Question:
Why should I hire a photographer with an assistant?

Photographer Expert, Cameron Ingalls’ Answer:
Many magazines these days include a checklist of questions to ask your potential photographer. One of those questions is, “Do you have an assistant?” Usually the couples don’t even know why an assistant or 2nd shooter would be a valuable addition to have along on the wedding day.

Here’s how I roll: I show up at the bride’s dressing room at least 2.5 hours before the start of the ceremony. I have already discussed with the bride the timeline and when I arrive the bridesmaids are totally dressed and prepared for pictures. I spend 15-30 minutes shooting details; the brides dress, jewelry, invites, and any action that takes place. After I take pictures of the bride putting on her gown, I start shooting her with her bridal party.

By the time an hour has passed I’m done with the ladies. Now for the groomsmen! Every wedding is different because every couple is different. To me, pictures of dudes putting on their pants aren’t that beautiful. And the groomsmen aren’t usually too keen on being photographed during their ‘getting ready’ process, which doesn’t take them long anyway. So, sometimes I might bounce over to their dressing room and snatch some shots of ties being noosed and alcohol being consumed in tiny glasses, but most of the time they just meet me somewhere near the ceremony site for photos.

Sometimes we will be pressed for time because the ladies took longer than expected so I can always send my 2nd shooter to cover the groomsmen either getting ready or their portraits. Mostly my 2nd shadows me and captures more of the candid shots, details, and abstract stuff. My 2nd shooter fills in the gaps with color and detail. While my subjects are looking to me for direction, my 2nd can snipe the moments when they are more unaware of our telephoto lens.

Everything I do is all about adapting to the couple’s day and what is most important to them. We have a rough timeline but also allow that timeline to flow with the couple’s unique needs and any unexpected changes that arise.