I get asked a lot – should we have a second shooter?

And whilst I want to shout YES YES YES from the rooftops, my answer is that ultimately, it’s up to you.

Here are the pro’s of having one, the job role of a second and how they can enhance your perfect day.
Groom/Bride Prep – The second shooter will arrive at the house or at the church/venue and shoot in the same relaxed style as me – documenting what goes on as they get ready. This is great opportunity to capture the fun or presents being exchanged.

They then capture guests arriving and have a chance to speak to the Vicar/registrar to clarify where I can stand and if there are any rules we need to be aware of.

Whilst this is happening I’m usually at groom/bridal prep – timings do sometimes run over and so having a second shooter I can ensure I stay with you to capture the dress reveal/seeing loved ones. I normally then leave with bridal party and arrive at the ceremony, swapping with the second shooter so that I’m stood at the front of the Church/Venue waiting for you to walk down. My second can then capture you arriving at the venue causing as little disruption as possible and letting the proceedings flow really nicely into the ceremony.

Ceremony– Whilst I’m stood at the front of the ceremony, my second shooter will be at the back getting a different perspective and angle. Sometimes in Church I am told to stand in a pew and not move so it’s nice that one of us can have a bit more freedom to get some of those killer first kiss shots or even the back of the dress all laid out beautifully down the aisle.

Family formals & portraits of the two of you – Second shooters are brilliant at gathering rogue guests who wander off, it’s one of their many talents and this makes the family formals so much quicker. That means that you’re back enjoying your guests’ company before you know it.

Second shooters are also like a second creative brain, they’re professional photographers in their own right and I only pick the best of the best to be there with me. They come with us on the portrait shoot with different lenses and capture those other angles, you know the ones, the gorgeous laughing ones where you’re not looking, the details, the wide shots.

Speeches – This is where I really love to have a second shooter, I’m normally at the front concentrating on the speakers, so whilst I’m getting the best man telling the inappropriate joke, my second is getting the rip roaring laughter that it creates in guest reactions.

Evening – You’ve got two eyes on that dancefloor, two angles for the first dance and so much extra coverage.

A second photographer allows the primary photographer to perform at their highest possible level. 

When I know I have a reliable second shooter covering the additional details I can do what I do best: create beautiful art from the moments of the day. The second shooter helps keep me on track, assists me and supports me so that I can do my absolute best for you on your day.

A second shooter brings a different perspective. The second photographer cannot physically stand in the same place as the lead shooter, so you automatically are guaranteed two different perspectives (at the very least). More often, second shooters endeavour to bring different artistic ideas and interpretations, and to capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, more special moments, more special memories.

Here are just a few images from Lisa, Lucy, Louise and James second shooting with me at some of my weddings.

These shots were taken at the same time.

Some examples of groom prep at the pub, then guest arrival whilst I’m at the bride’s house.