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Double the magic: the benefits of having two photographers at your wedding

A couple stands outdoors, the man wearing a kilt and jacket, and the woman in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet. They are surrounded by greenery, with trees in the background.

We usually provide two photographers at your wedding, as our couples appreciate the benefits of our services on their big day.

Your wedding day is one of the most significant events in your life, filled with countless moments of joy, laughter, and love.

Capturing these memories is essential, and while a single photographer can do a commendable job, hiring two photographers can elevate your wedding photography to new heights.

Here’s a detailed look at why having two photographers is better than one and why you should consider making room for it in your budget.

Are you engaged and searching for one of Scotland’s most in-demand wedding photographers? Contact us to see if we’re available.

 

Comprehensive coverage: capturing every angle and moment

Multiple perspectives

With two photographers, you benefit from capturing multiple angles and perspectives simultaneously.

For example, during the ceremony, while one photographer captures the bride walking down the aisle, the other can focus on the groom’s emotional reaction.

This dual coverage ensures that no precious moment is missed and that you receive a well-rounded view of your wedding day.

Example: Imagine the exchange of vows. One photographer can capture the close-up emotions of the bride and groom, the rings being exchanged and the romantic ‘first kiss’, while the second shooter can photograph the parents’ reactions.

This combination provides a complete narrative, showcasing both the intimate and broader aspects of your ceremony.

A single photographer has to make a choice about where to stand and what moment to capture, but cannot cover both simultaneously.

A bride and groom share a kiss during an outdoor wedding ceremony. A scenic body of water and cloudy sky are visible in the background.
Three women in floral robes sitting on a couch, smiling and toasting with glasses of rosé wine.

Full-day documentation

Weddings often involve moments happening in different locations and at overlapping times.

With two photographers, you can have comprehensive coverage of all these events.

One photographer can be with the bride and her bridesmaids during their preparations, capturing the excitement and anticipation, while the other photographer can document the groom and his groomsmen.

Example: During the morning preparations, while one photographer captures the bride’s makeup and hair, the second can photograph the groom with his best man and groomsmen.

This ensures both sides of the story are documented, providing a richer and fuller album.

A single photographer cannot cover both of these situations at the same time.

 

Enhanced creativity and quality

Diverse styles and creativity

Two photographers bring different artistic visions and styles, which can enhance the overall quality and creativity of your wedding photos.

This diversity can result in a more varied and dynamic range of photos.

Each photographer can focus on their strengths, whether it’s candid shots, portraits, or artistic compositions.

Example: While one photographer captures traditional, posed family portraits followed by newlywed photos, the second can focus on candid, behind-the-scenes moments like the flower girl adjusting her dress or guests mingling and having fun.

This blend of styles provides a more comprehensive and interesting collection of photos.

A single photographer can’t photograph your guests while they’re doing group and newlywed photos.

Wedding Photographer Edinburgh:: a bride in a fitted white gown joyfully throws her veil into the air in a grand stone corridor, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Caledonian Hall top table toast to the newlyweds

Improved focus and efficiency

Having two photographers allows for better management of time and tasks.

They can divide responsibilities, ensuring that all important moments and details are covered without rushing or missing anything.

This division of labour also helps maintain a seamless flow throughout the day.

Example: During the reception, while one photographer is dedicated to capturing the speeches and toasts, the other can focus on photographing the guest’s reactions.

This ensures no detail is overlooked.

A single photographer can’t capture the groom raising a toast at the same time the guests are raising their glasses.

 

Enhanced guest experience

More personal attention

Two photographers can provide more personal attention to you and your guests.

They can interact with different groups, ensuring that everyone is included and feels special.

This personal touch can help create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Example: One photographer can take individual and group photos of the guests, while the other captures the couple during their newlywed photos.

This approach makes sure that both the guests and the couple are well-documented, creating a balanced and inclusive collection of photos.

With a single photographer, much of the coverage of the day is about compromising somewhere, choosing one moment instead of others.

A wedding group with four women in navy dresses and five men in scottish kilts, with the couple in the middle, standing in front of a building entrance.
A woman wearing a decorative hat with a blue and green plume smiles while conversing with a man in a suit at a social event.

Candid moments

With two photographers, there’s a higher chance of capturing spontaneous, candid moments.

While one photographer focuses on the main events, the second can roam around, catching guests’ reactions, laughter, and unexpected moments that make your wedding unique.

Example: While the first photographer is taking photos of the cake cutting, the second might catch the flower girl sneaking a taste of icing or the guests’ reactions to a funny moment.

These candid shots add personality and depth to your photos.

 

Reliability and backup

Redundancy and backup

Having two photographers provides a safety net in case of technical issues.

If one photographer’s equipment fails, the other is there to ensure that the moment is still captured.

This redundancy offers peace of mind, knowing that your wedding memories are secure.

