Dear Bride-To-Be,

Have you ever wondered what in the world a second shooter really is?

One of my good friends who was recently engaged told me that she didn't even know what a second shooter was. An assistant with a camera? A full on extra professional photographer? Or maybe an beginning photographer?

What did "second shooter" mean?

She said she hired her photographer because she loved that photographer's style. She wasn't wanting a different style added in. Would she have received a different set of images? What did it mean to have a second shooter?

Here is my second shooter for 2015 & 2016, miss Elena Ogle!

My dear friends, a second shooter is an extra photographer. Aspiring or seasoned.

A second shooter is a photographer who will become a professional or already is.

A second shooter is able to nail focus.

A second shooter is able to shoot. And shoot well.

These images where taken within the same minute only seconds apart.
Image on left: Rachel Wakefield
Image on right: Elena Ogle

Having two photographers present allows your story to be remembered more accurately.

Having two photographers present allows you to see two faces at once. Yours. And his.

The above photo was take at 3:56pm.

The photo below was taken at 3:56pm.

Same moment. Better told.

Above, you'll see my second shooter's image on the left and mine on the right.

When the wedding day is over, I immediately download and backup my second shooter's images. Then, I go ahead and mesh them with mine. The editing process takes place after. Meaning, all images are edited the same. Chances are, you'd never even know who shot what!

I don't think a second shooter is "crucial" for your wedding day.

But I do think that it is 100% worth it.

I hope that helped with your decision making. I know I offer a second photographer always. I know some photographers do it all on their own. It just depends on what you "must have".

What is important to you?

Stay Lovely!

-Rachel