What do all of these photos have in common? Either I shot them as a 2nd Shooter or they were taken by one I hired to work with me for the day.

Often when I’m talking to brides and grooms about budget, they ask about whether they really need a second shooter. My answer is almost always an emphatic “YES!”

It does seem like a silly thing though. Why do you need a 2nd person there to take pics of the exact same thing? I mean I totally understand, wedding planning is a study in where you can save a few bucks to spend on something else, or maybe just put toward your future. I’m behind the save money plan, believe me, but this is one area you should actually splurge a little.

The Houdini Rule!

I’m pretty great. But, I’m not gonna lie, I’m not able to be in two places at once. If you’re getting ready at one spot and your groom is at his hotel/parents’/yacht, it’s going to be impossible for me to get the both of you getting ready. These are the last few hours of single life. You can bet there’s gonna be some memories/rituals that you’re both going to want to look back on. Also, if the area is nice enough, we can bust out some of those posed photos of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen so you have more time for Cocktail hour!

Candids! Candids! Candids!

I firmly believe that the best photographs come from those unguarded moments when you are not aware that you’re having pictures taken of you. I’m a photojournalist by trade. I like to get real moments. Sometimes that means that while you may be paying attention to me setting you up for family pictures, my second is getting candid photos of your uncle and brother and father chatting off to the side. Having a 2nd means getting those sweet moments that don’t directly include you and the groom. I’m all over photos with you two all day, be assured, very little slips passed my lens, but a 2nd fills in those gaps.

It’s all in the Details! 

I’m a big picture guy myself. I like to get people moments. That’s who I am. Photojournalism is about people. When I get to bring along a 2nd I try to make sure they are ready to get the details (cake, centerpiece, silverware, RINGS) while she/he is getting the little stuff, I’m free to get the sweeping moments. There’s a lot happening and a lot to take in. Having a 2nd means you’re going to have a more complete vision of your day.

Were Gonna need Back-up!

Ok need is probably a little strong, but it’s nice to have those 2nd angles sometimes. Often there’s something about another person’s eye that just sees the moment in a different way. That can be magical. One thing I learned as a 2nd Shooter when I started in the industry was to be aware of the other person shooting and try to get something different than they where. We’re all telling a story, and the same story might look different through another person’s lens.