One of the most common questions I get during consult calls is about the role of second shooters at a wedding. Many couples are curious: What exactly is their role? Are they really an essential part of the wedding photography team? Well, let me tell you, having a second shooter at a wedding can make a world of difference! And I am not just saying that. I have a decade of experience to back this up. For the past ten years, I’ve been collaborating with the same second shooter, Emma. She’s a huge part of the Brooke Michelle experience and she captures about 95% of my weddings with me. As we have worked together for so long, our understanding and coordination are top-notch! Emma reached out to me via Instagram when she was a senior in high school and asked if she could shadow me and come along on shoots to learn more and further her interest in photography! At the time I was on a gap year, and the next year Emma and I coincidentally both went to Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland to study photography. We built a friendship by attending college side by side and growing our love for photography together! Then, later joined Brooke Michelle Photography as a part of my team! 

But What’s Her Role as A Second Shooter at A Wedding, You Ask?

Emma has several roles on the wedding day. Primarily, she is there to capture different angles of important moments. Incorporate contemporary photography trends while I focus more on timeless captures. It also helps me to be in two places at once! I’ll go a little more in-depth on her role below!

Different Angles:

 This is the first thing that pops into couples’ minds when they consider a second shooter at their wedding. The beauty of having these different angles is that it add a unique variety to your gallery! It allows us to capture additional moments like your guests’ reactions and your own to the same punchline of a wedding speech. It’s like having multiple perspectives at the same moment. It’s all about capturing the full story of your day from all possible angles! So, you guys can cherish all of these beautiful moments for many years to come.

Trendy & Timeless:

 I have a deep love for photography trends like motion blur and so do many of my couples. But the question is, where will these trends be years down the line? That’s where Emma’s role comes in. She captures moments in a trendy or artsy fashion while I focus on ensuring your gallery contains all the traditional and timeless shots. With us as a team, you won’t have to pick between trendy or timeless; you get the best of both worlds! You can use the trendy shot for your social media and the beautiful timeless shot for your gallery wall in your home!

Two Places at Once: 

This is a huge advantage of having a second shooter! While I’m with one partner getting ready, Emma is at a completely different location capturing the other partner’s getting ready moments and portraits. This way, we ensure no moment is missed. Emma’s presence also allows me to continue with the portrait session or family formals, while ensuring your reception details are being captured before a guest ever gets near them!

Communication: 

Over the years, Emma and I have become pros at communicating on wedding days. This ensures we are getting all the shots needed and keeps each partner away from the other before the ceremony if there is no first look. This coordination is really important to maintain the flow of the day and capture all the important moments of such a special day in your life.

Brooke Michelle | Charlotte Wedding Photographer

So, is a second shooter necessary? Well, I can’t answer that for every wedding, but I can tell you that having Emma by my side has made all the difference in the world to me and to the couples we’ve worked with. She truly helps to create a comprehensive and stunning visual narrative of your wedding day. Trust me, the extra pair of hands (and eyes) can make a world of difference! So, ready for us to capture your amazing Charlotte wedding day? don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to capture every single detail of your day from different angles so you can have variety in your wedding gallery.

 

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