Do You Need a Second Shooter for Your Wedding?

Not always. You need a second photographer when one person cannot be in two places, or when the guest list and timeline are too wide for a single angle.

2 photographers can capture one moment from two perspectives at the same time or provide coverage away from the primary like the cocktail hour while romantics take place.

When a second photographer earns the add-on

• Getting ready in two locations at the same time

• Large wedding party and a long formal list

• Ceremony where you want the aisle and the parents’ faces

• Reception speeches while you still want guest candids

• Guests counts over 150 and you want them included in the day

• You want extra covereage during getting ready and ceremony to cocktail hour

When one photographer is enough

Courthouse, micro wedding, single-room getting ready, modest guest count. Extra coverage does not help if there is nothing happening in a second location at the same time.

Market cost context lives on the LA cost guide. Current add-on options are on the booking page—second-shooter hours often do not match the lead hour for hour but they should with events over 200 guests.

Portfolio: recent weddings.

Related reading

• How far in advance to book

• Is a good photographer worth it?

• Red flags