Do I need two photographers?
So you’re searching for wedding photographers and you keep coming across packages that include a single photographer and some that include two. Of course it costs more for two photographers, but what are you paying for and is it worth it?
My advice will also be, if you have the budget for two, then do it. You won’t regret it. Like if you get an ice cream on the way home from dinner. Do you need the ice cream? Maybe not, but it’s a wonderful little bonus. But if you’re finding that your budget is a bit tight then booking a solo photographer works too. Let me break it down for you below.
Is it ok to just have one photographer?
Absolutely it is! I’m a confident solo photographer and can capture beautiful moments all through the day. If you have both partners getting ready within 15 minutes of each other I can even cover both parties getting ready within an 8 hour package. If you’re getting ready further apart then I will only be able to cover one side. This often works as I find not everyone wants getting ready photos. Or, maybe you’re not doing getting ready photos at all, in which case that’s even easier!
For your “walk down the aisle moment”, when I’m solo I park myself at the top of the aisle near the partner standing there and that way I can swap between the reaction of the person walking down and the person standing there waiting for them. Rest assured I’ve got you covered.
During family photos after the ceremony I will enlist one of your trusted friends to help me round up the fam and then off we’ll head for portraits. I have lots of fun during portraits and you’ll get plenty of lovely moments. Once we’re back at the reception I’ll make my way around to capture cute moments, important speeches and reactions and then on to the dancefloor! You’ll get a killer gallery and you’ll love it.
And if you’re eloping or just having a smaller wedding, then one photographer is plenty.
What if I go with two photographers? What are the benefits?
Let’s talk about that moment you walk down the aisle. With two photographers you will have both of your reactions as you greet each other, as well a sneaky picture of grandma having a little cry in the corner. More eyes, more lenses, extra perspective. When I meet with my clients I like to say that you will get a solid, beautiful gallery with one photographer, but if you add an extra photographer, they bring that extra little bit of magic to round out your gallery.
With two photographers you also get a dedicated photographer each for the getting ready portion of the day and we will have extra time between us to go off and capture all those extra details you spent months planning like the little flowers down the aisle, your reception venue all set up without people in it yet, those little notes you put out for your guests, the littles playing with the games you put out on the lawn while you’re getting your portraits taken. So many things are all happening at once so having two photographers means we get to capture everything.
My second photographers are people I trust to take beautiful photos but whose personalities are complementary to my own. You pick a wedding photographer for both their photos and their vibe so rest assured that if you like me then you’ll like them and feel comfortable with them hanging with you for the day.
For any guest list over 80 I will always suggest a second photographer as you’ll be sure that we can capture those extra moments with guests that you might not even notice on your day. With two people, we can be in two different places, capturing two totally different, beautiful moments or even the same moment from a completely different perspective.
So what’s the breakdown?
One photographer
Most budget friendly
Confidence that I will cover everything you need
When we head off for couple photos it’s just the two of you + me and that works for a lot of my more camera shy clients
You’ll still get a professional, wonderful experience
Two photographers
Dedicated photographer for each side getting ready
More variety of shots and angles
A bigger gallery (extra people, extra photos!)
A professional and wonderful experience with a sprinkle of extra magic
So, with that said, I also offer à la carte options where you can have a second photographer for getting ready, up to the reception and then drop down to just one which is more cost effective. Or let’s have a chat and work out what works best for you.
Until next time lovers x
