When planning your wedding, one question that often comes up is: Do I really need a second photographer? As a St. Louis wedding photographer with years of experience capturing wedding days of all sizes and styles, I’m here to say—there are definite advantages to saying yes to a second shooter.

Let me break it down for you! Here are my unfiltered thoughts so you can get the most out of your best day:

More Angles, More Memories

One of the biggest perks of having a second shooter is the ability to capture moments from multiple perspectives at once. While I’m photographing the walk down the aisle from the front, your second photographer might be capturing your parents’ tearful reactions from the back. During your first look, one of us focuses on your face, and the other gets your partner’s. It’s all about doubling the perspective and telling a fuller story of your day.

More Efficient Timeline Coverage

Weddings move fast. Sometimes, really fast. A second shooter can be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing time. While I’m photographing reception details or couples’ portraits, the second shooter can grab shots of guests enjoying cocktail hour or candids of your wedding party. This allows us to be in two places at once—without compromising the quality or attention to detail in your images.

More Photos in Your Gallery

It’s not just more coverage—it’s more moments, more emotion, more of the little in-betweens. With two photographers capturing the day, you’ll receive a wider variety of images in your final gallery. Think of it like this: the more eyes on your day, the more memories preserved.

Experience Matters

I do want to emphasize: not all second shooters are created equal. When you hire me, you’re also getting access to a vetted network of professionals I trust. I don’t just grab someone with a camera and hope for the best. Your second shooter will be experienced, reliable, and trained to match my shooting style so your images feel cohesive and polished from start to finish.

Is a Second Shooter Right For You?

Here are a few scenarios where I strongly recommend having a second:

You’re having a large guest count or multiple locations for prep and ceremony
You want both partners’ getting-ready moments documented
You love the idea of lots of candid shots of guests and behind-the-scenes
You want a fuller, richer wedding gallery

Still on the fence? I’m happy to talk through your timeline and vision to help you decide if adding a second shooter makes sense for your day. Let’s make sure your story is captured from every angle—beautifully, professionally, and fully.

Ready to chat about your wedding day coverage?

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