Welcome to our first Blog post! What is a second shooter and do I really need one?
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog post. The blog is an area where we hope to cover topics on all things wedding so that you can make informed decisions, understand different terminology and help you have a stress free day!
Today I will be looking at 'second shooters' and why someone may chose to have a second photographer, the advantages they bring to capturing your wedding and what to expect.
Why do i need a 'second' shooter?
Obviously, it goes to say, they capture more photographs. YAY. But what makes a second photographer valuable is that they can cover different moments and scenes at the same time as your main photographer. For example, the ceremony is a key part of the day and whilst Dave is photographing the bride in her big moment as she walks down the aisle, I can be capturing the grooms first reaction. Or I could even be photographing the bride and her dad from behind sweeping up the aisle (that dress you fell in love with looks just as good from behind!), therefore capturing what the groom sees and the guests see, two perspectives of the same moment.
An example of two photographs taken the same time; wide view is showing atmosphere and what is happening, close view shows expression and reactions.
Having multiple perspectives like this comes into its own when you have your wedding album made. Your wedding album should tell a story of the big day and in having different perspectives you will look through and travel from getting ready to the ceremony and into your reception with images that enhance each other.
Bride Prep AND Groom Prep?
Speaking of getting ready, as Dave is getting images with the bride having her hair and make-up and the iconic bride putting on her accessories, I can be taking photos with the groom and his men getting ready and whatever fun they are up to! Details such as special cuff-links, aftershave and putting on the tie are great for him to look back on too. Another moment here at bride and groom prep may be the opening of gifts given to each other before the ceremony. It's always great if we can get pictures of both bride and groom opening them and their reactions for them both to look back on.
Don't want the groom prep covered? No problem!
At Weddings By Gould Photography we tailor our services to you, so if you prefer we can both head to bride prep for photos and capture the fun of getting ready.
Technical Help
My next reason for choosing to have a second photographer may not be as exciting to you as it is to us, but trust me, you soon will realise the benefit!
Whilst Dave is taking photographs, he may require extra light in certain areas, to create a more balanced or flattering light, this is where I come along and set up lighting, move it around or even stand holding a big round reflector. Some of the benefits of this is that we can reduce shadows on the face, keep hair highlights, reduce harsh light and keep light balanced across multiple people. In doing so, we really create the technically-best images for you.
Other Benefits
An advantage of a second photographer for smaller weddings is that they can allow the couple to be taken away from the group for images on their own with the main photographer while the second photographer captures more images of the guests. Thus, allowing the couple to leave their guests with more ease.
Another advantage here is helping the main photographer with posing larger groups, allowing you and your guests more time to greet and catch up with each other!
Do I need a second photographer?
Sometimes, a second photographer may not be required, or may even be too much. For example, weddings of low numbers or weddings of just the ceremony. That is, not to say, you can't or shouldn't have a second photographer, it is your day after all!
We will advise on your consultation whether we recommend you having another photographer along with all the things I can do during your timeline.
In summary, if you want additional shots, multiple locations at once and more flattering photos - I'll see you there!
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