For most people, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event filled with moments you’ll want to remember for years to come. Choosing the right photography coverage is crucial to making sure every one of these special moments is captured. A common decision many couples face is whether to book one or two photographers for their wedding, with questions about what a second photographer does and what the benefits are.
Each option has advantages and potential downsides, and there may be one option better suited to the type of wedding you’re planning. So, how do you decide if you should book one or two photographers for your wedding? Let’s explore each option so you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs and captures every beautiful moment of your wedding day how you want it to be.
Let’s dive in.
How do you decide if one photographer or two is best for your wedding?
The trend of having two photographers at a wedding has gained significant popularity as more couples move away from traditional posed photos and toward a more photojournalistic type of photography. With an emphasis on candid moments and storytelling, couples are seeking more comprehensive and diverse coverage of their weddings, and hence, the demand for a second photographer has increased.
The choice between one or two photographers can impact the breadth and depth of your wedding day coverage. Having a second photographer can allow for capturing different perspectives as each photographer typically focuses on different elements of your day simultaneously. Having a second photographer at your wedding can result in a more detailed account of your wedding day and a wide variety of images to share with your loved ones on social media, for hanging as artwork in your home, and for creating printed albums. One photographer, on the other hand, can be less intrusive and may suit a more intimate style of wedding.
Having the right photography coverage for your day can make all the difference. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will also help you match your choice with your vision, budget, and the scale of your celebration.
The benefits of hiring one photographer for your wedding day
When it comes to wedding photography, hiring a single photographer can be an excellent choice for many couples. This option offers a range of benefits, particularly for those who prefer a more intimate and streamlined approach to capturing their wedding day. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of having one photographer at your wedding.
The advantages of one photographer:
- Cost-effective: Having one photographer is generally more budget-friendly, allowing you to put the budget you may save to other essential elements of your wedding.
- Consistency in style: With a single photographer, all your photos will have a consistent look and feel, which is crucial for the overall style of your wedding album.
- Personal connection: Working with one photographer means you’ll develop a closer relationship with them in the lead-up to the wedding day. It is also easier to ensure they fully understand your vision and preferences, resulting in more personalised and meaningful photos.
- Reduced intrusiveness: Fewer photographers mean less equipment (and less clicking!) and fewer people moving around, making the photography less obtrusive and allowing guests to enjoy your day without feeling overwhelmed by cameras.
The downsides of booking one photographer:
- Limited coverage: One photographer can only be in one place at a time. This might lead to them missing some moments or angles, especially if different elements of your day are occurring simultaneously or if your wedding venue is quite large.
- Potential for missed moments: With just one photographer covering your entire wedding, there’s a higher risk of missing spontaneous moments or key moments if the photographer is occupied elsewhere.
- No backup: If the photographer runs into technical issues or emergencies, there is no backup to cover your day. This is a very rare occurrence, and many photographers now operate with multiple cameras, so the risk of this actually happening can be quite low.
- Limited perspective: Only one viewpoint is captured, which may miss some unique angles or reactions.
One wedding photographer is best for:
- Small and intimate weddings: If you’re having a small wedding with fewer guests, one photographer should be able to cover all the essential moments.
- Single location: If your wedding day is happening at a single location, it’s easier for one photographer to capture everything without missing the best moments.
The benefits of having two photographers at your wedding
Many couples wonder if they need a second photographer for their wedding. Opting for two photographers can have many advantages, including providing more comprehensive coverage of your special day. Here are some reasons why having a second photographer is beneficial, as well as the drawbacks to consider.
The advantages of two photographers:
- Comprehensive coverage: Two wedding photographers can capture multiple angles and moments simultaneously. This is great during key moments like the wedding ceremony, where one photographer can focus on the couple and the other on the guests’ reactions.
- More candid and variety of shots: A second photographer can capture candid moments and details that the main photographer might miss, providing a richer narrative of your wedding day. Two photographers also bring different perspectives, adding variety to your wedding album with diverse shots and creative angles.
- Simultaneous coverage: Having two wedding photographers means that all parts of your day are well covered without missing any key moments, including better coverage of pre-wedding preparations if the couple is getting ready in different locations.
- More detailed shots: Having two wedding photographers means more attention to detail, capturing all the intricate elements of your wedding day, including intimate details like perfume, rings and shoes, and interactions between the people in the bridal party.
The downsides of two wedding photographers:
- Potential higher cost: Hiring two photographers may be more expensive, which can be a significant consideration if you’re working within a tight budget.
- Potential for clashing styles: If the two photographers you book have different styles, the resulting images may be inconsistent. This is why it’s really important to ensure both your photographers can work well together and have complementary styles.
- Potential for overlapping shots: Both photographers might end up capturing similar shots, leading to redundancy in your photo collection. Ensuring open and clear communication is important to help avoid this.
- More intrusive: Two photographers and their equipment can sometimes be more noticeable and intrusive, potentially affecting the natural flow of your wedding day for you and your guests.
Two wedding photographers are ideal for:
- Large weddings: For weddings with a bigger guest list, two photographers can provide comprehensive coverage, ensuring no moment is missed.
- Multiple locations: If you and your partner are getting ready in different locations or if the ceremony and reception are at different venues, two photographers can cover more ground efficiently.
- Detailed focus: If you want a big mix of wide-angle shots, close-ups and candid moments, two photographers can collaborate to provide a diverse and rich collection of photos.
How many photographs should you expect from two wedding photographers?
The number of photographs you can expect from two wedding photographers varies and doesn’t necessarily mean you get double the amount of photos from one photographer. The number of photos you receive is based on several factors, including the length of your wedding day and the type of wedding photography package you book. On average, for a full day of coverage (approximately 8-10 hours), you might receive between 800 to 1,000 edited photos from one or two photographers. It’s always best to chat with your photographer so you know exactly how many photographs you should expect from two wedding photographers.
Do I need two photographers at my wedding?
Still deciding if you need two photographers for your wedding? Whether you choose one or two photographers depends on several factors, such as your budget, wedding size, and personal preferences. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to weigh them carefully to determine the best fit for your special day. Ultimately, the goal is to capture the beautiful moments and memories that you’ll cherish long after your wedding day comes to an end.
At Matt Edwards Photography , I understand the importance of matching your vision and style. That’s why I work with a range of preferred second photographers who have experience working with me photographing weddings. Each second photographer is carefully selected to complement my approach, ensuring a seamless blend of styles. I also edit all images captured by the second photographer, guaranteeing consistency in the final collection of images you receive.
Whether you opt for one photographer or choose to enhance your coverage with two for your wedding photography , my priority is to deliver stunning photos that reflect your style and give you coverage of the best moments of your day. For more personalised advice or to discuss your specific needs, feel free to contact me . I’m here to help make your wedding day unforgettable!
