Do you need a second photographer?

Having two photographers (sometimes more!) document your wedding may seem like overkill – depending on what’s most important to you it might be! Here are 7 reasons it may, or may not make sense to include coverage from a second photographer on your wedding day.

1.    How important are candids of your day? If they’re important to you consider adding a second photographer. Your main photographer’s focus is on directing your photography for your entire wedding day, while a second photographer’s radar is always up for candid moments unfolding in the background. For example when I was focused on capturing amazing portraits for Aaron and his mom here, Ashlee saw a great moment unfolding between Jillian and her sweet little guy and captured it at the same time.

Captured by Gen Palmer – Estate at Eagle Lake Captured by Ashlee Mintz – Estate at Eagle Lake

2. A second photographer will also have an eye for and capture different angles during portraits. Here’s an example of two images shot by me and Ashlee at Jillian’ & Aaron’s wedding just moments apart.

Captured by Gen Palmer – Estate at Eagle Lake Captured by Ashlee Mintz – Estate at Eagle Lake

3. The most obvious reason couples get a second photographer is that they’re getting ready at different locations. But even if you’re getting ready at the same location, having two photographers helps make sure you don’t miss important moments and details. Here’s a great example where Dana S. and I captured details for Dana & Brian’s wedding just moments apart! And no, I didn’t plan for my second photographer to have the same name as my bride!

Captured by Dana Slifer – Riverton Country Club Captured by Gen Palmer just moments later – Riverton Country Club

4. But perhaps most importantly, we photographers just can’t be in two places at once. When I first met with Dana she let me know that capturing Brian’s reaction as she walked down the aisle was really important to her. So Dana S. and I planned and worked together to document this beautiful, emotional moment from two different perspectives.

Captured by Dana Slifer – Riverton Country Club Captured by Gen Palmer – Riverton Country Club

So when might it not make sense for you to have a second photographer?

Captured by Gen Palmer for Ashlee Mintz

1.  If you’re eloping or having an intimate wedding with 50 or fewer guests, a main photographer will very likely be able to capture amazing portraits and candids from your day by themselves.

2.  You may not need coverage from a second photographer for 8-10+ hours! Instead, it might be most important during bride/groom preparations and your ceremony and portraits.

3. If you’re torn between budgeting for a second photographer or designing and printing an album of your wedding images I’d normally advise budgeting for second photographer coverage now, then budgeting for an album later (e.g. as a wedding anniversary gift to yourselves). But here’s the thing – you need to actually do it! Don’t let your images sit on a USB or your hard drive forever!! But that’s a topic for another day… 🙂

The main thing is that no two weddings or couples are alike. That’s why I work with all my couples to help them decide if second photographer coverage for part or all of their day makes sense! I’d love to connect with you and help you plan photography coverage for your day – let’s chat!

Captured by Gen Palmer for Ashlee Mintz Captured by Gen Palmer for Ashlee Mintz Captured by Gen Palmer for Ashlee Mintz

Gen Palmer is a Philadelphia & South Jersey wedding and portrait photographer located in Bordentown New Jersey and loves working with couples to capture the romance of their story, and simplify the process of planning their wedding day. Let’s connect about your wedding!