Why Do I Need Two Wedding Photographers?

Wedding Wisdom

*Updated May 2024

Do You Need To Hire Two Wedding Photographers?

One of the most asked questions about wedding photography is “Do you need to hire two wedding photographers”.

Single shooters will assert that they can capture all of the important moments on their own. They often don’t see a need for a second photographer. However, they will gloss over the mass of advantages of hiring a wedding photography duo. They are unaware of disadvantages of hiring a single shooter.
We will talk about these advantages and disadvantages from our point of view. We deliver natural, documentary wedding photography as a duo working without time limits. Over hundreds of weddings we have found this results in the highest quality wedding photographs.
We don’t work as a lead photographer and second shooter. We are two seasoned professional wedding photographers. Using over two decades of experience we work collaboratively.
Two wedding photographers in suits stand smiling before a large, arched mural depicting a pastoral landscape, framed by a dark wooden arch at Larmer TRee Gardens Wedding Venue

When it comes to capturing your special day, knowing the advantages of hiring two wedding photographers is a must. We have broken it all down for you to make it easier to read:

Why You Dont Need Two Wedding Photographers!

Integrating Into The Wedding

Natural, Candid Wedding Photographs

Efficient Group And Couple Photographs

A Better Insurance Policy

The True Cost Of Hiring Two Wedding Photographers

Making Sure No Moment Is Missed

Two Photographers Are Less Intrusive

Getting In Each Other's Way

Working Consistently Without Time Limits

More Wedding Photographs

Why You Don’t Need Two Wedding Photographers

We have recently read a few blog posts titled “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers”. So we would like to offer a more experienced perspective.

Some of these articles highlight downsides of having two wedding photographers. Unfortunately, it is clear that the writers haven’t worked as part of an effective duo such as Murray and myself. We can honestly tell you that there are actually no downsides to hiring the right wedding photography duo. Just a long list of advantages!

Throughout this article we will address some of the concerns raised when discussing “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers “.

Two Wedding Photographers Make Sure – No Moment is Missed

Wedding days tend to be pretty busy and long. From the get-go many things occur at different locations, simultaneously. They are all worth capturing as part of the entire story of your big day.
It’s hard to be in two places at one time. Obviously, a single shooter cannot achieve this. But a team of two wedding photographers can.

When You and Your Partner Are Getting Ready At Different Locations

A wedding day is about both partners and it’s only right that the same amount of attention is paid to each during preparation. Chances are that you and your loved one won’t be getting ready in the same room on your wedding morning. Even if you are at the same venue. In this case you will need a photographer in both locations so as to not miss the moments and details of the beginnings of your wedding day story. The build up to the ceremony is often full of intimate moments between close family and friends well away from the eyes of wedding guests.
Articles about “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers” argue that this is in fact a myth. They state that good logistical planning would allow a single shooter can capture the entire wedding morning. Looking at the time stamps from hundreds of weddings we can see that the heart of bridal and groom preparations often occurs at exactly the same time. No level of planning, no matter how good can negate this.

For this very reason we include coverage of both partners on the wedding morning as standard in our wedding photography service.

Hiring a wedding photography duo means that we can then capture the details, people, emotions, and scenery in different locations at the same time throughout the day.

The following photos were taken at exactly the same time, in very different locations by both of us.

A bride in a white robe smiles as she shows her phone to a group of bridesmaids in blue dresses, displaying wedding photographs in a warmly lit room.
Groom and best man adjusting their ties in the mirror of a well-lit room with a framed deer painting on the wall, captured in a documentary photo.
Black and white documentary photo of parents during bridal preparations holding champagne glasses whilst groomsmen are photographed by second photographer at different location.
Best men formal suits with boutonnieres, smiling while standing outside Mapperton wedding venue with glass doors at the same tiem as second wedding photographer captures bridal preparations in different location
Groom in a suit and flat cap walks along Swanage waterfront pathway with traditional townhouses in the background photo taken at same time as bridal preparations are captured in different location
A bride in a white dress and sneakers crossing a street, holding a bouquet, with a stone building covered in red ivy in the background, captured in a documentary photo at same tiem as groom coverage elsewhere
A bride and her father stand in a doorway in a black and white documentary photo whilst groom preparation photographs are captured in a different location by a second photographer
Groom and best man in gray suits stand outdoors at a wedding ceremony, one checking his watch, as guests watch from seated rows in the background. Photograph taken at exactly the same time as second photographer is capturing bridal preparations elsewhere.
Joyful bride embracing a guest at her outdoor wedding, with a laughing man nearby and the groom smiling at them, as two wedding photographers capture the moment.
Wedding guests mingling in a sunny garden with manicured hedges and topiaries captured in a documentary photo at Mapperton Gardens

Two Photographers – Integrate Better

We refer to ‘natural’ wedding photography as capturing people without posing. They are often unaware that their photo is being taken. This involves real beauty, real emotions and real personalities. One secret to achieving this type of photography the ability to able to blend in with the wedding guests. We think about this often in the delivery of our service. It’s involved in the clothes we wear the equipment we use (and don’t use). It’s also involved in the psychology behind we present ourselves to guests and the relationships we build with our clients.

