Client Questions Answered: Who is your second photographer...

A second photographer comes standard in every one of my packages. One thing I was asked during my last interview was WHO my second photographer is... This is an excellent question. Far too often photographers bring along a family member, amateur or otherwise unqualified second photographer. Perhaps this is because they feel that the second photographers shots are extra, buffer for the shots they take as the main photographer. This could not be further from the truth.

A good second photographer will provide you with a totally different outlook and style than your main photographer. Their creative eye will capture those extra details. As a primary photographer there are certain events and/or places that I need to photograph in a certain manner. A second photographer is free to roam and really bring you a fresh perspective on the weddings events. Having a lot of out of town guests that you don't see very often? I often have my second photographer go table to table creating a photographic record of those who attended. Have a new addition to the family or a group that doesn't get together very often? I often encourage my couples to let their family and friends know that if they would like a professional photo taken during the wedding they may approach my second photographer.

That being said my primary second photographer is Amy Wadlington. Amy is a professional photographer and owns her own company based out of Denver. Perhaps her biggest strength as a photographer is her keen sense for emotion. The photos she takes for me are consistently just dripping with emotion. If there is someone in the room laughing, crying or just having a great time Amy has her camera aimed right at them. She is personable, professional and really down to earth often interacting with guests... showing them pictures on the back of the camera, answering questions about coverage and just having a wonderful time sharing in the occasion.
In this photographers world especially a picture is said to be worth 1000 words... I gathered a group of Amy's photos that I would like to share in order to illustrate the importance and unique perspective that having a second photographer can add...

During the beginning of the ceremony as a primary photographer I am often at the front of the aisle, photographing people as they approach the alter. During our last wedding Amy was opposite my position at the back watching for photo opportunities with the bridal party prior to coming up the aisle. This lovely photo was taken as the bride and her father walked through the door into the ceremony room... Photo Courtesy Amy Wadlington for Ardent Photography.

With a one photographer package the unfortunate thing is that couples often have to choose whether they get coverage of the bride OR the groom getting ready. One of the perks of having a second photographer is that BOTH will get covered. Photo Courtesy Amy Wadlington for Ardent Photography.

Another advantage of having a second photographer comes during the formal shots. Often times its the moment's in between the group shots and posed formals that really capture the emotion of the day. As the primary photographer I was grouping these two into poses and checking to make sure that the concepts I was trying to convey were working on the back of my camera. While I was checking my shots Amy captured this breathtaking moment between the bride and groom. Photo Courtesy Amy Wadlington for Ardent Photography.