So you have started wedding planning, you are researching photographers and have come across the term “second shooter” in some of the pricing guides. What the heck is a second shooter and why do I need one?
- A second shooter is an additional photographer for your day. Think of your photographer as the principal and the second shooter as the vice principal. All of the second shooters that I work with are very capable of photographing their own weddings and most have their own business, but when they aren’t lead shooting, they second shoot for me!
- Two places at once? Having a second photographer can be super helpful if you want getting ready photos of yourself and your groom, it is pretty hard to complete this task with only one photographer. As the lead photographer, Lindsey would cover the bride and my second shooter would cover the groom and groomsmen. And hello, now you have a secret peek into what the other person was doing during those moments before saying “I do”.
- Different Angles. Having two photographers allows for two different perspectives. A wedding ceremony has so much going on, the bride walking down the aisle, the groom’s reaction, the parent’s reaction, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests. Having a second photographer allows for L.Armour Style to capture all of your day, not just one part.
- All of the small details. Having a second photographer to capture both of you getting ready is a big reason to have a second shooter, but there is more. While Lindsey is capturing the family formals, the second photographer is able to organize the groups to make family portraits run quickly and smoothly.
- It saves on time. Let’s be honest, wedding days go fast and there is only a certain amount of time to get everything in. Well having a second photographer allows L.Armour Style to photograph two things at once saving you time and allowing the bride and groom to start celebrating a little quicker. While the lead photographer is photographing the bride and the bridesmaids, the second photographer can be working on the groom and groomsmen. While the lead is finishing up family formal photos, the second can be working on getting the reception details.
A second photographer adds an incredible amount of value to your wedding experience and I highly encourage you to take these factors into account when deciding on a wedding package.