each last detail - we'd love to preserve that effort with professional photos. Though one photographer may be able to get your Reception Details if the timeline works out, two photographers can guarantee it!
...you value Cocktail Hour photos of guests
Similar to Reception Detail photos, Cocktail Hour typically falls into the same timeframe where the primary photographer will be busy with Family, Wedding Party, and Couples photos. If you want some great candid and posed photos of your guests enjoying cocktail hour (especially if you have planned activities like lawn games, etc. that you want photos of), a second photographer is strongly encouraged.
(If you do a First Look, that may save us enough time so you and your fiancé(e) may be able to join in and enjoy some of Cocktail Hour with your guests!)
...you want to speed up Wedding Party and Couple's Romantic photos
Running out of time but still want All The Photos?
A second photographer can help save time by taking one side of the party's individual photos while the primary is working with the other side all together (and vice versa).
A second photographer also can take candid-style photos during Couple's Romantics, which gives you more, unique angles while the primary is directing more traditional and creative photos.
Hire A Second Photographer
A second photographer is required in some situations, especially if you're working with a tight timeline (consider Day Before/After Session). You'll definitely need to hire a second photographer if:
Two Locations at the Same Time
If you want Getting Ready photos and you and your fiancé(e) are getting ready at different locations.
If you want Reception Details/Cocktail Hour photos and they occur during Family and Wedding Party photos, especially if the ceremony and reception locations are different.
You want two angles covered at the same time:
When it only happens once, you only get one shot. Double that opportunity with a second photographer.
First Look
Bride/groom coming down aisle - front, back, bride's/groom's reaction over shoulder
Vows and vow reaction
You want more, different photos
Not only will you have completely different images, adding a second photographer will get your photo delivery numbers closer to the 100+/hour side of things.
Two Locations at the Same Time
If you want Getting Ready photos and you and your fiancé(e) are getting ready at different locations.
If you want Reception Details/Cocktail Hour photos and they occur during Family and Wedding Party photos, especially if the ceremony and reception locations are different.
You want two angles covered at the same time:
When it only happens once, you only get one shot. Double that opportunity with a second photographer.
First Look
Bride/groom coming down aisle - front, back, bride's/groom's reaction over shoulder
Vows and vow reaction
You want more, different photos
Not only will you have completely different images, adding a second photographer will get your photo delivery numbers closer to the 100+/hour side of things.
Built-In Backup for Worst-Case Scenarios
Though it's not something we like to think about, it is something that we've prepared for!
If your primary photographer is not able to photograph your wedding (due to severe illness, family emergency, etc.) or is delayed (car accident, flat tire, etc.), our second photographer is ready to step in and take the lead. Most all of our seconds are full-time photographers with more than 40 weddings worth of experience.
If we have advance notice, we will set you up with one of our Associate Photographers.
If your primary photographer is not able to photograph your wedding (due to severe illness, family emergency, etc.) or is delayed (car accident, flat tire, etc.), our second photographer is ready to step in and take the lead. Most all of our seconds are full-time photographers with more than 40 weddings worth of experience.
If we have advance notice, we will set you up with one of our Associate Photographers.
Return to our Wedding Photography Intro Guide and FAQ