Discover the Benefits of Hiring a Second Shooter for Your Wedding


Your wedding day is a flurry of activity: laughter, tears, hugs, dancing, and so much more. It is a day filled with love and cherished memories. However, with all the excitement going on, it's easy to miss some of those special moments. That's why hiring a second shooter for your wedding day is a smart move. With a second shooter, not only can you capture more photos, but you'll also get different perspectives on your special day. You'll be able to cherish memories and relive every special moment for years to come. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of hiring a second shooter for your wedding day and how it can help maximize your memories.

Capture More Photos

In addition to getting different perspectives on your wedding day, having a second shooter on hand can help you capture more photos. With two photographers, you'll be able to cover a wider range of angles, moments, and details. While one photographer is capturing the first kiss, the other can be snapping shots of the reactions from your guests. During the reception, one can focus on the speeches while the other captures the dancing. With two sets of eyes and cameras, you'll have a greater chance of getting the perfect shot. And with more photos, you'll have a larger selection to choose from when creating your wedding album or selecting which ones to frame and display in your home. So, if you want to ensure that no special moment is missed and that you have a variety of beautiful photos to choose from, consider adding a second shooter to your wedding day team.

Second Shooter Wedding ottawa wedding photographer

Exact same moment, taken from 2 different angles.

Second Shooter Wedding ottawa wedding photographer

Exact same moment, taken from 2 different angles.

Get Different Perspectives


Another advantage of having a second shooter is that you can get different perspectives on your wedding day. While your primary photographer is taking traditional photos of you and your spouse, the second shooter can focus on capturing candid moments and reactions from your guests. They can also capture different angles, such as wide shots of the ceremony or close-ups of the details, like your bouquet or the intricate lace on your dress. With two photographers, you'll have a diverse collection of photos that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of your special day.

Second Shooter ceremony ottawa wedding photographer
Second Shooter ceremony ottawa wedding photographer

These photos were taken a few seconds from each other. My second shooter was at the very beginning of the isle while I was at the end of it.


Capture All the Special Moments


Having a second shooter can ensure that all the special moments from your wedding day are captured. While the primary photographer is capturing the traditional shots, the second shooter can cover all the other events, such as the cocktail hour, dancing, and other special moments that you don't want to miss. There are so many things going on during your wedding day, and it's impossible for a single photographer to capture everything. With a second shooter on hand, you'll have peace of mind knowing that every moment is being captured. Whether it's a candid moment between you and your spouse or a heartfelt speech from a loved one, you'll have a beautiful collection of memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.

Second Shooter family photos  ottawa wedding photographer
Second Shooter family photos  ottawa wedding photographer

In this case, I had to run inside of the house to check on the bride. In the meantime, my second shooter stayed with the boys outside and was able to snap this photo upon request from the family.

Family formals take less time, getting couple to their reception sooner


Having a second shooter not only ensures that you capture more precious moments of your special day but can also help expedite the process of taking family formals. Often, family formals are one of the most time-consuming parts of a wedding day. With a second shooter, one photographer can focus on capturing candid shots while the other photographer manages and organizes the group for family formals. This not only ensures that you get the shots you want but also allows you to take your family formals more quickly, meaning you and your spouse can get to your reception and start celebrating sooner.

Plus, with two photographers, one can focus on the bride and her wedding party as they get ready for the big day, while the other captures the moments with the groom and his groomsmen. Being able to photograph both the bride and groom as they prepare for the wedding adds an extra layer of depth and detail to your wedding album.

Having a second shooter at your wedding can truly make all the difference in your wedding photos. From capturing candid moments to making sure you get the shots you need, they can help to ensure that your wedding memories are captured perfectly.,

Able to photograph both the bride and groom with their wedding party as they get ready


Another advantage of having a second shooter at your wedding is that they can photograph both the bride and groom as they get ready with their wedding party. This allows for a more comprehensive and diversified album, capturing not only the bride and groom's individual pre-wedding moments but also the interactions between them and their friends and family. The second shooter can focus on capturing candid moments and details of the wedding party getting ready while the primary photographer focuses on other important aspects of the day.

Moreover, with a second shooter, you are guaranteed to have all the essential moments of your wedding captured. While the primary photographer is busy taking pictures of the couple, the second shooter can cover the cocktail hour and reception, taking shots of guests enjoying the night, and capturing moments that the primary photographer might not be able to get to.

Having a second shooter at your wedding is an excellent investment in your memories. They bring an extra depth and level of detail to your photos, making your wedding album even more special. With two sets of eyes and twice the equipment, you can rest assured that every important moment of your day will be captured, and you'll have amazing memories to cherish for a lifetime.

More dancing and party candids


When it comes to weddings, everyone knows that the reception is often the most fun part of the day. It's where you can dance the night away with your nearest and dearest, and let your hair down after the formalities of the ceremony. But if you're the bride or groom, you'll also be pretty busy during the reception, what with all the speeches, dances, and general socializing. That's where a second shooter comes in handy.

While one photographer can focus on capturing those posed shots of you with your family and bridal party, the second shooter can roam around the reception taking candid shots of your guests enjoying themselves. This means you'll have a comprehensive record of the day, from the solemn moments during the ceremony to the wild party on the dance floor.

Moreover, having two photographers means that no moment will go unrecorded. While one photographer is taking couple portraits, the other can be capturing the energy and mood of the guests. The result is a collection of photos that capture the joy and excitement of the day.

With a second shooter, you can make sure that you get all the essential moments of your wedding captured. You'll have amazing memories to cherish for a lifetime, and you'll be able to relive every moment of your special day. Next up, let's take a look at how the second shooter can capture more dancing and party candids, allowing two different areas to be covered at once if a venue is very large or spread out.

In summary, hiring a second shooter for your wedding day is a wise decision that can help you maximize your memories and create a lasting legacy. With more photos, different perspectives, and coverage of all the special moments, you'll have a comprehensive and beautiful collection of memories. Plus, having a second shooter reduces stress for the main photographer and ensures the best possible photos. As you plan your big day, consider investing in a second shooter and rest assured that every special moment will be captured forever. After all, as Lisa Fotios said, "We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone."


Happy wedding planning, Ottawa!


More resources on planning a wedding below:

How to Plan an Intimate Wedding

Preferred Wedding Vendors in Ottawa