Should I get a second shooter for my wedding?

What Is a Second Shooter and Why Do You Need One?

When you’re searching for a Sacramento or Bay Area wedding photographer, you may come across the term “second shooter.” If you’re not familiar with it, you might wonder—what does that mean, and do I really need one for my wedding day?

A second shooter is a professional wedding photographer who works alongside your lead photographer to capture more angles, moments, and details. Instead of one perspective, you get two professionals working together to tell the full story of your day.

What a Second Shooter Does

• Captures moments from a different angle (like your walk down the aisle from the back while your main photographer focuses on your partner’s reaction).

• Photographs events happening at the same time, such as cocktail hour while you’re doing portraits.

• Helps cover larger weddings or venues without rushing.

Why Having One Matters

Hiring a second shooter ensures nothing is missed—whether it’s your guests laughing during the speeches, a tearful parent in the crowd, or that breathtaking moment right before your first kiss.

💡 Related Read: [What Is a Second Shooter?] and [Why Do You Need a Second Shooter?] for a deeper dive into each topic.

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