You can read more about how we build relationships with our clients in our article on “Why you need an engagement photo shoot.”

Two wedding photographers can better achieve integration into a wedding day. For example, when a guest wants to talk about his latest camera. Or a bridesmaid needs help with her hair clips. There is another photographer still capturing the proceedings.
Our recurring greatest compliment to date: “Wow, we thought you chaps were wedding guests with cameras”.

Advantages Of Integrating Into The Wedding Party

This integration puts us at a great advantage throughout the entire day, but no more than during the drinks reception and dancefloor. Here we are in ‘full documentary mode’, which requires a great level of skill and patience. We aim to incorporate genuine interactions between guests. Where their natural personalities and emotions shine through. This is easier to do when you are viewed as part of the ‘in group’ than the ‘out group’. Working as a team of two our chances are also much better for capturing those guests who are camera shy or even actively avoid the camera.

We are blending in well in these wedding photographs!

Two wedding photographers blending in on wedding day
Wedding photographers blend in with wedding guests watching fireworks

Two Wedding Photographers Are Actually Less Intrusive!

One prominent argument why “You don’t need two wedding photographers” centres around the premise that you don’t want an ‘entourage’ at your wedding day. So, let’s look at that realistically:

entourage

noun

a group of people attending or surrounding an important person.

This seems an odd argument. It’s as if one extra person at the back of a room (or in a different room) has created an intrusive group. In reality, an extra photographer means that coverage is less intrusive. Your wedding photographers are noticed less, not more.

Intrusions Of A Single Shooter

A single shooter will have to move around a room during the wedding. They will need to do this during the ceremony, readings, and speeches to get different angles on the proceedings. A duo does not. Would you prefer someone bobbing up and down and walking about as your loved one pours their heart out in their speech or not?
It’s not unheard of (especially during church ceremonies) for those running the service to ask photographers not to move. We actively work to minimise the risk of this happening. But if it does, it means you are even more limited. You can’t capture the ceremony from as many perspectives. A single shooter then faces a choice. They can annoy the vicar and maybe interrupt the service (we have seen it done!) or deliver images all taken from the same position. With two wedding photographers this is not an issue.
We tend to work in a way where I embed myself in the choir stalls or behind a floral spray at the top of the aisle. I can then capture the bride’s entrance from the groom’s view. I will focus on the couple’s faces and emotions during the ceremony and their guests’ reactions. Unseen Murray can work at the rear of the venue capturing the groom’s face during his first look at his bride. He can focus on guests delivering readings, wide shots of the ceremony within the context of the venue and the first kiss from a guest’s perspective. We can achieve all of this together without moving. A single shooter, simply put, cannot.

Capturing Natural Emotions

It makes sense that some of the greatest emotional reactions from the couple’s nearest and dearest take place during wedding speeches. It is this time of the day that one photographer can focus on the top table and those performing the speeches and the other on the guest’s reactions. We can then work the different angles and positions to tell a more complete story.

