Hiring one photographers or two?

Are you unsure whether to hire one photographer or two?

When I started photographing weddings in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, I did something unconventional: I photographed them alone. With only 20-30 guests, I didn’t know any other photographers I trusted, and I was confident I could handle it. I was right.

In Canada, I would never have considered shooting solo. The groom and bride usually get ready in different locations, there are more guests, and the lighting requires additional equipment and assistance. Weddings there are also longer, lasting 8-12 hours, making it difficult to stay on top of my game without an assistant.

Here, it’s different. Everyone gets ready on the same property, there are fewer guests, weddings are shorter (4-5 hours on average), and the natural light is amazing. I don’t need reflectors or off-camera lights to achieve the quality you see on my website. For most couples, hiring a second photographer is an unnecessary extra expense.

Times when I would suggest having a second photographer:

1) When getting-ready photographs are important to you.

When I shoot alone, I start with the guys getting ready for 30 minutes. The guys then go for a drink and head to the reception location where they welcome guests. I then head to the girls where I take detail photos, photos of the girls in robes, the process of getting ready, the first look with dad and bridal portraits with fresh makeup.  However, if getting-ready images are important to you and you want extensive collections of both bridal parties preparing, having two photographers is preferable.

2) When you want photographs of the ceremony and reception setups.

Typically, I’m photographing the girls right before the ceremony and don’t have time to capture detail shots of the ceremony location before guests arrive. If these photographs are important to you, then two photographers are better than one.

The same applies to the reception location. Usually, I’m photographing the couple (you) on the beach right before the reception, and we head to the reception together. If you want your reception location photographed before your guests arrive, having two photographers is better than one.

3) When you have a lot of guests.

If you have a lot of guests (over 50) and you want lots of candid photographs of them, then having two photographers can be better than one.

4) When you want more than one style.

Honestly, don’t do this. A wedding should be photographed with consistency. That’s why I hire second photographers with a similar style to mine, ensuring your wedding album is consistent and professional

In summary, deciding whether to hire one or two photographers for your wedding in the Riviera Maya depends on your needs. While I can successfully photograph weddings solo, having a second photographer is beneficial in specific situations: capturing extensive getting-ready photographs, detailed shots of the ceremony and reception setups before guests arrive, and candid photos for larger weddings with over 50 guests. Additionally, consistency in style is crucial, so any second photographer I hire shares my style to ensure a cohesive and professional wedding album.

Thank you,
Dean Sanderson

Riviera Maya Wedding Photographer