One of the questions I get asked most often is: “Do we really need a second shooter?” The short answer is no—you don’t need one. But in most Irish and Northern Irish weddings, it makes a huge difference to your final film, and here’s why.

What’s a “second shooter”?

A second shooter is simply another filmmaker who joins me on your wedding day. They’re not an assistant or a trainee, they’re a skilled videographer I trust to capture important parts of the day while I’m elsewhere. I have a rotating team of expert shooters I bring along with me, each talented wedding videographers in their own right. We work as a team, quietly dividing and conquering so that no moment is missed.

Wedding days move in two directions at once

If you’ve been to a wedding before, you’ll know how many things happen at the same time. While one partner is getting into their dress or suit, the other is greeting family for the first time that morning. While guests are arriving at the church, you might be sharing a quiet first look with your parents. During the reception, you’ll be off having portraits taken, while your guests are laughing, playing garden games, and enjoying drinks.

With one videographer, I can only be in one of those places. With two of us, we can capture both stories, so when you watch your film back, you’ll see not only your own memories but also the moments you didn’t get to witness on the day.

Audio is just as important as video

This is the part that people don’t necessarily think about. Beautiful visuals are only half the story – your vows, readings, and speeches are what truly bring your film to life. Setting up audio and video properly for your ceremony or speeches takes time and precision, and this is something I often entrust to my second shooter. While I stay with you during prep, my second shooter can head to the ceremony early to get microphones, recorders and tripods set up. That way, everything runs smoothly without me having to leave you a good hour before you plan to leave for the ceremony.

What if everything is at the same venue?

When prep, ceremony, and reception all happen at one location, it’s much easier for me to move between spaces quickly. In those cases, I’m happy to work solo if you’d prefer. But even then, I usually recommend a second shooter. Why? Because there will still be overlapping moments – guests enjoying canapés while you’re off taking photos, for example. Having two of us means your film feels more complete and balanced.

Won’t two videographers feel overwhelming?

Not at all. The whole point of having two of us is that we don’t stand side by side with cameras in your face. We split up – one with you, one with your partner or guests – so you’ll rarely notice we’re there at the same time. Most of the day, you’ll only ever be aware of one camera, which helps everything feel relaxed and natural.

The big picture

Your wedding day will fly by. You can’t be everywhere at once, but your film can. Having a second shooter means I can give you a fuller story of your day: the hugs you missed, the laughter you didn’t hear, and the little details that make the day uniquely yours.

It’s not about having “more cameras” or a bigger production. It’s about quietly being in two places at once – so your film feels whole.