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      Four reasons you should book a second shooter for your wedding

      One question nearly every couple asks me in our initial consultation is, “Should we book a second shooter?” So because this is a frequently asked question, and one well-worth the consideration, I thought I’d share the top reasons you should book a second shooter for your wedding. 

      But, first things first, what is a second shooter?

      A second shooter (or second photographer) is an additional photographer who assists the main photographer. They work alongside the main photographer to capture additional angles, carry equipment, and help ensure the day is photographed smoothly. 

      Here are four reasons you should consider booking a second shooter: 

      01. Your main photographer can’t be in two places at once

      Although I certainly wish I could be, I can’t be in two places at once. So booking a second shooter gives you opportunity to have two things captured that are happening at the same time. 

      While the main photographer is with the bride photographing her getting ready, the other photographer can be with the groom. One photographer can capture the father of the bride seeing her for the first time and getting ready to walk down the aisle, while the other can be documenting the groom as he awaits her arrival. Hiring a second photographer ensures all these precious moments can be captured—even if they happen at the same time. 

      02. You’ll receive the complete story of your wedding day 

      Because two photographers can capture moments happening simultaneously, your gallery of images will feel so much more complete. You’ll receive more coverage, more photos, more angles, and more perspectives of all the joy and beauty of your wedding day. 

      Your wedding photographer is there to document both the moments you witness and the ones you don’t get to see. We act as your eyes to ensure you have all the precious moments of the day. And with a second shooter, you’ll get to see even more!

      03. Your wedding can be photographed smoothly and efficiently 

      A second shooter can also act as an assistant to your main photographer, ensuring things run smoothly and all your desired photos are taken. It makes a huge difference to have a second shooter there to help gather people for family photos, make the kiddos smile and look at the camera, and help everyone stick to the timeline while the main photograph can focus on not missing a moment.

      04. Your main photographer can focus on you

      The best wedding photos come from a true sense of connection between you and your photographer. When your main photographer can focus on you and you alone, you’ll be able to connect with them and feel at ease. Meanwhile, the second shooter can focus on photographing your guests, the details, and all the moments that complete the day. 

      How I Choose My Second Shooters

      Choosing someone to join me on a wedding day is not a decision I take lightly. I have a network of photographers whom I reach out to and who I know I can trust. You can be confident I’ll choose someone who’s not only good with a camera, but who is hardworking, reliable, trustworthy, and professional. And even though we’ll both be shooting the wedding, I’ll be the one to post-process, edit, and prepare your gallery for delivery.

      Why You Should Book a Second Shooter | Why You Should Book a Second Photographer at Your Wedding

      Pictured: Rita Experience Floral Design at Château Saint-Joseph

      Check out these other wedding planning resources:

      Why Photographers Love Working with Planners

      How to Find Your Wedding Style

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