Should You Hire A Second Photographer For Your Wedding?

Your wedding day is one of, if not the most, important days of your life. It’s completely understandable that you want the day to be captured exactly as it happened. The best way to do that is to hire a wedding photographer, but there are a few cases where you may need just a little more. So, should you hire a second photographer for your wedding? 

From capturing different angles and alternate situations to speeding up the process (so you can get back to doing what you’re here for!) to helping the main photographer during the day, there are a number of reasons to book a second photographer for your wedding.

I’ve created a list of 5 reasons that should help you answer the question “Is a second photographer necessary for your wedding?” Each of these reasons will be subjective and personal to your own vision for the day, so just because they appear here, doesn’t mean you have to hire a second photographer. 

1. Capturing Both Parties’ Preparations At The Same Time

Traditionally when we build a wedding day timeline together, the first partner will get ready slightly earlier than the other – often this is the groom or the partner wearing the suit. I’ll then visit the partner wearing the dress and spend some time there to take a few detailed photos of the whole thing. 

If you want the entire process to be photographed for both parties, or perhaps you’re both wearing a dress or suit, then having a second Mornington Peninsula wedding photographer could be a very smart idea.

2. Your Guest List Is Big

Any wedding party with over 150 guests would lead me to recommend a second photographer. While I’ll do my absolute best to capture the funny, emotional, and candid moments, with a wedding party that big there’s a chance I might miss a few bits!

Having a second photographer helps a huge amount and allows us both to take our time in areas that need it, ensuring complete coverage of your day.

Are you inclined on having a big wedding? Check out these 10 Must See Mornington Peninsula Wedding Venues and see which one is perfect for your guest size.

3. Your Wedding Styling Is Turned Up To 11

If you’re super proud of your wedding styling, or it’s just a really important part of your wedding, the answer to “do you need a second wedding photographer?” is probably a yes. While we’re getting some family photos or couples portraits together, the second photographer can capture all of those stunning details right after the ceremony is over! 

This way you can be sure that your entire wedding will be covered, including those little details that you spent so much time and effort deciding on.

4. Specific VIPs That Need Capturing

Weddings are full of VIPs and, understandably, a lot of people that you want photographed. However, there might be a few people – grandparents, special family members, or friends that flew in for the wedding – that you absolutely NEED to have some beautiful photos of. 

I’ll give 100% to capturing as many candid and special moments as possible, but having a second photographer that has a very clear direction of taking photos of a specific person (or people) can produce some next-level kind of photos!

Why Are Candid Wedding Photographer Photos So Good? Aside from producing dynamic photos that capture genuine emotions that tell your wedding’s story, candid shots are THE perfect style for camera-shy couples.

5. Capture The Cocktail Hour

One of the final perks of having two wedding photographers shoot your big day is that they can capture your cocktail hour. 

While we’re off getting some beautiful portrait photos for your ceremony, your guests are left enjoying some drinks and food. It’s often a very special time for everyone to celebrate and chat about what’s just happened (with heightened emotions!) and it’s an all-around great time to get some authentic photos of your day. 

Having a second photographer means we can divide and conquer – with me capturing the portraits and the second photographer documenting the happy hour vibe.

Understanding how many photographers for a wedding are needed to give the most well-rounded and authentic representation of your day can be a tricky one. In certain cases, it makes perfect sense to hire a second photographer for your wedding to ensure your day is recorded in the absolute best way possible and you’ve got the photos to remember it! 

Still unsure if having a second photographer is the right option for you, or looking to get started with your Mornington Peninsula wedding photography preparations? Get in touch now, and let’s get working on it!