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Do I need a second wedding photographer?

As a wedding photographer, this is a question I get asked a lot by couples who are trying to figure out whether they need to budget for a second shooter or not. There isn’t really a ‘yes or no’ answer to this question, as it totally depends on your wedding, and criteria such as numbers, or the type of shots you want to capture.

I’ve worked with second photographers, and I’ve also been a second photographer supporting my colleagues in the wedding photography business. In fact, the photos used in this blog are from a wedding where we had two photographers. But more frequently I work as a solo wedding photographer, usually in venues around Cheshire and North Wales.

In my experience, couples tend to think they might need a second photographer as a way to ensure all the magic of their wedding day is captured. But at the same time, of course everyone is keen to avoid unnecessary expense if possible.

Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why you might want to consider hiring a second wedding photographer to help you decide whether this might be right for you. Also, I am always happy to answer any questions you may have so please do get in touch if you think I could help further.

 

Why would I need a second wedding photographer?



1. Capture Every Angle

One photographer can only be in one place at a time. With a second photographer, you can ensure that every special moment is captured from multiple angles. While your primary photographer is focusing on the couple during the ceremony, a second photographer can capture the reactions of your guests, the intricate details of the venue, and those candid moments that make your wedding unique.

 

2. More Comprehensive Coverage

Weddings are dynamic events with many moving parts. From the getting-ready moments to the ceremony, reception, and everything in between, there’s a lot happening throughout the day. A second photographer can help ensure that no moment goes unnoticed. They can cover different locations simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive documentation of your special day.

3. Different Perspectives

Each photographer brings their own unique style and perspective to the table. By hiring a second photographer, you’ll benefit from a wide range of creative shots and artistic interpretations of your wedding day. This diversity can add depth and richness to your wedding album, giving you a more varied and interesting collection of images to treasure for a lifetime.

 

4. Capture More Moments

With two photographers working together, you’ll be able to capture more moments throughout the day. I’ve noticed that it’s becoming more common for couples to hire a second photographer, especially if they’re having a church wedding. If your ceremony is not at your venue, then the chances are you will each be getting ready in separate locations. In that case, it’s best to have a second photographer who can shoot one group while your main photographer is with the other group.



5. You’re inviting lots of guests

Second shooters are also great for big weddings with lots of guests, or for couples who know that they want lots and lots of images.


Wedding Photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

If you’d like help on whether you need a second wedding photographer or not, I am more than happy to discuss your plans and offer advice. I’m a wedding photographer working in Cheshire, Chester, North Wales and beyond, and have over 20 years experience as a professional photographer. Get in touch today for a chat. 



Ask a wedding photographer: are there eco-friendly alternatives to confetti?

I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 20 years now, and in that time I’ve become something of an expert not just on wedding photography, but on weddings in general! I find that couples often end up asking me for advice, on everything from wedding photography, to general wedding trends, and hints and tips!

I’ve often tried to offer advice in this blog, and I’ve now decided to start a series of blogs called “Ask a wedding photographer…”, which aim to answer some of the questions I get asked most frequently. A lot of them relate to wedding photography, but some are just about weddings in general. Hopefully you find it helpful 🙂 And remember, I’m always happy to chat if you have any questions about your big day.

confetti alternative bubbles

Today I‘m answering a question which is coming up more and more frequently, as we all become more eco-conscious:

Is there an eco-friendly alternative to confetti?


Aside from being unsustainable, confetti can be a pain to clean up when all the guests have gone, which is why many wedding venues are no longer allowing couples to use it for their big day. However, as a wedding photographer I love a confetti shot, and I know brides and grooms do too, so I’ve put a lot of effort into researching eco-friendly alternatives so the confetti shot can live on!

The tradition of throwing wedding confetti is said to have originated during the middle ages in Northern Italy and has been around in the UK since Pagan times. Before the paper confetti that we know today, there were flowers, petals, grains or rice thrown at the happy couple, to bestow prosperity and fertility. So actually, there are plenty of sustainable examples there already! Let’s take a look at how we can give these traditional eco-friendly options a modern-day twist…


Dried flower confetti

If you’re looking for a biodegradable option for your confetti, then dried flower confetti may be the answer. Plus, you can choose from a huge choice of the dried blooms, which means you can coordinate your confetti with your colour scheme. And, as an added bonus, they’ll smell lovely too!

Wedding photographer’s top tip:

Remember to let your guests know in advance that they won’t need to bring along their own confetti: you can explain that you’re providing a biodegradable option for everyone to use for the big confetti shot!




Olive leaves

As a wedding photographer, I’ve noticed a trend recently for greenery and leaves used in wedding venue decoration: think eucalyptus stems and elegant olive branches. Couples are opting to keep things ‘natural’ more and more these days, so it stands to reason that there is a confetti option which ties in with this trend.

Similar to dried flowers, you can opt for olive and chamomile leaves as a great biodegradable alternative to confetti. As well as being more eco-friendly, these dried leaves will look minimalist and classy. 


Keep it traditional with rice

Rice has been used as an alternative to confetti for centuries. A symbol of fertility and prosperity, why not sprinkle some tradition on your confetti shot: not only might rice bring you good luck, but you’ll be using a sustainable alternative too.


