Hello! I often get requests to add the second photographer into the wedding photography package. I am of course always happy to do that as I have a wonderful second photographer (Sarah) who is another highly qualified professional. She is amazing and I am so lucky to have her! (Click here to see Sarah’s portrait and her own wedding work) Anyway…I have been dragging my feet on writing this post for some time as I am sure there are many photographers out there who don’t agree with me. For me however I love working weddings alone. I am focused, I know exactly what has been photographed, and generally the photos of the men before the wedding are in dark hotel rooms with them drinking a beer. (not going to be the cherished photos usually) In the end the entire wedding set often is only comprised of about 20-40 photos from my second photographer. That said….times when I think it is important to have a second photographer would be for covering the details–its nice to have someone who can go and capture all the wedding day details in the reception room while you are photographing the bridal party if you have lots of reception details. Its nice to have a second photographer if say they men are going golfing before or bowling or doing something as a group that would be worth having pictures of. Otherwise if you still want to have a second photographer it is often more useful for us to work as a team–we go together to the men for 20 minutes (at a designated time before the bride puts on her dress) and the rest of the time the second photographer helps arrange and capture the bridal gown and other details etc with me. Two heads are always better than one. In any case I think it is always best to ask your photographer if you need a second photographer. After you have discussed the plans for the men before the wedding then I think its easier to make the call on having a second photographer. My point is don’t do it just because you think you have too, don’t do it because you read you should. A qualified wedding pro can capture a wedding day without another photographer and it should be a decision made based on logistics and personal choice rather than just doing it because it became a trend a few years back. 🙂 Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions–I am available to chat. patricia@kivalophotography.com Have a great wedding season!