Do You Really Need a Second Photographer for Your Wedding?

One of the biggest questions couples ask when booking their wedding photography is whether they need a second photographer. While some photographers require a second shooter for every wedding, I take a more flexible approach based on your timeline, priorities, and what truly benefits your wedding day. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your wedding.

Yes, You Will Need a Second Photographer If…

• Your Guest Count Is Over 200 – A second photographer can help capture more reactions, details, and candid moments that might otherwise be missed.

• You and Your Partner Are Getting Ready in Different Locations – If the getting-ready locations are far apart, a second photographer ensures both sides of the wedding party are documented without rushing.

• Your Timeline Is Extremely Tight – If events are happening simultaneously (such as cocktail hour starting while family photos are still going on), a second photographer can help cover more moments at once.

• You Want Extra Angles for Key Moments – If having multiple perspectives for the ceremony, first look, and reception is important to you, a second photographer can provide that additional coverage.

No, You Will Not Need a Second Photographer If…

• You Prefer Consistent, One-Photographer Coverage – When I shoot solo, every image is captured in my style, lighting, and vision for a seamless and cohesive gallery.

• Your Wedding Has a Relaxed Timeline – If your schedule allows for a natural flow of events without overlap, one photographer is more than enough.

• You Have an Intimate or Mid-Sized Wedding – For weddings with under 200 guests, I can efficiently capture all the key moments without a second photographer.

• You’d Rather Add an Extra Hour With Me – Many couples opt to add an additional hour of coverage with me instead of a second photographer, ensuring more time for portraits, candid moments, and storytelling.

My Approach to Second Photographers

If you decide a second photographer is the best option for your wedding day, here’s how I structure it:

• Minimum 5 Hours of Coverage – My second photographers typically start when the guys begin getting ready and stay through dinner.

• Cost Consideration – Adding a second photographer is currently $600, though pricing may vary depending on the number of hours needed.

• Customizable Options – If you need more than 5 hours, we can discuss an hourly rate to tailor coverage to your timeline.

What’s Best for Your Wedding?

At the end of the day, whether or not you need a second photographer depends on your specific wedding logistics and priorities. If you’re unsure whether a second photographer or additional coverage with me is the better fit, let’s chat! I’ll walk you through your timeline, vision, and photography needs to help you make the best choice.

If you have questions about your wedding photography coverage, reach out, and let’s create the perfect plan for your day!

FAQs

• Will having a second photographer mean I get double the photos?

  First, I never guarantee a certain amount of images as each and every wedding is different.

  The short answer, NO! Having a second photographer doesn’t necessarily mean you will receive double the photos, and honestly you don’t want that many photos.

  Second Photographer’s supplemental images are used to further tell your story.

  If you want to see just about how many photos I do have, check out my “Full Galleries” tab on my website.

• Do you have second photographers that you use often?

  Yes! I do have one second photographer who I adore and use as often as I can and two more available upon request.

• I want to add a second photographer to my package, how do I do that?

  Easy! Send me an email at catchflyphotos@gmail.com and let me know you would like to add one.

  We can add the additional price to your package and you may also make payments on that. Per contract, the balance must be paid in full 30 days prior to your wedding date.

• How much is it to add a second photographer?

  It’s an additional $600 to your wedding package. This price goes directly to hiring them as an independent contractor working under Catchfly Photography. This fee also goes to the additional editing + any travel fees.

• Do I have to choose a second photographer?

  No! Leave that all up to me. This is something you do not need to worry about. If my main second shooter is not available, I am looking for certain skills when it comes to editing, style, personality, location, gear, knowledge, education, and experience.

• Who will edit all the photos?

  My second photographer will work as an independent contractor under Catchfly Photography. They will provide all RAW images to Catchfly Photography before the end of the wedding night, after payment has been made. Lead Photographer (Julie) will then begin the editing process as long as the balance has been made in full. Julie will edit and deliver all images via online gallery.

So…do you think you need/want a second photographer or would you just like to add on an additional hour with me?

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Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.