PHOTOGRAPHERS vs
SECOND SHOOTERS:
When looking for a studio that
offers two photographers you
do need to be careful to pay
attention to the terms they use
and be sure to ask questions!
Am I really getting two
photographers?
Many studios offer what
is called a ‘second shooter’ for
a small fee that can be added
to any wedding photography
package. Your wedding will be
documented by the primary
photographer and your
second shooter will be free to
photograph things they find
interesting when not assisting.
The second shooter may not be
present during your original meeting
or photograph on your engagement
session.
Who will my second shooter be?
Can I see their portfolio?
They are usually hired as a
contractor for your day. Second
shooters often work to gain experience
shooting weddings. Their role may
more accurately be described as
the photographer’s assistant who
will also have their camera to take
supplementary photos. It is important
to highlight that most photography
studios hire a different second shooter
for many of their weddings since
the person they choose is largely
40 Wyoming Weddings
dependent on who happens to be
available for that date. This is the
reason why you often will not be able
to view their portfolio before selecting
your wedding photographer. The
studio doesn’t know who your second
shooter will be yet. You may have a
second shooter who has photographed
many weddings or perhaps even
one who has never photographed
a wedding at all – so be sure to ask
about this when interviewing your
photographer. Their style may or may
not be consistent with what originally
drew you to hire your wedding
photography company.
Do you offer the same two
photographers for all your packages
and can I see their portfolio?
Studios who offer ‘two
photographers’ are giving you
something entirely different. They
offer you two primary photographers,
either of which could photograph your
wedding on their own. They both
photograph for the entirety of your
day often bringing years of experience.
You won’t just receive more photos
because you have two cameras
present, but all of the photos will be
professional quality and well thought
out to capture things in a creative way.