Bride and groom during the Lasso ceremony at Holy Name Catholic Church in Sheridan Colorado from the choir loft by second photographer alexis dean

What is a second photographer?

The answer is varied and based on how the main photographer likes to approach the wedding day. Today’s blog is all about second photographers. I’ll discuss both their role on a wedding day and my experience as a second.

You can find a glossary of common photography terms at the end for your reference.

I can’t speak to why each photographer structures their packages the way they do. You may find that some always include a second while others offer a second on an hourly basis. This is based on how they want to approach your day.

A wedding day focused on you, not the photos

For me, I want your day to be about you and never about the photos. The best way to prevent your day becoming a photo shoot is to extend coverage and include a second photographer. This may seem counterintuitive. However, when I’m there all day with a second you won’t feel rushed to fit an entire timeline into a few hours. In the morning, my second is with your groom while I’m fully focused on you. At Mass, it means we’re less disruptive because we don’t have to move around as much. During portraits, my second will add delightful variety. They’ll slip away to cover cocktail hour while I stay back with you to document your second look. On the dance floor, when everything goes quickly, there are two of us to capture all the fun moments.

Why I enjoy second shooting

Below, you’ll see photos from a wedding I second shot earlier this summer. You’ll notice that these photos are primarily guest interactions, creativity, and details. I love when I can second shoot because it allows me to slow down in a way that I wouldn’t dream of doing as a lead. As a lead, I’m constantly checking for the next photo. However, as a second, my job is to augment the lead. Thus, I’m not interested in capturing “the shot.” Rather, my role is to document the moment.

A second photographer also takes some pressure off of the lead during the key moments. A good photography team seamlessly works together throughout the day. Both the lead and second support each other, and alleviate any stress you may feel.

Do you want to stay in the moment on your wedding day?

Inquire today to learn how I’ll approach your Catholic wedding with reverence and joy!

Glossary of Terms

Main/Lead

Most often, this is the person who you book. Main or lead can be used interchangeably. For the remainder of this blog, I’ll use lead for clarity. The lead dictates the pacing of photos, posing, and delegates work for their team (if using).

Second Shooter/Photographer

I like to think of this role as creative genius. While the lead focuses on getting the main photos, the second photographer has the freedom to play with creative angles and viewpoints. They’ll work with the lead for most of the day. They may be responsible for groom prep and cocktail hour on their own.

Associate

This photographer is hired under a larger photography business’s name. They will be with you on your wedding day. Everything else related to wedding photography will go through the business that you hire.

Assistant

Typically, this is a non-photo role. They are there to assist the lead throughout the day. This could include carrying gear, setting up lights, and fluffing dresses. Having an assistant means your photographer can stay focused on you.

Second shot for Ruthie Isaacson