In all my time shooting weddings, I’ve never once felt that having a second photographer there was a waste. Clarity Lane’s policy is to always bring a second shooter to weddings and I honestly feel it makes a world of difference in the value I’m able to provide to each client.

Whether you’re using me for your upcoming wedding or considering another photographer, let me share with you all the reasons I think you should consider investing in a second shooter for the wedding.

Thoroughly Capturing Each Special Moment

For every event during a wedding, there are two parties involved: those acting and those reacting. Having two photographers means that you get pictures back of your father/daughter dance AND your mother watching proudly from the sidelines. It means you get a shot of the best man making a record-busting hilarious toast and the laughter from the audience during the speech. Your wedding day is just one day out of your life, but it’s the one you’ll most want to remember, so having an extra card full of photos ensure that you get back the best moments from the entire day from more than just one photographer’s perspective.

The Added Assistance

The value of having lots of bridesmaids is that you’ve got lots of people in your corner to support you and assist you throughout the wedding day. But what if you don’t have a big bridal party? Having a second shooter at your wedding means that your photographers are able to provide the insight and assistance that countless additional bridesmaids wouldn’t be able to. We spend almost all our weekends at weddings — we know how these things go. You’ll be grateful for the well-rounded service you receive from your photographers as pseudo-wedding planners when potential problems arise.

The Magic of Teamwork

Not only does having a second shooter allow you more perspectives in your photos, but it represents the potential for more unique photos. Where one photographer might not have the time to run to the balcony to get an overhead shot of the first dance and make it back down for the close-up doe-eyes, having two photographers means they can work together as a team to infuse more creativity into your wedding day coverage. One can run for the space flash or battery while the other stays to keep documenting. Or while one photographer is safety pinning your mother’s brand new skirt that just happened to rip while she was setting up the reception, the other is still capturing the reception set-up magic unfolding (and snapping a cute behind-the-scenes shot of your mother getting stitched back in — classic memories to cherish!)

Often, the cost of an additional shooter is completely off-set by the incredible added value you receive as the happy couple looking through and enjoying the memories of your wedding through your wedding photos. And for Clarity Lane brides, it’s not even an additional cost — it’s already included!

What are your thoughts on photography teams and second shooters at weddings? Leave a comment below!