How long do we need a second shooter for?

I would definitely have a second shooter as you all are getting ready to capture the day for both you and the groom. I'm having two for the entire day, but I imagine that the second shooter won't be as needed towards the ending of the reception. But we will likely have both for the entirety of the event.

It all depends on your events and what you want the most coverage on!

We had our second shooter there for the full 10 hours that our regular photographer was there. The only instance where they did the 'divide and conquer' approach was for getting ready photos, because the groomsmen had their own hotel room for getting ready and my bridesmaids and I got ready in a larger suite on a different floor of the hotel. Otherwise, they both worked together for photos but just stood at different positions in order to capture different angles. We didn't really question having the second shooter there for the whole time because this was part of our photography package. Whatever you decide, I wouldn't worry about the second shooter standing around and not having much to do: they're usually there to capture different angles of the same things, just as much as different parts of the event.

We will be having our second shooter the entire evening. They will split up while we are getting ready, and during the ceremony our first shooter will be capturing photos of the ceremony while the second shooter takes detail shots of our reception space. First shooter will accompany FH and I with our WP after the ceremony while the other shoots cocktail hour. Then they will both shoot the rest of the evening together, The idea being that each will capture different people and things throughout the evening, plus they both have their own shooting style, so we will be able to choose our favorites from both styles.

From my experience they typically higher second shooters for the day and not many places offer per hour. They will be capturing every moment that your first shooter will capture except from a different angle. So as long as your first shooter isn’t sitting around, then the second shooter won’t be either. During dancing the second shooter will also be getting the shots at your first shooter won’t be getting so sometimes it’s better to definitely have a second shooter during the dancing part to get those funny moments that you may have missed. I think it really does make an overall difference.


Also as far as the getting ready part, one shooter could be with you and the other could be with your SO to maximize your time

Since our photographer includes a second shooter, we'll have them both for 8 hours! I'm not having getting ready photos taken of us so we won't need them early in the day. I'm anticipating them being there from 12-8? That gives us time to take photos before the ceremony, then ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception!

I agree with the others, have them for getting ready and if you're able, have them the whole time! They may find a cute moment that the other photographer doesn't see!

Our package includes the main photographer for 10 hours and the second shooter for 6 hours. The second shooter will be with my fiance while he is getting ready with his boys while the main photographer will be with me and my girls. My photographer explained that she'll be there for some getting ready photos and through some of the dancing portion of the night, but won't stay the whole time because by the end people don't need photos. So depending on how long your wedding is and what you are looking for, I think 6 hours is enough.

Our second shooter will be there during our entire photography window. I think it's good to have one for the whole time so that they can capture different angles

The entire time. Trust me, they will have things to shoot.

Our photographer shoots with a second photographer for the entire 10 hours that we have him. This is part of every package he offers, and I think it is going to be amazing. We will have two photographers for getting ready pics, different angles for every aspect of the ceremony, and just more shots and angles of everything in general.