I get asked all the time if a couple needs 1 or two photographers. Although most couples will opt for 2 photographers for peace of mind, there are a handful of weddings that I would say could get away with only 1 photographer. Usually, I go off my basic instinct after photographing more than 200 weddings for 12 years if I would recommend it, but here is a quick list to consider it being safe for only 1 photographer.
- Do you have 100 guests or less?
- Are you having your ceremony & reception in the same location?
- Are you having a non-Catholic wedding?
- You are ok not having the photos listed in Chris’ role below.
If you said to all or most of these, then you could be ok with just 1 photographer.
So what are the roles of 2 primary photographers the day of a wedding?
KATIE’S ROLE
- Bride’s Details, Getting Ready, Daddy/Daughter First Look
- First look (if you are doing one)
- Pre-Ceremony (getting the light stand ready for formals and stashing)
- Bride’s final moments as a single woman
- Processional directly down the aisle
- Groom’s reaction to the Bride
- Grand photo of the Bride before coming down the aisle
- Photos of the couple interacting during ceremony from the side aisle
- Getting everyone together for formals
- Bridal Party/Bride & Groom portraits on-location
- Intro/Bride & Groom during toast, blessing, speech, etc
- Wide shots of the dances/Cake
- “Creeper shots” of guests around the room (lighting permitting)/Scheduled group shots
- Ambience of Reception/Dance floor filler
- Sunset shots
CHRIS’ ROLE
- Groom’s Details, Getting Ready
- First look (if you are doing one)
- Pre-Ceremony (ceremony details, guys hanging out)
- Groom’s final moments as a single man
- Processional from the side
- Bride coming out of the Vestibule with her father (and/or mother)
- Grand photo of the Bride from behind walking toward her groom
- Directly down the aisle during ceremony
- Formals
- Reception Details
- Cocktail Hour (if time permits)
- Intro/Whoever is giving a toast, blessing, speech, etc
- Bride & Groom going around to tables
- Close-up of the dances/Cake
- Dance floor
- Helping hold the light during sunset shots
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