Bird seed confetti

I love the idea of this one! If your venue is in a lovely rural setting (as many of the venues in Cheshire and North Wales are), why not feed the birds while you’re at it?!

Bird seed confetti is a relatively new addition to the wedding scene, and it’s pretty, kind to the environment (and our feathered friends!), and sure to be a talking point amongst your guests too!

Bubbles

If you’re looking for a no-mess option that doesn’t leave your photo with all your guests blowing bubbles will look fantastic: it’s an opportunity for some really eye-catching and unique wedding photography.

Don’t worry: you won’t need to buy kids bubbles in brightly-coloured bottles which will ruin your wedding aesthetics! Luckily, there are now aesthetically-pleasing options available specifically for weddings, in cute little white bottles with heart-shaped lids.

And as a bonus, they’re sure to keep children and adults alike entertained.

Or for something totally different…

If you want to move away from the traditional confetti shot and go for something totally different, how about a photo with a smoke bomb? Eye-catching and unique, smoke bomb wedding photography is a way of injecting the colour that traditional confetti brings.

Wedding photographer’s top tip:

If being eco-conscious is important to you, then remember to source smoke bombs which are made with biodegradable materials. There are now smoke-bomb manufacturers who prioritise the health of consumers and the environment, so it’s worth shopping around. 

How much confetti do you need at a wedding?


Whatever sustainable confetti alternative you choose, you may be wondering how much you’ll need. It really depends on the number of guests you invite, but you should aim to have enough for your guests to have one handful of confetti. As a point of measurement, there are around 10 handfuls in a litre.

Confetti shots are a fabulous opportunity to capture fun, colour, and joy, whatever type of confetti you use. As a wedding photographer, my personal opinion is that if you’re going for a confetti shot, go big! The best confetti shots capture the happy couple in a tsunami of colourful confetti: less is certainly not more in this case! So if in doubt, order a little more.

Confetti at Wedding

 

Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales


If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, I would love to chat. I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, but I work further afield as well. Drop me a line for more information. 

Ask a wedding photographer: How can I include my dog in my wedding day?

I’ve been a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales for about 20 years now, and in that time I’ve become something of an expert not just on wedding photography, but on weddings in general! I find that couples often end up asking me for advice, on everything from wedding photography, to general wedding trends, and hints and tips!

I’ve often tried to offer advice in this blog; for example, you can find out here about wedding makeup that photographs perfectly, wedding photography trends for 2024, or how to create a dream wedding day on a budget.


I’ve now decided to start a series of blogs called “Ask a wedding photographer…”, which aim to answer some of the questions I get asked most frequently. A lot of them relate to wedding photography, but some are just about weddings in general. Hopefully you find it helpful 🙂 And remember, I’m always happy to chat if you have any questions about your big day.


So… how can you include your dog in your wedding day?


Recently I wrote about wedding photography trends in 2024, and how I’ve noticed that more and more couples are now keen to include their furry friend in their wedding. As a wedding photographer, I have seen a huge rise in dogs at weddings over recent years and I have to say that when done well, they add so much joy and make for some great photo opportunities too! So what should you consider if you’re hoping to include your dog in your wedding day?

Choose a dog friendly wedding venue

This may sound obvious, but not all wedding venues are dog friendly, and I mean this is in more than one way. First of all, you need to check if your preferred venue actually allows dogs. Secondly, once you have confirmation of this, you should check that the venue is actually suitable for you and your dog’s needs- for example, if you have a large dog then make sure that the rooms are big enough and there aren’t numerous antiques at tail-wagging height!

Introduce your dog to the venue before your wedding day

Once you have chosen your perfect dog friendly wedding venue it is important to make sure that your dog is familiar with the venue ahead of the big day. Try to take your dog to visit at least once ahead of the wedding to ensure that they are comfortable and calm in the environment. 

Arrange a quiet space for them

Sometimes, dogs need time out from busy, bustling situations, especially if it’s something a bit out of the ordinary. Wedding days can be hectic, with lots going on and lots of different people. As much as most dogs love the excitement, they also need space to relax and take a nap. Speak to your venue ahead of your wedding and ask them if they can arrange a quiet space to accommodate this. You can even arrange to bring your dog’s familiar bed and toys on the day to help them settle.

Enlist help

As much as you may want to care for your dog yourself as you usually would, it is just not possible on your wedding day. It is important that you arrange for other people to look after your dog’s needs, from bringing them to the venue and getting them ready (see next point!), to feeding and walking them throughout the day. You may want to choose a select few family members or friends who your dog is already familiar with to do this, or you could even hire a professional dog chaperone service.

Dress them for the occasion

Whether you are including your dog in the wedding ceremony or as a special guest, you may want to consider dressing them up, providing that this won’t cause them any distress or discomfort of course. How far you go with this is your call: from floral leads through to bow ties, there is an array of options for canine occasion dressing!

Give them a role in the wedding

I have captured some fantastic wedding photography where dogs have played a role in the wedding: these shots never fail to make people smile and they are so eye-catching. Some brides like to have their dog as part of their bridal party and have them walking down the aisle. Some brides and grooms include their dog in a special little photoshoot with just the couple.

If you would like to include your pet in your wedding feel free to contact me for advice on how this can work really well when it comes to your wedding photos. I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and I’m happy to give tips on which wedding venues are dog friendly. I’d love to help with your plans; please get in touch today.