Do I need a Second Photographer for my Wedding?

How to Decide Whether you Need a Second Photographer or Not?!

Okay real talk…I do work with one second photographer. I adore and trust her!! When it’s just me, I have no doubts and feel completely comfortable photographing a wedding solo and you most definitely can have a great wedding experience! Let’s just call it a control thing too. I prefer to be the one present for all photos. I can make sure I have the correct lighting I want, posing and I’ve worked with you the last year so I know what you like, don’t like and want! When I do have my second photographer, I like using their images to supplement your story. As a back up when things are rushed (and it’s definitely happened!!) or really just an extra hand to get a little breather.


YES! You will need a second photographer if…

  • You are getting ready in two different locations with less than an 8 Hour package

  • You have more than 200 guests (and want family candids)

  • You want different angles at your Ceremony

  • Assistance to your Lead Photographer so they can get both creative and reduce stress

  • Multiple Photo Locations

  • Wanting Cocktail Hour Photos

NO! You probably do not need a second photographer

  • Your getting ready locations are in the same building

  • Everything is in one location

  • One partner doesn’t care so much about getting ready photos

  • Backyard celebrations

FAQs

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Cons:

  • Straight up, they are not me. They will shoot differently. They will see things differently.

  • Often times, 2nd photographers are newer photographers looking for wedding experience.

  • They will not have spent time with you, that makes the wedding day a little harder. I personally send my 2nds your engagement session gallery, so that helps…but its not the same as hands on experience

So…do you think you need/want a second photographer? Let me know in the comments


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.

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