Do You Need a Second Photographer?

"You Probably Don't"

I have been shooting solo ever since I can remember. Working with a full time second photographer has never been an option for me. Why? Because I believe I don’t need one. Shooting solo gives me the freedom to express my artistic abilities without the stress of controlling the work that others do. I have also devoted a long time of my 15 plus years career as a photographer to develop and enhance my shooting abilities so I can cover most of the activities on any given event without the need of assistance. 

I had to teach myself how. On my early days both as an independent photographer and assisting other photographers. I came to realize that sometimes more photographs doesn’t mean happier clients. By polishing my skills and by learning how to anticipate what’s happening next, I have been able to capture all the important moments of a Mitzvah making sure I am on all the places I need to be and when I need to be. And to be honest I have never felt that my photographic coverage has been less effective because I shoot solo. Besides the fact that I would never and under any circumstance put my clients in a position where I considered using a second photographer is strictly necessary and I would not address the specific reasons why I would recommend to have one. 

Well, When I say shooting solo; I mean I am the only photographer. That doesn’t mean I am going to an event alone. I have an assistant with me all the time and sometimes I bring an extra one If I believe is necessary. An assistant is extremely important to a photographer on any event. My assistant responsibilities go from helping me with the set up of any lights or equipment to making sure I have all the family members ready when it comes to the family portraits. An assistant is a huge help and it frees me up from having to worry about anything else other than getting the shoots I need to get. 

Sometimes I wish I can be on two places at the same time. That would be awesome right? Unfortunately there is only one :Dario. Although sometimes people tell me that they wish I had a clone :-). In these kind of scenarios where it is impossible for the photographer to cover a large crowd or simultaneous events, then the presence of an Associate Photographer will be recommended. However I always leave this as an option and it is the entire discretion of the client whether they need or require to have every single aspect of their day covered.

Here are some of my recommendations for when I believe an Associate Photographer is necessary. 

*Your event is rather large with more than 100 guests and you need all of the guests to be photographed in any way possible. 

*Your timeline is tightly close that your cocktail hour overlaps with family portraits and room decor shots. This can be also covered with the correct timeline. (Otherwise, Yes! something might be missed in the case the reception room is not set up on time or family members are late or decide not to cooperate with the photographer)

*You require to have pictures of every guests in their tables ( I only do these if it is required by the client in advance).

* If you are doing a B'nai Mitzvah and the photographer needs to concentrate his efforts on both children running around  all over the place. (I shoot B'nai Mitzvahs all the time however once again it all comes to realistic expectations if the kids are doing simultaneous activities on different places at the same time. Then you already know there is only one :Dario)

*If you love photography so much that you want lots and lots of pictures and or if you have the money to spear.

Yes, of course. 

I have heard quite a few and I would love to share some with you. 

My friend had her Bat Mitzvah a year ago and she said she regrets not having a second photographer because she feels the second photographer could have taken photos from different angles. 

*Realistically this has to do more with the client’s expectation than the ability from a photographer to cover any event. If the photographer is prepared, changing angles and moving around from one place to another, when possible. Will definitely cover for this so called different angle images. 

The presence of a second photographer will serve as a back up for any weakness the main photographer could have. 

*This freaks me out a little bit. Because If you are thinking on having another photographer to make sure your main photographer do his or her job. Then you shouldn’t be hiring that photographer on the first place. What makes you think the second photographer your photographer brings will be any better than the main photographer?

The photographer I am hiring says it is important to have a second photographer and it is already included in all the collections. 

*I cannot speak for other photographers out there. Everyone has their own approach and are certainly entitle to run their business in any way they want. However if you find yourself convinced that you need a second photographer for your event. Please make sure to ask who this photographer will be and demand to see their work if possible. Many photographers out there sell the option of a second photographer and charge a hefty price for this service and they are only bringing an assistant, a light technician or their spouses with a camera to pretend they are shooting. Believe me! I see this all the time. If you require a second photographer I have to believe you are getting another photographer with similar skills and professionalism as your main photographer.

At the end of the day it all comes down to communication. Your photographer is going to capture the most important day of your life. Sharing all the information for your event with your photographer will help him/her to plan accordingly and recommend the best approach based on realistic expectations on what could happen if you decide to opt out from having a second photographer. Asking the right questions, being realistic and honest with your photographer will go a long way to make sure your Mitzvah day runs smoothly. I’m quite sure the photographer you hire will put their heart and soul on everything they do to make sure you are happy, but your collaboration as client is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings.