You have put a LOT of investment into every aspect of your day and it's my responsibility, as your wedding photographer, to capture everything you created in a way that you have only dreamed. This is certainly possible for one person to do, but isn't everything better when two great minds think alike? Some wedding photographers believe a second shooter should be present if the wedding requires one but isn't necessary, I personally have the thought process of "why WOULDN'T you want more variety to your gallery!?!"

Do you NEED a second shooter for your wedding?.... Nope
Do I suggest one?... 110%, ABSOLUTELY!

All of my packages include a second shooter for multiple reasons but the bottom line is that a (properly trained and educated) second shooter benefits everyone! These images below were from the same moment, with two places I could NOT be in at the same time. Both of these images were included in this gallery delivery AND they look consistent... almost like they were taken with the same camera at the same moment.

Two photographers can't just magically capture an image that looks consistent, it takes a lot of work on the back end too. Because of this, I can't stress enough how important it is to request to view galleries from your potential wedding photographer. Make sure you love how that professional "visually tells" a story, that it flows beautifully and you are captivated. Ahead of hiring ANY professional, LOVE their work and what they provide as a whole! DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.

There are SOOO many reasons a second photographer will be to your advantage, I know my secondary photographer* has been a life-saver on more than one occasion! Though my "why-you-need-a-second" list could go on forever, these are just a few of the major reasons I've made the transition from being a lone-wolf wedding photographer, to an extremely compatible partnership that captures marvelous memories you'll cherish endlessly.

1.) When I bring a second shooter, I am already in love with what they do. I KNOW they are more than capable to capture a unique, artistic perspective I will love displaying with mine. How they see the world is something I want to include in your gallery because my couples deserve the BEST! Your gallery will literally have double the variety and most likely, quite a few extra photos too ;) .

2.) No matter how efficient and knowledgable I am, I simply cannot be in two places at the same time. The first and most relatable example is a "first-look." Whether it be a private "first-look" or in front of everyone at an alter, capturing each other's initial and emotional expression is more attainable with a second shooter.

3.) One of the most valuable things to have on your wedding day is time. We get more time with the bride or groom because we are able to "divide & conquer." We split up during the getting ready part of the day giving us more time with each individual and their wedding parties. We are also able to capture all of the details prior to guests arriving with double the perspective and variety.

4.) Handling a wedding dress is slightly terrifying as it is, but the thought of not having a second set of ( SUPER CLEAN) hands is one I can't fathom anymore. There has never been a "back up wedding dress" for any of the weddings I have captured, your dress is SPECIAL! Though I probably shouldn't share by "near disaster," a dress I was capturing this last fall attempted to fly off the door it was hanging on when a huge gust of wind hit. It's a good thing we kind of anticipated the wind, this dress would have been a goner(probably just a few leaves but I'm dramatic) had my extremely swift and protective assistant not been present to save the day!

5.) If I miss the shot, they will not. If they miss the shot, I will not. I like to call it "picture security."

6.) There is a lot of chaos on a wedding day and things get overlooked, it's okay and totally normal. Having a second shooter is an added 'set of legs' to grab "the forgotten rings downstairs," or "find mom to pin the boutonnière." This one kind of ties back in with time too, potential memories are lost when we accidentally overlook 'little things' and have to back-track.

7.) My second shooter is a tremendous help to ME! Grabbing the vehicle, setting up lighting, organizing family for formal photos, capturing photos where I can't be, helping carry gear, scoping for locations, etc.. There are SO many things that my second shooter helps me out with, I could probably go on forever!

You might have questions or concerns about a second shooter being there which is totally understandable. Here's a quick break down with some of the most common concerns my couples have when including a second shooter.

• "My event is small, do I really need a second shooter?" You don't NEED one, but there are so many benefits(listed above) to your gallery if you do despite the size of your event.
• "Won't they get in the way?" NOT. AT. ALL. My second shooters are experienced in the wedding industry, trained and understand their obligation to blend in.
• "The pictures won't have the same consistency.." This is honestly one of the hardest parts of having a secondary shooter, they might not shoot with Canon like me, every type of camera and lens sees color slightly differently.** There are two reasons NOT to worry about this. First, my secondary photographers shoot in full manual like myself, we are able to communicate settings to maintain consistency. Second, I have invested an incredible amount of time learning subtle differences that need to be adjusted with editing to have a consistent gallery, trust my skills.
• "I don't want to deal with more than one photographer, I already know you." You don't have to! You don't have to communicate with them at all other than brief interactions through your wedding day. They give me all of their captured memories and I make them my own to deliver you an amazing gallery that tells the story of your day.

In my opinion, there really is no way to go wrong with having a second shooter! They are one of the most powerful tools(along with an engagement session and a few other t ools) that will help transform a simple gallery into something incredible, a walk down memory lane. I will utilize a second photographer for every wedding I capture for the rest of my days!

*A good friend and a fellow photographer, Kim is my go-to second shooter and is scheduled with me most of my weddings. Because Kim owns and operates her own business capturing motherhood and family photography (Restless Photography,) she's not always readily available. Rest assured though, I work with some of the most talented minds in the industry and your second shooter will be someone who's work I LOVE and they will be perfectly capable of filling Kim's shoes. I'll notify you who is seconding with me long before your wedding. :D
**You might not know! - I typically shoot with three different lenses but use the same camera body during a wedding. This means I have three, slightly different, small "galleries" to edit within each and every part of your wedding day to present you with a consistent and stunning gallery.