2nd Potographer

Hey ladies,

Just wanted to know - who has got a package with 2 photographers, I dont know if this is important or not ;)

Thanks

x

I have, they are a husband and wife team. I wasn't specifically looking for 2 people but I'm glad now that I have them. It means that one can photograph bridal preparations and one can photograph they boys getting ready (or shall we say drinking!). Also I suppose you get two perspectives on the whole day and lots of photos?! 

We are having 2 also - even though didn’t intend to. Our photographer will be taking all the traditional photos and the 2nd will be taking all the candid shots of guests etc.... Our photographer actually gave us 2 options, 1: pay for 2 full photographers with the additional guy costing anywhere from £250+ or 2: we have a student from the local college specialising in photography, pay him £50 and have him all day. The student has all his own professional gear and the main photographer has said he will only bring someone who is capable of taking good shots.

I have come accross 2 that have been a husband and wife so I just wondered who else would be having a package with 2, as some seem to charge a hefty sum for the other TOG

xXx

Having 2 photographers isnt important, It just depends on how the main photographer likes to work, Personally i prefer to work solo and i know others who prefer to work as a team.

A photography company is only as good as its main photographer, having 2 doesnt mean that you will get better quality photos.

Sian Collins:

The student has all his own professional gear.

Never take this at face value. I rarely see a student with pro gear, ( I've actually never seen it ).

Always think really carefully about if you really need two togs.

Apart from the boys getting ready there isn't much to miss and it's common for them to get in the way of otherwise great shots, like you walking down the aisle. Last thing we want in the wedding photos is the AF assist light from a student at the back of the church cutting through the ambience.

If you have two video guys as well it then becomes more of a circus and it takes attention away from the bride and groom as most people don't like being photographed or filmed and your guests will be on the lookout constantly. Possibly on edge and unable to fully relax.

These are just observations from a few of last years weddings. You could lose more than you gain.

If the couple want a second photographer, my daughter steps in. She has a unique style that complements mine. She is a photographer in her own right and has had her work used on music album covers and national magazines.

Peter

The student that we have hired is only taking the candid shots and a few of the grounds etc.... Our main photographer is doing all the traditional shots which are more important to us. Having a 2nd photographer for us isn’t really necessary as we are only having 60 guests to the day so as the student was cheap even if we get a few shots ill be happy. Plus it gives them experience as how will they learn. As it isn’t in a church i have no worries about the quality of the shots.

Hi hun, its not really important IMO. I worked alone for 5 years and then had a second shooter for 7 years, it sounds good as it seems like you have 2 for the price of 1. Gary was a real bonus to have around but to be honest he was there as an assistant to me - although he did get some great shots too. Without him, I still got the same coverage but it meant I was a whirling dervish during the day running around everywhere trying not to miss anything. What IS more important is how good they are!!!! Are they good? If you like their work and they are evry professional in their dealings with you and other clients then go for it!!

It doesn't just apply to the church, most rooms have 4 walls and unless both togs are against the same wall or they are shooting close up there's a good chance the other tog will end up in the picture. Especially if it's that relaxed informal type of shot where you have to be quick.

Not aiming this at you either Sian, but everyone reading this who is considering a second tog.

Most weddings have stages and most of the time 1 room is involved. There is a downside to the perceived upside, that's all.

I only get a second photographer/assistant in if its a wedding of 150+ or if the couple book the polaroid stand, even then I don't have them in for the whole day as its only really necessary for maybe getting candid shots while I am doing the formal ones and to help round people up etc. 

However a husband and wife team who have years of experience working together might be a great option as they will know how to work around each other and get amazing results. But if your only having a small wedding I wouldn't say it will make a great difference to your photos.

If you do decide to go for it make sure you meet the student first and make sure you are happy with them being there.

AmiRobertson:

However a husband and wife team who have years of experience working together might be a great option as they will know how to work around each other and get amazing results. 

We've worked together since we started covering weddings, and for us it works really well. As we are a husband and wife team we're not competing to be top dog and we complement each other well. For example during the preps, I usually stay with the bride while Simon gets shots of the groom, guests arriving etc. When we get to the venue, I'll photograph the wedding breakfast room while Simon gets informal shots during the drinks reception. For us it works really well as we're so aware of what each other is doing, do our best not to get each other in shot, and have a set routine to make sure everything gets covered without us having to rush around manically making sure we don't miss anything. 

Ali x

Simon and Alison:

AmiRobertson:

However a husband and wife team who have years of experience working together might be a great option as they will know how to work around each other and get amazing results. 

We've worked together since we started covering weddings, and for us it works really well. As we are a husband and wife team we're not competing to be top dog and we complement each other well. For example during the preps, I usually stay with the bride while Simon gets shots of the groom, guests arriving etc. When we get to the venue, I'll photograph the wedding breakfast room while Simon gets informal shots during the drinks reception. For us it works really well as we're so aware of what each other is doing, do our best not to get each other in shot, and have a set routine to make sure everything gets covered without us having to rush around manically making sure we don't miss anything. 

Ali x

Point backed up :) While someone using a student or if they use different 2nd photographers for different weddings won't have this kind of working relationship so if the 2nd photographer is learning they might be taking the attention of the main photographer away from the couple. This will vary from photographer to photographer as it would be up to them to make sure their assistant is well prepared and clearly instructed before the day.

I worked alone for the best part of 25 years and still do on some weddings. Wedding photography has changed dramatically in this time. Without wishing to turn this in to a togs disagreement thread, it should be noted that all togs work differently. The advantage of a second tog is that they can concentrate on getting some of the details whilst I can solely concentrate on the people. Another dynamic can be the church service where the minister will allow a tog at the front although not wanting you to move around. Having a second tog at the back adds an extra dynamic to story telling the day.

Peter

Peter:

Without wishing to turn this in to a togs disagreement thread

Agreed Peter there are too many of those on forums!

Everyone has a different style and way of working, and that's why there's a great choice of photographers to choose from to suit what you're looking for

Ali x