Two Angles Acheived Without Moving Around

A documentary wedding photograph of a ceremony outdoors on Swanage Pier in Dorset with guests seated around a couple standing under a white canopy, sunny blue sky above. Example of two wedding photographers providing differnt angles on a wedding ceremony.
Bride in a white gown and groom in a tweed suit exchange rings at an outdoor wedding ceremony on a sunny Swanage Victorian pier in Dorset, with guests observing.Example of two photographers providing different angles on wedding ceremony.
A documentary wedding photograph of a ceremony outdoors at Smedmore House in Dorset, with a bride and groom exchanging vows in front of seated guests, viewed from behind an officiant in a blue jacket. Example of one of two anngles on a wedding ceremony provided by hiring a team of two wedding photographers
Outdoor wedding ceremony at Smedmore House in Dorset with guests seated on chairs facing a couple under an archway, set against a backdrop of lush trees and a clear sky. Example of one of two anngles on a wedding ceremony provided by hiring a team of two wedding photographers.
Wedding ceremony in wintergarden at Highcliffe Castle with large windows, featuring a bride in white and groom in blue, exchanging vows, with guests and a small dog watching.
Close up photo of bride and groom smiling at each other during a wedding ceremony at Highcliffe Castle, with guests seated in the background.
A bride delivers a speech in an ornate dining hall at Goodwood House with guests seated around, illuminated by a central chandelier, surrounded by classical paintings.
A bride delivers a speech at a microphone in a room with ornate gold-framed paintings. Close up angle.
Three groomsmen stand at the front of a Lulworth Castle wedding breakfast with exposed brick walls and arched doorways, while guests seated around look on. Front on angle.
Best men in tuxedos with curly wigs speaking into a microphone at a lively wedding photo taken from close up angle
Wedding speeches inside Kingston Country Courtyard rustic barn, featuring a head table under a large circular light fixture, with guests seated and one man standing to speak.
A wedding reception in a rustic venue at Kingston Country Courtyard, showing a bride and groom seated at the head table with guests, surrounded by floral decorations and string lights.

Two Photographers Provide More Perspectives For Natural Photographs

So we’ve talked about achieving more natural photographs through integrating ourselves into the wedding. Shooting from different angles throughout a wedding day also allows us to capture the wedding party unawares.
During a drinks reception, guests may see one photographer capture the bride and groom laughing together. But, they may not realize the other has just taken candid photos of them laughing at the same joke.
During couple and group photographs, we use two photographers. They capture natural images in what was is typically an unnatural situation. By meeting people’s expectations (that a photographer will capture the kiss or the smiling group after the count of three) we can then use the second photographer to capture the relaxed moments before and afterwards candidly.

The following natural images were all captured during group photographs

Guests mingling at an outdoor wedding reception with a string quartet performing in front of a Smedmore House under a clear blue sky.
Natural wedding photograph of wedding guests taken during couple photographs outside barn
Group of women walking near a "slippery when wet" sign at a sunny outdoor gathering. Example of documentary wedding photograph taken at same time as formal group photographs.
Bride and bridesmaids natural wedding photograph during group photos
Laughing bridesmaids natural wedding photograph taken during group photographs
Three groomsmen in suits share a joyful conversation with drinks in their hands at an Goodwood wedding, a vintage car in the background. Example of natural photos taken during formal groups.
Natural wedding photograph of wedding party before group photographs on stone stairs
A couple smiling and interacting joyfully at an outdoor wedding event, surrounded by guests in semi-formal attire unaware of camera.

Two Photographers Get In Each Other’s Way?

Back to the articles on “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers” and we see another myth being propagated. Here it is suggested that wedding photography duo’s get in each other’s way. This simply isn’t true. Yes, I may fire a frame that has Murray in it or vice versa, but these occurrences are extremely rare.

Three Schools Of Thought

From our training with many photography duos all over the world we have discerned three main schools of thought on this:

1. An experienced duo can easily work in such a way that we aren’t in each other’s images. We do it without thinking.

2. The ‘so what?’ school of thought! Where photographers are making documentary wedding photos. The other photographer was there as part of the day, so they are included in the images. As other suppliers such as the videographers, service staff etc. are.

3. The ‘so what we have photoshop’ school of thought. Where an erroneous photographer in the background of a photograph is easily removed. So it’s not something that needs to be worried about.

No matter which school of thought a wedding photographer leans towards it either doesn’t happen or doesn’t matter. As long it is obvious in the photographer’s portfolio and clear to their clients where they are in this headspace from the off, there should be no problem.

Straightforward Photoshop removal of photographers from a wedding photo

Guests smiling and watching a ceremony attentively in a decorated room, with a focus on a young lady in the center; a photographer is capturing the moment in the background.Guests smiling and watching a ceremony attentively in a decorated room, with a focus on a young lady in the center; a photographer in the background has been removed in Photoshop

Two Wedding Photographers Are – More Efficient

Have you heard those horror stories of group photographs taking forever or couple photographs overrunning into wedding breakfast? Never fear…two photographers are here!
Our wedding photography service is designed to make life as easy as possible for our brides and grooms. With two photographers’ groups are much easier to photograph and the couple photographs are swifter than a blink of an eye. Now, no bride or groom wants their formal group or couple photos to take up much of their wedding day.
We tend to work with a designated guest (one who knows most of the other guest’s names), where both Murray and myself will quickly gather a group. While I am shooting, Murray can capture interactions within the group. He can do so in a candid manner or focus on other guests’ activities. We can then both clear that group, and arrange the next in the most efficient manner possible.
We know from experience that single shooters will take much longer to perform group photographs. It is often the jokes between Murray and myself that keep the groups smiling and laughing throughout the ‘formal photographs’. This takes any nervous attention away from themselves.

