Should you book a second photographer for your wedding? Advice from and Aberdeen Wedding Photographer.
Why book a second shooter?
Booking your wedding photographer is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you start the planning process. After all, they’re one of the only suppliers who’ll be with you all day. But, what about having a second one along too?
This is a question I get asked a lot and I’m afraid it doesn’t have an overly easy answer. So, I’ll walk you through the pros, the cons, and my advice as a photographer.
The Benefits of Booking a Second Photographer
A Larger Gallery
This might sound obvious, but having a second photographer will give you a larger gallery. While I “lead” your photography on the day, your second photographer will be busy capturing a second angle of the big moments, more coverage of guests and lots of moments we might miss. Your gallery will feel richer and fuller.
As an example, while we’re capturing your “formal” group photos (if you choose to have them), your second photographer will be photographing the start of your drinks reception.
Security
Call me old fashioned, but when I make a commitment there’s nothing that’ll stop me from seeing it through. But, life does have a way of throwing curveball. Having a trusted second photographer provides extra photography insurance if an unforeseen circumstance arises on the morning of the wedding.
Full Morning Coverage
If you’re getting ready in different venues, then booking a second photographer means both of you will have full pre-ceremony coverage from around 9/10am.
Busy Timelines + Extra Assistance
If your day has a tight timeline, a second photographer can be invaluable - they’d be able to use their time to capture things your lead photographer simply won’t be able to.
Having someone else there on the day is also an excellent way to keep things running smoothly. If Auntie Sue goes missing half way through your group photos, your second photographer will be on hand to help us get things back on track…
Top tip: your wedding day isn’t about photography, it’s about spending time with each other and the people you love. If a venue gives you a really tight window for parts of your day (the post-ceremony drinks reception in particular), consider extending it so that you have lots of time to spend with your guests. No one wants to feel rushed on their wedding day…
Creative Variety
This might sound obvious, but having a second photographer will give you a larger gallery. While I “lead” your photography on the day, your second photographer will be busy capturing a second angle of the big moments, more coverage of guests and lots of moments we might miss. Your gallery will feel richer and fuller.
As an example, while we’re capturing your “formal” group photos (if you choose to have them), your second photographer will be photographing the start of your drinks reception.
A Larger Gallery
Increased Cost
Adding a second photographer does mean an extra fee, so you may like to allocate the budget to another part of your day.
The Potential Downsides of Booking a Second Photographer
More Cameras
A lot of couples who book me are keen on a more chilled, low-key day, and a second photographer can sometimes feel like one too many people. If you’re nervous in front of the camera, you have a videographer booked or you’re having a smaller wedding, you may not need a second photographer.
My Advice
When I’d Suggest Booking a second photographer for your wedding
- You’re having more than 100 guests
- You’re getting ready in completely different locations and I can’t cover both of your morning prep
- You’d like a larger gallery and multiple perspectives of big moments
- Your day is spread across multiple locations
- You’d like extra security in case anything unexpected happens to your photographer (me) on the morning of the wedding.
When You Probably Don’t Need One
- You’re having less than 100 guests
- You’re getting ready in the same venue or location (I can very much cover all morning prep)
- You’re apprehensive about being in front of the camera
- You’d like a super chilled day with less cameras going about
- You’re keen on spending the budget elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
A gallery shot by one photographer will still be very full and they key is to do what fits your wedding, not someone else’s.
Why book a second shooter?
Booking your wedding photographer is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you start the planning process. After all, they’re one of the only suppliers who’ll be with you all day. But, what about having a second one along too?
This is a question I get asked a lot and I’m afraid it doesn’t have an overly easy answer. So, I’ll walk you through the pros, the cons, and my advice as a photographer.
The Benefits of Booking a Second Photographer
This might sound obvious, but having a second photographer will give you a larger gallery. While I “lead” your photography on the day, your second photographer will be busy capturing a second angle of the big moments, more coverage of guests and lots of moments we might miss. Your gallery will feel richer and fuller.
As an example, while we’re capturing your “formal” group photos (if you choose to have them), your second photographer will be photographing the start of your drinks reception.
Security
Call me old fashioned, but when I make a commitment there’s nothing that’ll stop me from seeing it through. But, life does have a way of throwing curveball. Having a trusted second photographer provides extra photography insurance if an unforeseen circumstance arises on the morning of the wedding.
Full Morning Coverage
If you’re getting ready in different venues, then booking a second photographer means both of you will have full pre-ceremony coverage from around 9/10am.
Busy Timelines + Extra Assistance
If your day has a tight timeline, a second photographer can be invaluable - they’d be able to use their time to capture things your lead photographer simply won’t be able to.
Having someone else there on the day is also an excellent way to keep things running smoothly. If Auntie Sue goes missing half way through your group photos, your second photographer will be on hand to help us get things back on track…
Top tip: your wedding day isn’t about photography, it’s about spending time with each other and the people you love. If a venue gives you a really tight window for parts of your day (the post-ceremony drinks reception in particular), consider extending it so that you have lots of time to spend with your guests. No one wants to feel rushed on their wedding day…
Creative Variety
This might sound obvious, but having a second photographer will give you a larger gallery. While I “lead” your photography on the day, your second photographer will be busy capturing a second angle of the big moments, more coverage of guests and lots of moments we might miss. Your gallery will feel richer and fuller.
As an example, while we’re capturing your “formal” group photos (if you choose to have them), your second photographer will be photographing the start of your drinks reception.
A Larger Gallery
Increased Cost
Adding a second photographer does mean an extra fee, so you may like to allocate the budget to another part of your day.
The Potential Downsides of Booking a Second Photographer
More Cameras
A lot of couples who book me are keen on a more chilled, low-key day, and a second photographer can sometimes feel like one too many people. If you’re nervous in front of the camera, you have a videographer booked or you’re having a smaller wedding, you may not need a second photographer.
My Advice
When I’d Suggest Booking a second photographer for your wedding
- You’re having more than 100 guests
- You’re getting ready in completely different locations and I can’t cover both of your morning prep
- You’d like a larger gallery and multiple perspectives of big moments
- Your day is spread across multiple locations
- You’d like extra security in case anything unexpected happens to your photographer (me) on the morning of the wedding.
When You Probably Don’t Need One
- You’re having less than 100 guests
- You’re getting ready in the same venue or location (I can very much cover all morning prep)
- You’re apprehensive about being in front of the camera
- You’d like a super chilled day with less cameras going about
- You’re keen on spending the budget elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
A gallery shot by one photographer will still be very full and they key is to do what fits your wedding, not someone else’s.
Advice from and Aberdeen Wedding Photographer.
Should you book a second photographer for your wedding?
FAQS
You can see all of my packages and pricing here, but a second photographer with me is £400 for 2026.
Do I need a second photographer?
I work with a trusted selection of photographers, each who match my shooting style and approach to weddings. I would let you know who they photographer is nearer your wedding date, but you can 100% trust my judgement. I promise!
Can I Choose Who it is?
It varies and depends on how your day unfolds, but usually around 1/3 additional images.
How Many Photos Does a Second Photographer Add?
I’ll handle the booking of your second photographer and they’ll be working for me on the day. I’ll edit all of the images they and brief them in advance so that there’s absolutely no extra admin for you.
