Why Have a Second Shooter?
The Subtleties of Wedding Photography
When you ask someone, “What are the most important photos of a wedding?” most people tell you that it's the kiss. They say it's the first dance, the first look or the portraits of the bride and groom.
Krystal & JP having their first dance at The Sussex County Fairgrounds - Wedding photography by Timeline Visuals Wedding Photos - Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
These statements are completely valid, but any experienced photographer knows that there is much more complexity to a wedding day. The capturing of subtle interactions between family and friends to be imortalized along the complexity of life is the true value of an event photographer. A photographer waiting for the first kiss may not notice the brides parents holding hands, with eyes full of joyful tears. That moment can mean more then anything to the bride when their time has come and she can still cherish that memory long after.
- wedding photography by Timeline Visuals
Best-boy Tuck and Cassidy and Toms New Hamshire destination wedding Wedding Photos- Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
Wedding Photos of bride - Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
A second shooter’s job is to be focused on what the primary photographer may be too busy to see. The primary photographer is often held liable to getting quality photos of moments similar to what most people say are important. They set their shot and then wait to get an iconic photo of a moment that we all knew was going to happen. While that is happening, a good second shooter is snapping all those reactions to the couples loved ones, and waiting for that same moment.
Emotional heartstrings aside, there are plenty of logistical reasons for having a second photographer. Often, couples get ready in different locations and have their prep roughly around the same time. It’s not always realistic to have one photographer running back and fourth, with the expectation of catching “a few good moments”. You can never really force that timing. Budget is sometimes the concern and that is completely understandable, which is why we even offer using a single photographer.
Wedding Photos of groom - Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
Efficiency is key to a wedding timeline moving smoothly. Having a second shooter means groomsmen and bridesmaid photos can be shot at the same time. One photographer can capture the carefully selected décor before it's ransacked by hungry wedding guests, while the other photographer snaps family portraits.
Wedding Photos of bride and grooms family - Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
Tuck being escorted out of the ceremony - wedding photography by Timeline Visuals
Lastly, should ‘fit hit the shan' and your bestest boy plays tug with the photographers camera straps, or the ring bearer’s wagon sneaks into the isle just a little too far and ultimately table-top your lead shooter rendering him unconscious for the first kiss. We then have a back up. The second shooter is there heroically, snapping the first kiss. The moment every second dreams of, the moment they become immortalized as they go to and a strong contender employee of the month.
To recap..
A single good photographer can always get the job done and often well. They in no way can be perfect, but a good team can be.
Brides maids reacting to the brides dress - Wedding Photos- Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
Wedding Photos - Wedding Photographer NJ - Timeline Visuals
Bride getting down on the dance floor at Valenzano Family Winery - Wedding photography by Timeline Visuals
Timeline Visuals is a wedding photography and video company located in northern New Jersey