Example: During an outdoor ceremony, if one photographer’s camera malfunctions, the second photographer can continue capturing the event without interruption, ensuring that no critical moments are missed.

A single photographer will have at least a few minutes of interruption as they switch to another camera or change lenses and adjust to the situation.

A couple stands facing a nighttime sky filled with fireworks. The woman is wearing a tiara.
A bride in a white dress stands in the center, holding hands with bridesmaids dressed in matching green gowns under a decorated tent with a chandelier above.

Consistent quality

Two photographers working together can maintain a consistent quality of photos throughout the day.

They can support each other, provide feedback, and ensure that the overall standard of the photos remains high.

Example: If one photographer is struggling with lighting conditions during an indoor reception, the second can assist by providing and setting up additional lighting with zero interruption to the proceedings.

This teamwork helps maintain the quality of your wedding photos and the flow of your day.

A single photographer is literally doing everything themselves on the day, which is great if everything goes to plan, but it eats into precious photography time when plans change.

 

Making the most of your investment

More photos and coverage

With two photographers, you typically receive many more photos and a broader coverage of your wedding day.

This extensive documentation can be invaluable when creating your wedding album or sharing your memories with friends and family.

Often two photographers will provide up to twice as many photos for less than 30% extra price – a bargain.

Example: Instead of receiving 500 photos from one photographer, you might get 800 or more from two photographers, covering more moments, angles, and details.

This increased number of photos provides more options for creating a comprehensive and beautiful album, yet for considerably less than double the price of a single photographer.

You literally get ‘more bang for your buck’ with two photographers.

wedding album spread open
Close-up of a table center display featuring a photo of a smiling couple labeled "Edinburgh." The background shows cutlery, plates, and blurred greenery with a white flower in the foreground.

Capturing venue details

Wedding venues often have unique and beautiful features that add to the ambience of your day.

You also create bespoke features unique to your day, such as table details, signage, and flower arrangements.

Two photographers can ensure that these details are captured from different angles, highlighting the venue’s charm and the effort you put into your décor, all while still photographing your family and guests.

Example: While one photographer focuses on the couple and guests, the second can capture the intricate details of the table settings, floral arrangements, and venue architecture.

These detailed shots complement the main photos and provide a complete picture of your wedding setting.

A single photographer cannot cover both of these options simultaneously, so a compromise must be made.

 

Practical considerations

Flexibility and adaptability

Two photographers offer greater flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions.

They can split up to cover different parts of the day or work together to manage large group photos more efficiently.

Example: If rain forces an outdoor ceremony indoors, one photographer can quickly adjust to capture the new setup, while the other ensures guests are informed and comfortable.

This adaptability helps keep your day running smoothly despite any unexpected changes.

One photographer is limited on how and where they can assist, meaning changes to the schedule take longer to implement.

Outdoor Weddings
Gardens - patio group photo

Better coordination and organisation

Two photographers can help coordinate and organise photo sessions more effectively.

They can assist in managing large groups, directing poses, and ensuring that everyone is included in the important shots.

Example: During family portraits, one photographer can arrange and pose the groups while the other takes the photos.

This teamwork speeds up the process and ensures everyone looks their best.

Or, the second shooter can photograph your guests while the first photographer concentrates on you and your family.

Flexibility is key here, where a single shooter has fewer options.

 

Conclusion

Budgeting for two photographers at your wedding is an investment in capturing the full story of your special day.

If you are eloping to Scotland or having a micro wedding, then often a single photographer is sufficient.

The comprehensive coverage, enhanced creativity, and personal attention provided by the two photographers ensure that every magical moment is documented beautifully.

Whether it’s the diverse perspectives, the reliability of backup, or the improved guest experience, having two photographers offers significant benefits that make your wedding memories even more precious.

So, if your budget allows, consider doubling the magic by hiring two photographers for your wedding.

This decision can make a world of difference, providing you with a rich, diverse, and unforgettable collection of photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

The benefit of working with us is that we work exclusively together and have covered hundreds of weddings together.

As our couples have commented, we work seamlessly together in the background.

Being married really helps us when it comes to working together at your wedding, and years of photographer experience means no stress and no faffing about on your big day!

Be aware that many photographers don’t have a ‘regular’ second shooter that they can rely on.

Check who you will be getting when you book. Most often, a single photographer hires a second shooter at the last minute, as it’s difficult to get a quality and reliable second shooter to commit more than a few weeks in advance.

Look at it this way: If you’re a really good photographer, good enough to cover weddings on your own, why would you commit to earning a few hundred pounds at most for a full day as a second shooter when you can work for yourself and earn considerably more doing your own thing?

Not all second photographers are great at taking photos, so it is really important you know who you are dealing with!

By hiring us, you are receiving two photographers at your wedding and a commitment from us that we will be there on your day!

We are 100% committed from the moment you hire us.

Adrienne and Emily walking holding hands
 
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