Dealing with Photographers

I found that most photographers I was looking at had FAQ sections on their website, which usually has an answer to "do you have a 2nd shooter?". Have you looked into that before starting to chat with them? You might get your answers there and then its easy, you don't even have to start talking to them; you already know they don't offer what you're looking for.

Most photographers shoot solo. How big of a wedding are you having? Maybe based on the size of your wedding, they don't think they'll need a 2nd person, and that's why they're coming off as avoiding your question?

I don't think its rude if you say something like "My fiance and I have discussed it, and its really important to us that we have a 2nd photographer. If that's not something you offer, then this probably isn't a good fit for either of us."

I'll say this! If you're already frustrated with someone over something so small... to me that's a huge red flag to not go with them! Do NOT feel hesitation to ask ANYTHING from your vendors! This is your big day and you are ready to drop some money so you better be getting all the answers you need! No matter how silly.

My photographer (GTA sorry) was very open about exactly how things would good and who would be joining him! Honestly his openness made me so comfortable and always reassures me in my decision!

I had a few photographers I contacted that didn't answer all my questions. I think some of them have just set up a standard email they send out to anyone inquiring about their service (that's the feeling I got because they mentioned things I didn't ask about and didn't mention things I did ask about).

I wouldn't email them back if they didn't answer all my questions. There were enough photographers that were responding quickly and actually answering my questions so I just put those that didn't respond in the "no" pile.

Some vendors I didn't have this option with (for example, there were only 4 limo companies in my city, so there wouldn't have been a lot of choice.)

View quoted message Thanks for the perspective and input everyone. It is helpful to know others experiences.
We're not having a videographer, so it leaves a little more room for photography...it's something both me and my FH both agreed it is one thing we are both willing to put a little extra on

I didn't find that any photographers I contacted had any reservations about mentioning a second shooter. The one I chose did only give me a second shooter for part of the time though, I get both photographers for 7 hours and 1 for 12 hours. I knew I wanted a second shooter so I specifically asked for one and we went back and forth to save cost on how long we thought they would be needed for the day. Not sure why they would be dodging your question, I didn't really have that problem.

I only have one photographer, as our venue is smaller, and we only have about 100 guests...

The reason they are probably avoiding the question or convincing you that you don't need one is because they don't have it to offer, and still want your business.

If they don't list a second photographer, or have it as an add-on listed, they probably don't have one and you can opt out of contacting them if you are set on 2 photographers.

Of the photographers I looked in to, the general consensus was, 1 or 2 photographers would be based on size of venue, and number of guests (for necessity)... Wanting to have 2 for multiple angles, 2 locations, etc, is not so much necessity, as it is personal preference.

If you have the budget, and you want the added comfort of 2 photographers, go for it... otherwise it's a money saver to go with one (if you can).

Around here it is VERY common for photographers to have a 2nd shooter. most experienced wedding photographers have them for the purpose of capturing different angles/different view point. and even just to help with the day/be quicker. for example my photographer has a 2nd shooter, she does the bride/groom photos and her 2nd shooter gets candids and does bridal party shots.

I would be a bit alarmed by that. more so because of the dodging the question.

For me, our second shooter is an add-on/substitution for our package. I wanted one to get different angles, help the main photographer organise the family/wedding party photos, and to capture multiple reactions (bride/groom/guests/parents) at the ceremony.

If potential photographers are being dodgy about a second shooter, I might look at it as a red flag. If they are a professional, they would know that a second shooter won't undermine their work, but enhance it. One photographer I contacted said that he doesn't work with second shooter because he can get all the shots himself - yikes! It doesn't matter your reasoning, if you want a second shooter, a good photographer will listen to your reasons and make it happen!

Well, I decided to go with one of my friends from work - and she still asked if I would want a second photographer... so.... I would say that those people are maybe more expericenced? My friend has only photographed one wedding before but she got all the pictures that you would want - plus I want a videographer for the ceremony so I don't need a whole bunch of different angles.

Also, at the last wedding that I went to there was only one photographer and as long as you have a long enough ceremony you shouldn't have an issue of not enough pictures.