Efficiency Is Good For Everyone

Wedding organisers, masters of ceremonies and caterers worry about the time it takes to shoot group and couple photographs. This is due to their past experiences working with single shooters. Using two wedding photographers at this time means we are often thanked by them for our speed.

Photographs of brides and grooms unaware of one of us taking their picture

A bride and groom embrace lovingly in a cozy room with rustic decor, sharing a private moment captured in a candid wedding photo.
A bride and groom smiling at each other inside a church, with the groom dressed in a ceremonial military uniform, captured in a candid wedding photo.
Bride and groom exchange vows in a church, viewed between rows of wooden pews, with focus on the smiling bride in a candid wedding photo.
Bride and groom walking in a field next to Kingston Country Courtyard, framed by pink flowers in the foreground under a clear blue sky, create a perfect candid wedding photo.
Reflection of a bride and groom in a shiny wedding car headlight with a Highcliffe Castle in the background, captured as a candid wedding photo.
A bride and groom kissing at a garden wedding reception at The Italian Villa, with guests and colorful flowerbeds surrounding them, captured in a candid wedding photo.
A silhouette of a wedding couple holding hands, framed by an archway with purple lighting, against a twilight sky, capturing a candid wedding moment at Lulworth Castle.
A joyful bride laughs under her flowing veil on a sunny day, holding a bouquet, with residential buildings in the background in this candid wedding photo.
A bride smiling, peeking through a gap in a partially opened door of a classic wedding car on a very bright day
A bride and groom holding hands under a wooden arbor, surrounded by lush greenery and a small pond, looking at each other affectionately in a candid wedding photo.
A bride in a veil holds a bouquet, gazing through an arched doorway of a Dorset Stately Home in a candid black and white photograph.
A bride with a bouquet and bridesmaids viewed through a car window, surrounded by greenery in a candid wedding photo.
Silhouetted wedding couple standing in a doorway, with an illuminated green exit sign to the left in a candid wedding photo.
A groom in a suit reads a wedding card on a rustic stone bench in a sunny, rural setting, capturing the essence of a candid wedding photo.

Two photographers mean every moment of your special day is captured as are all the candid moments, the cheeky child in the corner, the look on granny’s face as the bride walks down the aisle, the precious few moments alone between the bride and groom all the little details that you’re too overwhelmed to take in on the day. You will laugh and cry about these when you view your photographs.

You can benefit from having a great coverage of your loved ones enjoying themselves whilst you’re off having couples shots – there’s really no need to miss a thing.

Sarah Smith

Events Manager, Lulworth Estate

Two Photographers Means – No Time Limits And Consistency

As we have previously mentioned we are a seasoned team of two professional wedding photographers. We are used to working together for as long as is needed to fully tell the story of your wedding day.
We often bounce ideas off each other throughout the day, keeping our creative juices flowing. If one of us needs a five-minute rest the other will still be shooting away, which, again, a single shooter cannot do.
One argument “why you don’t need two wedding photographers” is that your wedding photographs will lack consistency. This may be true with some ‘second shooters’. However, over our time together Murray and I not only shoot weddings but we train together. We are constantly experimenting and improving our techniques together. This results in our distinctive style, which is entirely consistent. Sometimes we even take almost exactly the same image at different times. We often have no idea (without checking the metadata) who has taken a particular image.

Consistency Of Quality

It seems ironic for a ‘single shooter’ to raise the topic of the consistency of images. Especially when we look at the consistency of quality. Weddings are by definition a long and tiring day. A single shooter will be missing out on moments if they take breaks to help keep the quality of their work high. However, with a wedding photography duo one of us can continue to shoot whilst the other rests and vice versa. This means that the quality of our work is maintained at a consistently high level no matter how long the wedding day is.

For more information on the quality of wedding photography please take a look at our article “How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost”.

