When you’re booking your wedding photographer, we’re sure the last thing you’re considering is whether you need two photographers or not. In fact, we bet it says on your list: “wedding photographer” in the singular rather than plural. It’s only when you start your search that you discover all the options – wedding photography and videography teams, duos, married couples (like us), as well as various photography packages offering second shooters.

But do you need 2 wedding photographers to capture your big day? What can two photographers do for you that one can’t? That’s what we’ll aim to show you in this post today. Here’s why you need two photographers to capture your wedding in New York City.

Having 2 Wedding Photographers 

Let’s start with coverage. Because no matter how quick you are on your feet, it’s a physical impossibility for one person to be in multiple places at once. We don’t dispute that one photographer can move fast or prepare and plan how to cover more than one location. But we do feel that, with some weddings, going with two photographers may well be a better option.

A perfect example is during morning prep when you’re both getting ready and dressed for your big day. If you’re in different places, getting ready simultaneously, then having two photographers means both preps can be covered at once.

One of our favorite moments is when your partner is waiting at the end of the aisle for you, and they turn to watch you walk towards them. It’s possible for one photographer to capture that moment. But two photographers can really focus on each of you to get those real-time reactions and glances the second they happen. We’re also great at staying out of each other’s way!

Having 2 Wedding Photographers Gives Different Perspectives

Everyone has a different way of looking at things, don’t they? And even two New York photographers, who are married and live and work together, will offer different ways of looking at things.

One of us will capture the wider scene, while the other focuses on the details. Like that moment when you’re exchanging wedding rings and vows. It’s lovely to capture close-ups as you place rings on each other’s fingers. But it’s also wonderful to see your parents reactions right then or to capture a wider shot of what’s happening with all your guests looking on. 

Another excellent example of different perspectives can be during a first look. We think it’s amazing to get the story of the day from both your perspectives. So, photographs of the first look from both angles help to tell that story.

Save Time on Your Wedding Day with a Wedding Photography Team

Those family formals are always important, but they sure can take a while to get through, can’t they? Having two photographers at your NYC wedding means we can work as a team to get those formals shot as quickly as possible. That means you get to go on and enjoy your reception sooner! While one photographer captures the group shots, the other can be gathering guests and photographing candids.

Nervous About Having Backup? Hire a Wedding Photography Team

It should be said that any wedding photographer puts as many systems in place as they can to back themselves up for any given situation. We’ve always got back up equipment on hand, extra cards, and plans in place to cover any last-minute illness or injury. But having a second photographer on the day acts as an additional back up to make sure everything still gets covered, no matter what happens. 

There’s nothing worse than equipment failure at the worst possible time. If a card corrupts or a camera dies at the very moment you’re about to have your first kiss, your wedding photographer will grab their back up kit.

But suppose it’s not immediately to hand and ready to go. In that case, there’s every chance a photographer could miss that all-important moment. Well, that’s not the case with two photographers. While the first photographer is grabbing their back up kit, the second is still shooting that particular moment. That means you’re guaranteed to have a photograph of it. 

Accidents do happen too. If one photographer trips or falls while walking backwards as they work, or they get ill, the second photographer can still keep working. Ultimately, we’re a team, so we’ll support each other throughout the day and make sure you’re getting the full coverage you need.

Let Your Photo and Video Team Capture Multiple Moments

Picture this. You’re hugging your grandma on one side of the reception room, while across the room, your niece or nephew stuck their hand in the wedding cake, and they’re now covered in icing. Weddings are full of crazy moments like these. And you won’t see them all. 

If you’ve only got one photographer, the truth is there’ll only be one moment captured. And the photographer will have to make a choice about which one to photograph. Having a second photographer means a greater chance of more moments being caught on camera. Especially those moments that you might not see yourself! It also means your photographer doesn’t have to choose which memorable moments you get to keep forever.

Capture More Candids with 2 Wedding Photographers

The bigger the wedding, the more guests you have. It can be challenging to capture lots of candids if you’re working alone in a big crowd. Especially when you need to make sure you get those important milestone photographs, too. 

Having two photographers means that, while one captures the formals or takes you off for your couple shots, the second can stay behind and photograph what’s happening in your absence. 

Let a Wedding Photography and Videography Team Bring More Energy and Enthusiasm

We’re not gonna lie. Shooting weddings is pretty exhausting! When you’re photographing a wedding on your own, you’re on the go pretty much constantly to try and capture all the things. 

Avoid the tired photographer later in the day, who might miss something important to you, by having a second photographer. This means both photographers can keep their energy and enthusiasm up all day as they support each other.

Your Team Has a Built-in Photography Assistant

Lone photographers usually have to get resourceful when they need an extra pair of hands to help them with something. Anything from commandeering a guest to support a light stand to carrying less equipment around (because that stuff is heavy!). 

With a second photographer, resourcefulness and borrowing your guests isn’t needed. They can help with carrying things, moving lights and even herding guests into position for formals. 

All these things will help your day run more smoothly and allow your guests to enjoy themselves instead of finding themselves being put to work! 

A second photographer can help to create beautiful images too. If you want that floaty veil shot, it helps to have someone throw the veil in the air and run out of the scene. This is something one photographer can’t do on their own. A second photographer can also help with the elements by holding up umbrellas.

Do You Need 2 Wedding Photographers? Bringing Forth a Creative Vision

A wedding photographer has a big responsibility capturing your wedding. They need to get all those crucial shots of you, your friends and your family without missing a thing. That can mean that they don’t get time to think up and put together some more creative shots while they’re running around getting all the “must-have” photos. 

A second photographer allows a bit of freedom to come up with some more creative photographs. And, as an added bonus, you’re getting the creative vision of a second person. They may see a scene in a slightly different way from the first photographer, offering you a more unique perspective of your wedding day.

Hiring a Photography and Videography Team

Some wedding duos, married couples, and husband and wife teams (errr, like us!) offer both wedding photography and videography in New York. When you hire a concise team as opposed to separate photography and videography vendors, you’re guaranteed to have a pair that works well together.

Having two photographers makes this process much easier. While one is shooting photos, the other can be capturing video of the same scene. This offers you so much variety and a beautiful wedding video to complement your photographs as well. 

Get More Photographs When You Have 2 Wedding Photographers

Two photographers do mean there will be more photos in your final gallery! And we’d never say no to extra of something special, would you? 

Do bear in mind, though, that two photographers don’t equal double the number of photos, as you might expect. Remember, they’re also there to support the other photographer. We’ll still go through the process of culling all the photos to get the best selection for you.

Are There Additional Costs for a Wedding Photo and Video Team?

Yes, we agree that hiring a team of two might be a little more expensive. But, in a survey of newlyweds carried out by The Knot, they found that one of the top five regrets about the wedding day was that they didn’t spend more on their wedding photography. 

It’s worth remembering, then, that the extra cost will be worth it when you see how much more of your wedding day is covered by your photographers. On the plus side, if you’re hiring a photography and videography pair (er-hem, like us…), you’ll save money by not having to hire a separate videographer or team. Bonus! 

Hiring a NYC Wedding Photo and Video Team

Of course, the choice is yours, and there is no right or wrong answer. But if you’re loving the idea of a duo of New York photographers and videographers to capture your special day, let’s chat! With us, you get 2 wedding photographers, or a wedding photo and video team. We can’t wait to hear all about your plans!