What is a 2nd photographer at weddings?

Many wedding photographers offer a 2nd photographer or a 2nd shooter in their wedding packages or as an a la carte item couples can add-on before their wedding day. At weddings, a second photographer plays a crucial role in capturing the magic of the day. Working alongside the lead photographer, the second shooter usually gets a unique perspective and ensures no significant moment is under-documented.

What does a 2nd shooter do at weddings?

Here’s how my second photographers work with me. Every time there is a crucial moment on the horizon, I make sure to let them know where I want them and what frame I want. This is to ensure all the key moments are captured from multiple angles. Giving you more angles enhances the story that will ultimately be told in your wedding gallery.

Here’s an example of a second photographer role during a wedding ceremony

During the walk down the aisle, I am locked on you while my 2nd photographer is focused on your partner as they look at you coming down the aisle. Then, during the ceremony, I’ll be focusing mostly on you and your partner. I don’t want to miss anything that goes on between you!

My second photographer however, will be pointing their camera at everything else, your parents, grandparents, best friends, your pets, and so forth. Focusing on the tiniest details and gestures of love — again, to enhance the story of your gallery.

Then when the ceremony is about to end and the officiant is about to announce you, my second photographer joins me for the kiss shot. I’ll shoot it narrow and zoomed in while they go for the wide-angle shot — both from the middle of the aisle.

2nd photographers can also help with lighting

Now that your ceremony is over and most of your guests are enjoying cocktail hour. My second photographer will hop over with your guests and capture a few minutes of the cocktail hour before coming back to help with group shots and assisting with lights for your wedding portraits — or just being an extra set of hands, fluffing your dress or holding your bouquet when we don’t need it for the pictures.

During the getting ready photos, my 2nd photographer is often with either the bride or groom, getting reception venue detail shots, or hanging out with us, doing candids while we do more formal getting ready shots.

During the reception, the ceremony game continues. That is, I am mostly focusing on you while my 2nd is locked on your closest family and friends and their reactions to, your reception entrance, the speeches, your first dance, and more. Here it goes again, to give you a better told gallery story.

Lastly, I’ll often tell my 2nd shooter to go for the risky shot from special angles. From behind, from the top of the stairs, through windows, and more. These are the shots I would never take during key moments if it was only me. Here are a few examples.

Photos by Gabrielle Rowell and Diana Perez