Why I Include a Second Shooter in ALL My Wedding Packages!
When you inquire about wedding packages you might notice that they ALL include a second shooter. Often I'll get questions about why, so I wanted to share a bit about second shooters: what they are, what they do and why they're REALLY important to have on your wedding day!
This photo of Nathan was taken by my second shooter, Haley Nelson, while I photographed Taylor walking down the aisle!
What is a second shooter & what do they do?!
A second shooter is way more than an assistant. They are ready and able to photograph parts of your wedding day that I physically can't be at.
Although I don't have one go-to second shooter, I always work with professionals. Every second shooter I hire is a professional photographer and often own their own wedding photography business! They are more than capable to catch anything that I can't get!
For example: If I'm with the bride photographing the girls getting ready then I can't be with the groom. My second steps in and is able to capture those getting ready shots for the guys! This kind of situation happens throughout the wedding day (first look, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, etc.) and with a second shooter you don't have to worry about missing out on those moments.
As I mentioned before, seconds are primarily photographers - but at times they do play an assistant role; helping organize family photos, grabbing gear or prepping an area for photos. They are LIFE SAVERS and help your day go off without a hitch!
While I was with Liz & her girls, my second, Natira Van Zant, was with RJ getting awesome details of the guys getting ready!
While I was getting close shots of Dan & Kendra, my second, Alyssa Eckhart, went into the balcony to get this awesome wide shot of their ceremony at Wyndridge!
Why do I HAVE to have one?!
If you want me to be able to capture the full story of the day, a second shooter is crucial! This is something that I do not compromise on and that is why they are included in ALL of my packages. They are way too valuable to sacrifice! Although I am fully capable of photographing a wedding solo, you don't want me to! You will inherently miss out on photos because I can only be in one place at one time.
My second shooter, Natira, photographed Ross while I was with his bride, Lara, before their ceremony!
In summary: Second shooters are ESSENTIAL. My packages are designed the way they are because I think certain things aren't worth compromising on. Your wedding day only happens once and we're going to make sure we capture all those sweet moments!
BONUS! My second, Natira, shot this while we were doing sunset portraits with Lara & Ross! Second shooters have a little bit less pressure and get can creative with angles, lighting and composition! I love looking through my second's portraits, often times I'm so thankful to have the variety! It makes a big difference!