A common question from a newly engaged bride or groom is “How many wedding photographers do I need at my wedding?”. Let’s take a look at this topic and try to break it down so you know what to look for when you’re choosing a wedding photography studio.
Some History and Transparency
I used to photograph every wedding by myself. I actually took great pride in the fact that I was able to take care of the whole thing on my own. When people would ask if I offered the option of adding a second photographer, I would explain how I was fully capable of getting everything by myself and that a second photographer wasn’t necessary. One day a bride came along and really wanted to have two photographers, no matter how much chest pounding I performed. I complied and it was at that wedding that I realized that two is better than one.
The Advantages of Two Photographers
What’s so great about having two photographers at your wedding? Two photographers can be in two places at the same time. Two photographers give two different perspectives. Two photographers can coordinate, make a plan, and work together. Two photographers can give you peace of mind that not every memory of your day rests on the shoulders of one human being. Two photographers can have fun working with each other, which translates to a happier photography team which translates to a better experience for you. These are just some of the benefits of having two competent photographers at your wedding.
How Things Have Changed
I have done such a complete 180 with regard to second photographers since the early days. I went from trying to convince people that just myself was sufficient all the way to now including two photographers as standard in all of our wedding packages. Not only are two photographers standard, but you know who that second photographer is going to be (well, you have a 50/50 shot of it). Blueflash is a team, and that means we don’t go find a random person on Craigslist a few days before your wedding; We have Jaclyn and Amanda (meet them on the Blueflash About page), two extremely detail-oriented photographers who really help round out your wedding story by filling in the gaps with beautiful photographs of the things you spent so much time planning and choosing.
Perspectives
I’m a guy. Jaclyn and Amanda are girls. The way we see the world is different; it’s just a fact of life. Having the guy/girl dynamic behind the camera at your wedding gives you the advantage of getting both perspectives of your day. It’s a subtle thing, but I feel it’s a key ingredient to how we produce what we produce for our brides and grooms. Two guys is fine, two girls is fine, there’s nothing wrong with either of those combinations. For us, the guy/girl split is perfect.
Buyer Beware
Some things to be careful of and ask about when choosing a wedding photographer, whether in Rhode Island or anywhere else:
– Who is your second photographer?
– Are they an assistant or a photographer (assistants carry bags and hold lenses, photographers take quality photos)?
– Do you always work with the same person or people for your second photographer(s)?
– Can I meet them, read about them, see them, confirm they exist before my wedding?
The More the Merrier Syndrome
If two photographers is good, is three better? Four? Nine? In my opinion, there’s a point of diminishing returns. The difference between one wedding photographer and two wedding photographers is dramatic. The difference between two and three is probably negligible. As a disclaimer I have to be clear that I’ve never photographed a wedding with three photographers (or four or nine for that matter), so this statement is purely speculation. There is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen.
Series information
Next we’ll be talking about the difference between a wedding album and a photobook.
If you missed the intro to this series, you can catch it right here – How To Choose Your Rhode Island Wedding Photographer Series Introduction.
