Why You Need a Second Shooter for your Wedding Day | Heather McKay Photography | Editorial Photographer Scotland, UK

One of the best decisions you can make for your wedding day is adding a second shooter. So much thought, love and attention to detail has gone into curating your wedding day, it's so important to make sure it's preserved for years to come. If you're unsure what a second shooter is, or why you might need one, these are my top reasons you should consider.

Firstly, How does it work?

When you choose to add on a second shooter, I'll organise absolutely everything. You don't need to source someone or pay for a second wedding photography package, instead I select a trusted industry professional who has a similar energy and working style to myself to ensure the highest quality outcome. I'll keep them up to date with your plans and itinerary so we can work as a team on the day and, afterwards, I'll take home all SD cards and select, hand-edit and deliver images along with my own in one seamless gallery - you'll never know the difference!

Do I need a second shooter?

I'll always advise what's best for you and your wedding, and these are some of the things we consider ~

1. Cinematic coverage of your Ceremony

   As much as I'd love to be in two places at once, it's not possible for one person to be everywhere! While I can dart around your ceremony space to document the setting, guests, details, as well as both of you, having a second gives us double the coverage. While I'm documenting the ring exchange, they'll be photographing your guests beaming with pride. As I capture you walking down the aisle, my second will be capturing your partner's reaction. Having a second during your ceremony gives you multiple different perspectives, viewpoints, insights, and doubles the coverage of the most special part of your day

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   
   

2. Documenting both of you getting ready

   You'll experience most of your wedding day together, seeing the same people and feeling the same energy. The only time you'll spend apart is getting ready, if you choose to stay separately. While you enjoy your own morning, your partner is enjoying theirs, and it's unbelievably special to gain an insight into their experience getting ready for your wedding day. You'll both have special moments that morning, whether it's sentimental moments with parents or fun with your closest friends, you should both get to preserve these memories and relive them together.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   
   

3. Capturing every guest at a larger celebration

   Documenting every guest at an intimate wedding is easy, but it's another game at a larger celebration! Consider how many guests you're inviting, what they mean to you and where they are coming from. You'll want to make sure we've got photographs of your brother who has traveled over from New Zealand for the occasion, or your great gran who is so excited to be there for you. A second shooter is beneficial for so many reasons, and I'd particularly recommend for guest counts of over 60 people.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   
   

4. More candids

   We all love the guest candids ~ the hugs, the laughter, and seeing the people you love come together. During your wedding day, you'll potentially have 60-90 minutes from the end of your ceremony to your call to dinner. This can feel like a long time but with portraits and family group shots, this can slip by quickly. Having a second means we can start these key photographs as quickly as possible so we can get you back into your celebrations before long. While I'm with you, the second shooter will be with your guests, not missing a beat. This means you can get back to your reception as soon as possible while also being able to immerse yourselves in your guests experience too ~ you'll get to experience parts of your wedding day you didn't even see!

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   
   

5. Fresh perspectives and creativity

   One of the most exciting things about a second photographer is the fresh ideas and creativity they bring to your wedding day. While my couples book me for my style and vibe, having another creative with us creates such magic, allowing us to bounce ideas and see your wedding day through different eyes. This creates a diversity in your gallery that just can't be replicated by one photographer, giving you the ultimate documentation of your day.

   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   

A second shooter is one of the best additions you can make to your photography team and your wedding day as a whole. A second acts as the eyes on the back of my head, seeing events from a fresh perspective, doubling the coverage of your day and ensuring we document as many of your guests as possible ~ it's a non-negotiable for a truly immersive gallery.

If you're keen to add on a second shooter and you're already booked in with me, pop me an email and we'll organise right away! If you'd like more information on packages, I would absolutely love to hear from you.

Heather xx

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