How many photographers should be at a wedding?

Sep 12, 2021

How many photographers should be at a wedding, one or two? Couples ask me this all the time, so here is my answer from the photographer's side.

When you compare wedding photography packages, you will often see the option of a second shooter. Do not confuse it with a photographer's assistant: an assistant helps your photographer during the day and may take a few pictures, but is not a second photographer.

Fran walking down the aisle through the woods at Château Lacanaud as her guests stand

This post is about a full-time second photographer, and how to decide whether you need one. Here is what a second photographer adds at each part of the day.

Getting ready

A groom and his groomsmen in suits sitting on a sofa in a wood-panelled library

The bride and groom usually get ready separately. If you are in the same hotel, in different rooms, one photographer can cover both. If you are in different hotels, you need a second photographer. And yes, grooms like to be photographed too, even if they say they do not: while I am with the bride, the second photographer can take portraits of the groom with his friends and family in good natural light, and they become an important part of your story.

The first look

The first look is an intimate moment with real emotion that cannot be repeated. With two photographers, it is covered from two angles, so you see both your reactions.

The ceremony

A wedding moves fast, and two cameras give you two views of everything. At the ceremony, one photographer can be at the front and one at the back.

A view from the back shows the whole room, as at Hannah and Guy's ceremony at Château d'Oche.

Drinks and dinner

Guests in suits and dresses talking over drinks in a garden by a clipped hedge

While the main photographer is with the couple or the family, the second can take candid photos of your guests and wide views of the venue.

Two photographers are also ready for the unexpected at dinner, like friends lifting the groom up into the air.

Greg thrown into the air by his friends in the barn, in black and white

That happened at Stephanie and Greg's wedding at Château La Colombière.

The downsides

At a small wedding of around 20 people, two photographers can be a lot for your guests. It does not have to be a problem, but people may feel there is too much attention on each of them. A second photographer is also an extra cost, so decide whether it fits your budget. A second photographer is an add-on to any package on my packages page, priced on request.

Decide by the number of guests

At small weddings I usually work alone, and I am very happy that way. With experience I have learnt to cover almost everything that happens on the day on my own. But with more than 80 guests it is hard to be with everyone, and I suggest a second photographer.

Who is the second photographer?

A man in a checked jacket and grey roll-neck standing by a dark window

My second photographer is my boyfriend, a very creative person. He works in commercial videography and photography, so he has a good eye. I can recommend him without hesitation, and he can photograph the groom getting ready while I am with the bride.