The following photos were taken over 12 hours apart on a wedding day

A bride with outstretched arms stands on a balcony overlooking the gardens at Studland Bay House, while bridesmaid takes her photo.
Silhouetted bride and groom embracing under an archway, illuminated by soft backlighting, with a brick wall background and a floral emblem above. Example of wedding photograph taken after over 12 hours of coverage.
Bridesmaids examine designer wedding dress hanging on wedding morning in Dorset
Bride and bridesmaid dancing over twelve hours after wedding photography coverage started
Bride and Bridesmaid applying makeup at a dressing table near a window, one reflected in a mirror smiling at the other. Photograph taken during bridal preparations at Mapperton House and Gardens.
Bridesmaid in a teal dress singing while dancing to two men in a dimly lit room with string lights and a dark background. Example of wedding photograph captured after over twelve hours of coverage.
Wedding coverage with no time limits capture bride hugging mother on wedding morning in Dorset venue
Bride and groom kiss on dance floor after twelve hour wedding day photograph by wedding photographers with no time limits

Two Photographers Provide – Better Insurance

Nowadays wedding insurance is a must have, not only for a bride and groom but for their venue and for their suppliers. In order to work as wedding photographer, we have to carry pretty hefty multi million pound private and public liability insurance. But what about insuring you receive beautiful wedding photographs no matter what?
Not only do we have back up equipment at a wedding but also, as a duo, back up photographers. If something unfortunate makes one of us unable to work (it hasn’t happened yet) you will still have a photographer. They will still be taking beautiful photographs. To be honest, we would probably document the mishap before calling for assistance!
A single shooter cannot do this. If a solo shooter breaks a leg or a backup camera your coverage ends there. This is probably the reason why the topic of insurance seems to have been missed out by photographers writing about “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers”!

Two photographers Means More Wedding Photographs

Further argument for “Why you don’t need two wedding photographers” is based on the premise that more wedding photographs is not a good thing. Here we agree, but it is the distinction between images captured and photographs delivered that needs to be made.
We absolutely agree that delivering thousands of images is not great for photographer or bride and groom alike. No one wants to have to take a day off work just to look through their wedding photos! Hiring two wedding photographers does not necessarily mean you will receive more images.
Having more images to source from for a beautifully curated selection of wedding photographs is definitely an advantage. The greater the number of captured images (and perspectives) the better we can tell the story of the day through the curation/ story telling process.

For further insights into this process please see our article on “Do wedding photographers give you all of the wedding photos?”

pile of wedding photographs printed on coffee table

Two Wedding Photographers Are More Expensive

Yes, obviously, on average hiring two photographers will be more expensive than a hiring a single shooter.
However, the additional expense is absolutely worth it and really isn’t in proportion to the sheer number of additional advantages offered by a duo. So hiring a single shooter could be viewed as a false economy. Quite often you can find a wedding photography duo charging the same amount a single shooter.
In the past we have trained with lone photographers who charge double or triple our rates. This is because of their location or their demand raised by a mass of social media followers. Or a particular trend they are currently riding high upon.
wedding planning book

Wedding days are busy, many things occur simultaneously at different locations. These are all important parts of the story of your big day.

A single shooter cannot be in two places at once.

Bride and Groom preparation coverage is a great example included in our wedding photography services. Both sides of the wedding story often take place in two different venues.

Hiring a wedding photography duo means that we can capture all the details, people, emotions and scenery at the same time throughout the day.

Don’t forget to scroll down for a secret other wedding photographers will not tell you!

So, Why Do You Need Two Wedding Photographers?

To conclude, hiring a team of two wedding photographers is a good idea if you answer YES to any of the following questions:

1. Do you want to ensure no moment is missed in the story of your big day?

2. Are you are looking for the most unobtrusive wedding photography?

3. Are you are a fan of more natural wedding photography?

4. Do you want fast and efficient couple and group photographs?

5. Would you would like consistently high quality coverage without time limits?

6. Do you want to insure you receive stunning photographs no matter what?

1. Do you want no moment missed in your wedding story?

2. Are you are looking for unobtrusive wedding photography?

3. Are you are a fan of natural photographs?

4. Do you want quick and relaxed ‘formal’  photographs?

5. Would you would like high quality coverage without time limits?

6. Do you want to insure you receive stunning photographs no matter what?

We could go on, but the advantages to hiring two wedding photographers are too many and your wedding day only happens once!

If you want high quality, stunning wedding photography with unlimited coverage, capturing all of the moments and emotions. If you want relaxed group and couple shots and the whole story of your big day to be told in the best possible way. Also, if you want absolute insurance, you will receive your wedding photographs. Hiring two wedding photographers is the obvious choice.

We Are one thousand words

one thousand words Photographers Dorset wedding photographers

Tom Wishart & Murray Lambert

Documentary Wedding Photographers In Dorset & Hampshire

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